Virginia Ann (Holloway) Ator

Virginia Ator, age 94 of Pearl, IL passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL. She was born March 7, 1931, in Pearl, IL to Clyde ‘A.C.’ and Julia Johnson Holloway. Virginia married Bernard LaVon Ator February 10, 1951, at Lee Maynard’s house and he preceded her in death September 20, 2023.

Virginia was a past member of Pearl Church of Christ and most recently attended Pittsfield Church of Christ. She graduated from Pearl High School and went on to graduate from Blessing Hospital School of Nursing. Virginia worked at Illini Community Hospital as Night Supervisor for over 40 years until her retirement. After retiring, she and Bernard built their home on the hill where they enjoyed spending their golden years. She was immensely proud of her family and dearly loved attending her grandchildren’s activities. Virginia and Bernard thoroughly enjoyed traveling and camping all over the United States with their family. She enjoyed crocheting, was a talented seamstress, and took delight in quilting with her mother and sister in earlier years. Virginia liked to attend auctions and also enjoyed growing several vegetable gardens each year, canning her bountiful harvest to share with friends and family. She was a caring, hardworking, and determined woman who loved her family big; she will be dearly missed by all.

Virginia is survived by children, Judy (Charlie) Cox of Pittsfield, IL, Jim (Sandy) Ator of Big Rock, TN, Jerry Paul (Stephanie Bess) Ator of Pittsfield, IL, and Joanne (Carl) Smith of Nebo, IL; grandchildren, Rodney (Shelli) Cox, Jeramy (Shasti) Cooper, Brian (Corrie) Collier, Benjamin (Blake) Collier, Melissa (Bobby) Charles, Julia Roach, William Martens, Chris (Michelle) Ator, Elisha (Phil) Roesel, Shamus Smith, and Megan (Jason) Buss; twenty seven great grandchildren; eleven great great grandchildren; and sisters, Julia Hatcher and Sue (Jimmy) Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, Bernard Ator; parents, Clyde and Julia Holloway; daughter, Bona Jean Martens; granddaughter, Rashelle Cox; great grandson, Bo Buss; daughter-in-law, Janice Ator; and brother-in-law, Roger Hatcher.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 26, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with visitation to be held prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Green Pond Cemetery or Pittsfield Church of Christ. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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