Virginia Dare

VIRGINIA DARE, 93, of Charleston, IL formerly of Hindsboro, IL, and Oakland, IL passed away at 12:59 P.M. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Willow Breeze Hospice House of Mattoon, IL.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 in the Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Virginia was born on September 9, 1930 in Charleston, IL a daughter of Omar Swango and Fern (Nixon) Swango Emhuff. She married Ralph Eugene Dare on July 26, 1950 in Charleston, IL. He passed away on December 14, 2018.

She is survived by four children, Gloria Jean Jones and her husband Tom of Charleston, IL, Virginia Diane Stirrett and her husband Mike of Charleston, IL, Daniel Leroy Dare and his wife Beverly of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Debra Elaine Dick and her husband John of Charleston, IL; six grandchildren, Niki Dare of Ashmore, IL whom they raised, Chris Bales and his wife Jenni of Charleston, IL, Jacob Dick and his wife Stephanie of Charleston, IL, Justin Dick of Charleston, IL, Jason Dare of Oakland, IL, and Ryan Dare and his wife Tori of Marion, IL,; seven great-grandchildren, one half-brother, Charlie Emhuff of Texas, and of course she always had a pet “Spot” was her latest canine companion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Omar Swango and Fern Emhuff, her husband, Ralph Eugene Dare, and a sister, Geneva Moody.

Virginia graduated High School from Humboldt, IL. She attended Eastern Illinois University and also got her Beautician Licenses. 

After Virginia and Ralph were married, they lived on the Swango farm, where Ralph started working with Virginia’s father learning to farm and Virginia ran her beauty shop. They eventually moved to a place between Oakland and Hindsboro called “Nip and Tuck” where they bought a farm. They raised cattle, pigs, and farmed. They also had a horse or two most of the time. They lived there for 34 years, and for a few years in the late 70s Virginia drove a School Bus for the Oakland Schools. They eventually moved back to the old home place on Route 130. They later moved to Charleston. 

Virginia was proud to have been a member of Walnut Grove Christian Church since she was 3 years old. At the church she was active in the Eunice Club. Her church family was a blessing and made a big impact on her life. 

Virginia always enjoyed reading, being a farm wife and especially enjoyed being with her family. 

Memorials may be made to Walnut Grove Christian Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Sarah Bush Hospice.