Services for Ila Marie virtue were held Monday, April 17, 2000, 4 p.m. in the Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Chapel, with Bro. Kenneth Knox officiating. Pallbearers were Pat Knox, Tim Knox, Tom Lawson, Kirk Lawson, and Eric Alpuerto. Burial was in the Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Funeral Home.

Ila Marie Virtue, daughter of the late Andrew M. and Dove L. (Boykin) Lawson was born on February 20, 1942 at Graff, Mo., and departed this life on April 15, 2000 at the St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, Mo., following a long illness. Ila was 58 years, one month, and 25 days of age.

Ila was united in marriage on April 19, 1960 to James Virtue and to this Union one son was born, Marty, of Springfield, Mo. As a young lady Ila was baptized into Christ and was a member of the Church of Christ.

Ila grew up around the Mountain Grove area, a graduate of Mountain Grove High School with the class of 1959-60 She worked many years at the Brown Shoe Factory, but retired several years ago due to health reasons. Ila, for a little lady, had a big heart, and was always concerned about the needs of others, often ahead of her own needs. She didn't have grandchildren of her own, but considered her great nieces and nephews as her grandchildren. Ila had many talents and hobbies. She greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially when tending her garden that was always with beautiful flowers. She was accomplished as a seamstress, and was a professional doing upholstery work. Ila was always busy doing many things and reading was one of her favorite pastimes.

Ila is preceded in death by her parents, and by a brother, Gerald Lawson. She is survived by her son, Marty Virtue and his wife Vanessa. Five Brothers, Harold Lawson, Huey Lawson, Tom Lawson,, all of Mountain Grove, and Charles Lawson and Ben Lawson, both of Straffford Mo., three sisters, Charlene Knox, of Kerrville, Texas, Velma Knox, of Mountain Grove, Mo., Linda Carignan of Houston, Mo., a half sister, Nita Sagit of New York State; numerous nephews, nieces; other relatives and many friends, all who will miss her very much.