Avis Maxine Vigna, 87, of rural Ellisville died at 6:34 a.m. Feb. 28, 2017, at Heartland Healthcare Center in Canton.Avis Maxine Vigna, 87, of rural Ellisville died at 6:34 a.m. Feb. 28, 2017, at Heartland Healthcare Center in Canton.
She was born May 23, 1929, in rural Bardolph, the daughter of William and Alberta Hinman Burgard. She married Anthony John Vigna on June 24, 1957, in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death on Feb. 4, 2008.
Surviving are one son, John (and Crissy) Vigna of rural Ellisville; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
She attended Hanson School, Center Country School and Good Hope High School.
She graduated from Good Hope High School in 1946, and Western Illinois State Teachers College in 1949, where she was a member of the honorary fraternities: Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Delta Tau and Pi Omega Pi.
In 1949, she began teaching at Industry High School. She and her husband farmed together in Fulton and McDonough counties. After marriage, she taught six years at the Ellisville Junior High School. After retiring from full-time teaching, she substitute taught in the Valley and Cuba School districts.
She was a member of Fulton and McDonough County Farm bureaus for years. She was a member of the Fiatt Rebekah Lodge #799 until it recently joined with the Lewistown Rebekah Lodge. Several years ago, she was honored for 50 years of membership. She served as Noble Grand twice and as recording secretary.
While in Center, she was active in the Center United Brethren Church. She was a member of Fiatt Free Will Baptist Church since her marriage. She served as the secretary-treasurer of the Sunday school.
She formerly was active in the Fulton Central Unit of the Home Bureau and then the Homemakers Extension Association.
In May of 2013, she was honored by Deerfield Township, Fulton County, for serving as the Township clerk for 41 years.
Funeral services were held Monday at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Burial followed at Fiatt Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
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