Dateline: Alton

Virginia L. "Jean" Erwin, 94, died at 3:58 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2017 at OSF St. Anthony's Health Center. Born August 27, 1922 in East Alton, she was the daughter of Louis and Florence (McFarland) Ghent. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. On April 22, 1944 she married Darward "Duke" Erwin in Grafton. He preceded her in death on June 14, 1997. Surviving are three sons, Dr. David Erwin (Anne) of Front Royal, VA, Steven Erwin (Phyllis) of Godfrey, and Jeffrey Erwin (Mary) of Fosterburg, a daughter-in-law, Kathy Erwin of Jerseyville, 12 grandchildren; Beth Tucker (Chuck), Denise Erwin (David Katich), Jamie Erwin, Chris Erwin (Alicia), Katie Brunaugh (Josh), Shelley Cowan (Dustin), Michael Erwin, Mark Erwin (Meredith), Brian Erwin (Lauren), Megan Johnson (Andrew), Tyson Kemp (Suzanne), and Trevor Kemp, 15 great grandchildren, one sister, Vera Ghent of Fosterburg, and a nephew, Rick Ghent of St. Louis, MO. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Erwin and a brother, Robert Ghent. A prayer service will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2017 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steven Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fosterburg Fire Department. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com