Monica K. Masten, 77, of rural Arenzville, IL, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia, IL.

She was born May 23, 1946, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Chester Sr. and Sophie Wolan. She married Nyle E. Masten on June 21, 1969, in Chicago, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 2006.

She is survived by one son, Vance Masten of Champaign; one daughter, Audra (Damien) Kalvar of Floyds Knobs, IN; one grandson, Connor Nyle Kalvar of Cambridge, MA; surviving siblings brother Chester Jr. (Kathy) Wolan, brother Jerome (Diane) Wolan, sister Cindy Wolan Eckardt; sister-in-law Venita (William) Kilby and several loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and granddaughter.

The second of four children, Monica was determined from an early age to help those who could not help themselves. She was a 1964 graduate of East Leyden High School located in the Chicago suburbs. In 1968, Monica received a bachelor's degree in education/special education from Illinois State University. She went on to teach special education for the Clinton community school district and later the Jacksonville school district.

In June of 1969, she married Nyle Masten. A self-described city girl, Monica quickly took to the farming lifestyle and, in particular, loved helping her husband raise livestock. She had a fondness for chickens and bottle lambs and calves. Monica was also dedicated to the success of her children and volunteered at many 4-H events in Cass County. One of her all-time favorite events each year was attending the Cass County fair.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts are suggested to The Nyle & Monica Masten Endowment Fund at the University of Illinois.

This endowment was established in 2008 to fund scholarships to any National 4-H Congress delegates from Cass or Morgan counties. If there are no delegates in any given year, the money will support the general 4-H fund for Cass County.

You can give online at https://uif.uillinois.edu/give/ Please write in "Nyle and Monica Masten Endowment Fund" in the instructions to indicate where you want your gift applied. You can also make gifts by check or money order payable to the "University of Illinois Foundation." Please include "Nyle and Monica Masten Endowment Fund" in the memo." Mail to: University of Illinois Foundation P.O. Box 734500 Chicago, IL 60673-4500

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to buchanancody.com.