The Billings (MT) Gazette
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
WORDEN - Monica Susan Stuchlik McConkey, 60, moved on to the next step in her history on May 22, 2007, at her home with her family by her side, after battling cancer for seven years.
Monica was born on Oct. 4, 1946, in David City, Neb., to Leander "L.J." and Phyllis (Folley) Stuchlik . She and her family moved to Brighton, Colo., in the late 1950s.
Monica met and married her husband of 32 years, Jon McConkey, in 1974. Monica had a love of growing things and raising children. The couple was blessed to have two beautiful children - Joshua Charles in 1977 and Erin Morgan in 1979. The family settled in Aurora Colo., in 1983.
In addition to raising her wonderful children, Monica spent much of her life helping children. While living in Aurora, she worked with children with special needs. Jon and Monica moved to Casper, Wyo., in 1990, where she continued to work to help children.
In 1997, Monica and Jon moved to Montana, where they found a little slice of heaven - a small acreage near Worden. With a newly emptied nest, they did foster care for the next three years.
Monica was preceded in death by her parents, Leander "L.J." and Phyllis Stuchlik ; her father-in-law, Roy V. McConkey, and her dear uncle, Charles Sabata.
Monica is survived by her husband, Jon, of Worden; her son, Joshua of Bozeman; her daughter, Morgan of Billings; her brother, Anton Stuchlik of Bellwood, Neb.; her sisters, Karyn (Richard) Parson of Pine, Colo. and Lucy (Wally) Swayngim of Roseburg, Ore., and her very special aunt, Marie Sabata of David City, Neb., who instilled in her all of the wonderful virtues by which she lived all her life. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and children whose lives she touched, like Jannell Neubauer, who was by her side in her last hours.
At Monica 's request, her remains have been cremated. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 23, at her home, 2364 North 9th Road in Worden.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Big Sky Hospice of Billings, which was exceedingly accommodating and supportive in her final days, and Special K Ranch of Columbus.
Monica McConkey lived her life to help others; may we all follow her lead.
Monica was born on Oct. 4, 1946, in David City, Neb., to Leander "L.J." and Phyllis (Folley) Stuchlik . She and her family moved to Brighton, Colo., in the late 1950s.
Monica met and married her husband of 32 years, Jon McConkey, in 1974. Monica had a love of growing things and raising children. The couple was blessed to have two beautiful children - Joshua Charles in 1977 and Erin Morgan in 1979. The family settled in Aurora Colo., in 1983.
In addition to raising her wonderful children, Monica spent much of her life helping children. While living in Aurora, she worked with children with special needs. Jon and Monica moved to Casper, Wyo., in 1990, where she continued to work to help children.
In 1997, Monica and Jon moved to Montana, where they found a little slice of heaven - a small acreage near Worden. With a newly emptied nest, they did foster care for the next three years.
Monica was preceded in death by her parents, Leander "L.J." and Phyllis Stuchlik ; her father-in-law, Roy V. McConkey, and her dear uncle, Charles Sabata.
Monica is survived by her husband, Jon, of Worden; her son, Joshua of Bozeman; her daughter, Morgan of Billings; her brother, Anton Stuchlik of Bellwood, Neb.; her sisters, Karyn (Richard) Parson of Pine, Colo. and Lucy (Wally) Swayngim of Roseburg, Ore., and her very special aunt, Marie Sabata of David City, Neb., who instilled in her all of the wonderful virtues by which she lived all her life. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and children whose lives she touched, like Jannell Neubauer, who was by her side in her last hours.
At Monica 's request, her remains have been cremated. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 23, at her home, 2364 North 9th Road in Worden.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Big Sky Hospice of Billings, which was exceedingly accommodating and supportive in her final days, and Special K Ranch of Columbus.
Monica McConkey lived her life to help others; may we all follow her lead.