Stella Mccollum

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 11, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Two Mile Grove Cemetery, two miles south of Latham. Memorials may be made to Forsyth United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association.Virginia was born in Latham, IL, on October 27, 1915, the daughter of John and Cora (Howe) Waddell. She graduated from Latham High School in 1932. On August 22, 1936, she married John McCollum in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death on July 15, 2003.Virginia began working for Federal Kemper Insurance in 1959 and retired in 1978. After her retirement, she and John traveled extensively throughout the United States.Virginia was a member of the Forsyth United Methodist Church, Crusaders and Harmony Sunday school class, Forsyth Home Betterment Club, and the Lady Elks. She was an avid Cardinal baseball and Illini basketball fan. She was passionately interested in politics and world affairs. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Janet Brunner, one grandson Brett Brunner, five brothers, and five sisters. She leaves behind her daughter Sharon (Richard) Tolliver of Flora; her son-in-law Vernon Brunner, Jr. of Forsyth; one granddaughter Jill (John) Zelhart of Maroa; grandsons Chris (Robbin) Brunner of Oreana, and Nathan (Shawna) Brunner of Forsyth; step-granddaughters Tiffany (Kent) Julius of Frisco, TX, Courtney (Nathan) Atwood of Flora; step-grandson Jordan Tolliver of Nashville, TN; five great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; brother Gene Waddell of Oroville, CA; sister Sarah Jones of Topeka, KS; and many nieces and nephews. Virginia who was known by many as Gram was happiest when surrounded by her family which was her greatest joy. "
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