Virginia Classon Obituary

Virginia Ferguson Classon passed away peacefully with family by her side on April 16, 2015 at the age of 102 at the Village at Skyline. She was a proud centenarian.

Virginia was born in Mendota,Illinois on January 7, 1913 to Charles and Anna Ferguson. She was the last survivor of four brothers and one sister.

Virginia taught school in a one-room school house for several years in Norway, Illinois where she met her husband Leo Classon. They were married in 1937. The couple moved to Mendota Illinois where they started their family and grocery business. After operating two neighborhood grocery stores together they created one of the early supermarkets, Classons Superfoods. Virginia loved using her creative talent by bringing promotions such as elephant rides, enormous store anniversary cakes to share with their customers, and the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile to Mendota. Virginia was an avid bridge and game player and also active in many civic and church organizations. In 1996, Virginia and Leo moved to Colorado Springs to be near family. They had always loved the Rocky Mountains and they enjoyed their years together at the Village at Skyline.

Virginia will be greatly missed for her unfailing zest for life, generosity, kindness, fun-loving spirit, and leadership. Her tremendous courage and sense of determination set an example for which her family always loved and admired her.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Leo Classon and her son, Ronald Classon. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Philofsky and husband Elliott, daughter-in-law Martha Classon; grandchildren Amy Philofsky; Cindy Mason and Craig; Brian Philofsky and Melanie; David Philofsky and Cindy; Greg Classon and Amber; Jon Classon and Stephanie; as well as eleven great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25th,2015 at 10am and the funeral service will follow at 11am at Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe St., Mendota, IL 61342. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Zion United Methodist Church, 808 Jefferson St., Mendota, IL 61342 or to the American Cancer Society.