On April 10, 2011, Virginia Nelson of Rockford, formerly of Poplar Grove, left this earth to join her beloved husband, Milton. Virginia was born in Centerville, Iowa, on August 19, 1924, to Joseph and Edith White. She grew up with two sisters, Ellen and Jean, and a brother, Harold. Following graduation from Centerville High School in 1942, Virginia moved to Rockford to start her career and later moved to Belvidere where she met Milton. They were married in 1948 and lived joyfully together for 60 years until Milton's death in 2009. Virginia and Milton had two daughters, Cathy and Sandy, who were most precious to her. Virginia was the office manager of the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for Boone County for many years while helping Milt on the farm. Virginia also was known to many in Belvidere as the pretty lady selling tickets at the Apollo Movie Theater in the 1950s and 1960s. After moving from the farm to the town of Poplar Grove, she worked as the bookkeeper at McLay Grain for 25 years. Virginia was more than just an employee; the local farmers considered her a friend and enjoyed sharing news about their families and all aspects of their lives. She also held a part-time job at the Poplar Grove Post Office until she retired in 1991. Virginia's reputation for honesty and integrity made her a valued asset to her employers and generated the trust and loyalty of their customers. She enjoyed golf, gardening, crocheting, church activities, and traveling with her family. Virginia was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends with her delicious meals. Throughout her life she demonstrated her kind, compassionate generosity to her family and many friends. She was always ready to help anyone in need. Virginia is survived by her two daughters, a sister Jean, and nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Donations to the family will be distributed to the church and various charities.