Virginia A. Classon

Virginia Ferguson Classon passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 16, 2015, in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the age of 102. She was a proud centenarian.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with the Rev. Deanna Mede officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.
She was born Jan. 7, 1913, in Mendota to Charles and Anna Ferguson. Virginia taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Norway, Ill., where she met her husband Leo Classon. They were married on Aug. 16, 1937, in Kantland, Ind. and enjoyed a memorable 50th wedding celebration with family and friends in 1987.
Virginia and Leo moved to Mendota where they started their family and grocery business. After opening two neighborhood grocery stores, together they created one of the early supermarkets, Classons Superfoods. She loved using her creative talent by bringing promotions such as elephant rides, enormous anniversary cakes to share with customers, hosting a visit from Aunt Jemima, and bringing the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile to Mendota.
She was an avid bridge player and also active in many civic and church organizations including Women's Christian Club, Zion United Methodist Church of Mendota, Mendota Community Hospital Auxillary, and Mendota Women's Club.
In 1996, Virginia and Leo moved to Colorado Springs to be near their family. They had always loved the Rocky Mountains and they enjoyed their years together at the Village at Skyline.
She is survived by one daughter, Carol (Elliott) Philofsky; one daughter-in-law, Martha Classon; grandchildren Amy Philofsky, Greg (Amber) Classon, Jon (Stephanie) Classon, Cindy (Craig) Mason, Brian (Melanie) Philofksy and David (Cindy) Philofsky; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 13, 2008, and one son, Ronald.
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 as example for which her family always loved and admired her.
Memorials may be directed to Zion United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.