Virginia S. Lauchner, 95, of Urbana, formerly of Philo, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday August 10, 2026 at 12:05 am.

Virginia was born on October 22,1930 to Cecil ‘Pete’ and Bessie (Murray) Slater in Pana, IL. She spoke fondly of her youth in Pana, riding her pony around town, working the counter at her father’s sales barn and playing with the puppies at ‘Puppyland.’

Virginia attended the University of Illinois where she met her husband Julian Lauchner. They were married in September 1950 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage together.

She is survived by her children Linda Lauchner, Julia Lauchner, Mark Lauchner, Jayne Grosse, Carol Witherell and Ruth Thomas, 14 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Mervin and Bill, husband Julian and grandson Andrew Witherell.

Virginia spent many years managing the family farm in Philo and never missed a detail about her crops. She was an avid sports fan, and could always be found cheering on the Illini football and basketball teams. She never met a stranger - whether she was chatting with the Illinois basketball coach on her grandchild’s first day of youth basketball camp, or finding a new group of friends in her 90s at Clark Lindsey who fondly referred to themselves as "the Feedsack Ladies." Virginia was known for her quick wit, knowledge of all idioms, and friendly smile. She will be greatly missed.

There will be neither visitation nor funeral services. A private Celebration of Life will be held by her family at a later date. Should you wish to honor Virginia’s life, please support the Philo Library or plant a tree and nurture it well.