Virginia Elizabeth Allen Dean, age 94 of Marshall, Illinois passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025. Virginia was born October 10, 1930 near Carlisle, Indiana and was the first daughter of William Chester Feltner and Maggie Mae Rippy Feltner. As a young girl, she and her family made frequent moves to various farms in Indiana. Growing up on the farm, she had many chores such as feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, milking cows, weeding the garden and of course household chores as well. Even with all of her chores, she did find time to play with her sisters Marcee and Melba. The three young Feltner girls were known to be quite mischievous. Whether it was taking the farm eggs and using them in mud pies or snitching grapes from the neighbor’s grape arbor, playing in the creek and hay mows or hanging from the second story balcony, the girls knew how to have fun and be a handful. As the oldest, Virginia was the instigator of many of the chaotic moments including tying little sister Melba on one of the farm sheep, and chasing it down a hill, since they didn’t have a pony to ride. Virginia graduated from Shelburn High School in 1948. She attended business school in Terre Haute, Indiana after graduating from high school and took her first professional job with the Coca Cola Company in Terre Haute. She met Bobby Allen and they were united in marriage and moved to Indianapolis where she worked and retired from the USF&G Insurance Company. After retiring and the loss of her husband, Virginia moved to Marshall, Illinois. She moved back to Indiana for a period of time when she married her second husband Paul Dean. Upon his passing, she returned to Marshall where she has resided since. She prided herself in keeping up on yard work even into her 90’s. Ginny had an unwavering commitment to her family and church. She was a member of the Marshall Baptist Church. She was active in her church and community many years, teaching Sunday school, attending bible studies and volunteering for numerous church events. She was a member of the Burnside Guild where she would deliver mail and help with Bingo and other activities, and the Women’s Club of Marshall. She also volunteered at the Marshall Food and Clothing Banks. Aunt Ginny was actively involved in her nieces and nephews’ lives for three generations. Whether it was welcoming the newest baby into the family, attending family holiday gatherings, birthdays, comping with the young ones, providing overnight accommodations for teenage boys going to the Indy 500 races or riding along with the teenagers to go camping at the State Fair, Aunt Ginny was always there to love and support her nieces and nephews. She would always include a lovely letter with her family cards (she had excellent penmanship all of her life). Ginny’s legacy is one of patience, service and kindness. Her family and friends will remember her gentle nature, loving heart and deep commitment to her values and beliefs. We have all been truly blessed having had Ginny in our lives. Although we are sad today with her passing, we know she is rejoicing in her forever heavenly home. Survivors include her sisters Marcelene Miller of Marshall, Illinois, Melba Rector of Linden, Tennessee and 3 generation of nieces, nephews and stepchildren. Visitation will be Thursday March 27 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall. She will be interred at Roselawn Cemetry in Terre Haute, IN. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank and gratitude to Marshall Rehabilitation & Nursing and Transitions Hospice, Inc. for their loving care given to Aunt Ginny in her end-of-life time. Memorials and donations can be given to the Loving Hands Ministry at Marshall Baptist Church.