Virginia R. Ivens, age 85, of Fisher formerly of Champaign, died 7:05 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2008, at Heartland Healthcare Center in Champaign, Ill. She was born July 27, 1922 in Decatur. She is preceded in death by a brother and long time companion, Maria Keen. Miss Ivens was employed by University Of Illinois as an animal researcher focusing on parasites in animals and co authored several books on the subject. She enjoyed Illini Sports, particularly basketball, volleyball and football. Private entombment will be held at Mt. Hope Mausoleum, Champaign. Rev. Michael Smith officiating.