BENTON – Mrs. Virginia M. Gostowski, age 94, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Virginia was born on September 24, 1930, in Du Quoin, IL; the daughter of Sam Merkel and Lenoir (Murray) Merkel. She married Lawrence Andrew Gostowski on July 29, 1950, and he preceded her in death on April 19, 2016.

She formerly worked for the Lynn-Gay Garment Factory of Sesser, IL; and formerly worked for her daughter at Rose’s Flower Shop of Benton, IL.

Virginia was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton, IL.

Virginia enjoyed quilting, crocheting, making blankets, singing, and enjoyed attending church until her health prevented her from attending in person. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving is a son, Daryl Gostowski and wife, Tina, of Thompsonville, IL; six grandchildren, Shane Gostowski and companion, Tonya Mifflin, of Benton, IL, Myia Garner of Scott City, MO, Tammy Thrasher of West Frankfort, IL, Shannon Trusty of West Frankfort, IL, Russell Fry of West Frankfort, IL, and Dylan Johnson of West Frankfort, IL; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Delmer Merkel of Peoria, IL; a son-in-law, Dennis Miller of Benton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three daughters, Marline Gostowski, Rose (Gostowski) Miller and Ila (Gostowski) Mahan; four brothers, Ogle Merkel, Alan Merkel, Jess Merkel and Henry Merkel; and a daughter-in-law, Shawnda Gostowski.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Don Bullard officiating.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Virginia, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.