Mary J. Monson

Mary Monson finished her life on Earth and went to the waiting arms of Jesus on Tuesday, July 30, 2013. Mary was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 3, 1937. She attended Minnehaha Christian Academy in Minneapolis and graduated from Northfield High School. Mary studied at St. Olaf College and Pacific Lutheran University. She married Bob Monson on August 26, 1957 and enjoyed 46 loving years of marriage before he died in 2004. When Mary’s children were all in school, she went back to Central Washington University; earning her education degree, teaching certificate, and Master’s degree. She taught primary grades in the Ephrata School District for many years, and also coached high school tennis. Mary loved to be involved in her church, community, and with people. Children’s ministries were particularly important to her. She spent many years teaching and coordinating Vacation Bible School, OMNY, youth groups, Sunday school, and women’s ministries at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where she has been a long time member. She was also an organizer of the Ephrata Swim Team in the 60’s, member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), Jaycee’s Auxiliary, Ephrata Education Association, and Holy Trinity’s choir. Mary is survived by her children - Greg and Chalky Monson (Ephrata, WA), Eric and Lisa Monson (Bangkok, Thailand), Scott and Julie Monson (Ephrata, WA), and Sara Kass and Laura Swartz (Bethesda, MD). She has eleven grandchildren who loved spending time with their Bestemor. They are Michael, Trygg, Brett, Meghan, Greer, Maxwell, Brandt, Stenn, Sophia, Mari, and Drew. Mary was preceded in death by her mother Junette, father Elmer, husband Bob, sisters Anna and Lois, and her two grandbaby boys Angel and Mark,. Mary lived her life devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She made it her mission to sow seeds of kindness, love and compassion in all she did, whatever the circumstances. Mary Monson truly was the “hands and feet” of Jesus and the ripple effect of her attitude and actions will be touching people for years to come! Funeral services will be held on August 3, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata with a reception to follow. A private inurnment will occur at Ephrata Cemetery. Memorials will be given to Ephrata School District to be used for children in need of warm clothing and shoes. Mary’s life will be celebrated as one that truly exemplified the scripture from Micah 6:8 “…to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Mary J. Monson

May 3, 1937 - July 30, 2013