Virginia M. (Arbeiter) Etherton, 96, of Murphysboro, passed away at 5:13 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2016, in the Parkway Manor, Marion, Illinois. Virginia was born on January 26, 1920, in Jackson County, Illinois, to Louis Arbeiter and Minnie (Niederbrach) Arbeiter. She married Lawrence Etherton on May 5,1940, and he preceded her in death on January 12, 1997. Virginia was an excellent homemaker, whose favorite activities included church and her family. She was active in the First Christian Church for many years, helping in the church nursery and Sunday School. She and her husband enjoyed working together on their homes and she was as adept at drawing up plans for room additions, as she was at making patterns for clothing or doing artwork. The two of them were always there to help their children or grandchildren, whether it be babysitting, mowing lawns, or installing a garage door. Survivors include a daughter and two sons and daughters in law, Carolyn Taylor of Carbondale, Steve and Donna Etherton of Virginia, and Bradley and Denise Etherton of Murphysboro; five grandchildren Sheree Swanson of Murphysboro, Tracy Taylor of Decatur, GA, Lindsay and Lacey Etherton of VA, and Craig Etherton of CO; and one great grandson Elijah. She was preceded in death by two sisters Alberna Hickman and Olga Todd, one brother, George Arbeiter, and one grandson Patrick White. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2016, at Pettett Funeral Home with Rick Sutton officiating and burial at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Murphysboro. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.