Obituary of Virginia Lee Coats

VIRGINIA LEE (MAIN) COATS

LEBANON. OH- Coats, Virginia Lee (Main), 87, of Lebanon, OH, died Monday, September 11, 2017. Born to the Rev. Dr. Lawrence and Bessie (Lovett) Main on July 1, 1930 in Tiskilwa, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Steven and Carlos Coats; one sister, Arladene Sheaffer; and two brothers in law, John Erwin Sheaffer and Robert LeFevre.

    Virginia is survived by her loving husband Rev. Russell F. Coats of Lebanon, OH; two sons, Tim Coats of Liberty Township, OH, and Rev. Paul (Gerianne) Coats of Rock Hill, SC; three daughters, Robin (Mark) Coats-Gauss of Springfield, IL, Susan (Brian) Buchanan of Gridley, IL, and Jennifer (Dave Snyder) Coats of Cincinnati, OH; daughter in law, Linda Coats of Green Bay, WI; one sister, Carolyn (Frank) LeFevre-Freas of Goshen, IN; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, and one on the way; the spiritually adopted Owusu-Dekyi and Nghiem families; and many others “adopted” throughout her life.

    As both the daughter and wife of ministers, Virginia lived her life in service of the Church, her children and grandchildren, and any who needed a mother’s love and attention.  She was the consummate homemaker, for years working outside the home as well, while also dedicating herself to many and various charitable activities and Christian mission. Her family, friends, and strangers benefitted from her tireless gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, ironing, cleaning, painting, teaching, corresponding, and nurturing, which she attributed to the love of God.  She loved flowers, campfires, creeks, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in all its expressions, family gatherings, driving, shopping, and tea with sugar.

    Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at East Jordan United Methodist Church, 22027 Polo Road, Sterling, IL; the funeral service will begin at the church at 12:00 noon with Brad Osborn, officiating, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

    Memorial donations may be sent to the Otterbein Benevolent Care Fund, 580 N. State Route 741,Lebanon, OH 45036; or East Jordan Church, c/o Habitat for Humanity mission trips, 22027 Polo Rd., Sterling, IL 61081.

    Arrangements made by Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon, OH. and Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling.