Betty Mae (Martin) Monke

Betty Mae Monke, 96, of Litchfield, passed away at HSHS St. Francis Hospital on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 4:23 pm.  She was born the only child of Everett Martin & Ina (Pratt) Fine in Litchfield on September 18, 1927.  She graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1945.  She married Russell “Rut” John Monke on April 28, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Litchfield. Their reception was held at the Litchfield Elks Club.  The couple lived on a farm in North Litchfield until retiring in 1986.  They then moved into town until Russell’s death in 2011.  They were married for 65 years.

She worked as a secretary for an insurance company in Chicago, for Maritz Jewelry Company in St. Louis, and the Milnot Company, after returning back to Litchfield.  Years later, she would also the secretary at New Hope School for many years.  She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid Society in Litchfield, St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, Illinois Farm Bureau, Litchfield Country Club, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Dr. Jamie J. Monke, and her son, Richard A. Monke, both of Litchfield.  She also has 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several cousins.

Mrs. Monke was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John Monke, and her son, Martin J. Monke.

Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Private graveside services in Elmwood Cemetery will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024.  The family suggests memorials be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or HSHS St. Francis Hospital.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.