Obituaries

Virginia Nelson

May 5th, 1925 – December 31st, 2019

Virginia Nelson, age 94, of Osage Beach, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Lakeside Meadows Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Osage Beach.

Virginia was born on May 5, 1925 in Macomb, Illinois to Oral and Zula (Bowen) Clanin. She grew up on the family farm in Ipava, Illinois, with her pet calf, Peanuts. She was joined in marriage to Melvin Hawkins, in 1943 and they had one son, Norman Hawkins. In 1964 she married John Nelson.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Oral and Zula Clanin; her husbands, Melvin Hawkins and John Nelson; and son Norman Hawkins.

Virginia had many different careers and hobbies during her 94 years. In 1945 and during World War II, Virginia was awarded an Elementary Teaching Certificate from the State of Illinois as part of the Limited State War Emergency. Later she worked a bank teller, and an assembly line worker for Blue Bell Jeans and Dana Corporation. For 5 years, she and her husband John Nelson were cross-country truck drivers. In 1995, Virginia and John moved to Missouri, where she worked in Home Health Care.

Virginia lived next door to her son and her daughter-in-law. She spent many evenings surrounded by family and friends-sharing stories of her cross-country travels. She enjoyed reading, latch hooking and watching professional bull riding on television. She was an avid Chicago Bulls fan and loved watching the games. She was a member of the Ipava Christian Church.

Virginia is survived by her daughter-in-law, Connie Hawkins of Osage Beach, Missouri; her grandchildren, Deidre Curley of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Russ Hawkins and wife Maria of Wentzville, Missouri; and seven great-grandchildren, Jacob, Julia, Joshua, Elizabeth, Rebekah, Mary Grace, and Matthew.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on September 19th, 2020 in the Ipava Cemetery.