Jo Ellen Monken (Stewart), 87, of Wheaton, IL passed away on May 5, 2023. She was born in Sullivan, Indiana to Charles and Evelyn Stewart. Jo Ellen grew up in Augusta, Michigan and attended Galesburg-Augusta High School. She graduated from Western Michigan University in 1956, with an elementary teaching degree and an art minor. She taught school in Washington DC for 2 years, then in Battle Creek, Michigan where she met her husband Bob of 61 years. After their wedding they moved to Addison, Illinois where she taught and an elementary school in Itasca. She took a break from teaching to raise three boys and finished her teaching career in 1996 at Evergreen School in West Chicago. As much as she loved teaching, nothing made her happier than family and especially the grandkids that she spoiled.  Traveling the world or the condo she loved in Siesta Key, she was always searching for a postcard or gift to send the grandkids.

She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt and grandma. Jo Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Eugene and his wife Sharon. She is survived by her husband Bob, sons Tony (Jean), Todd (Terri), Ted (Trina) and grandchildren Anthony, Travis, Thomas, Maddie and Kevin

Family will receive friends at the Hultgren Funeral Home (304 N Main Street, Wheaton) on Friday, May 12th, 2023 from 4:00p.m - 8:00p.m. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 13, 2023 at St. John The Baptist Church (0S233 Church St, Winfield) at 10:30 AM.