Barbara Helen Monge, 84, of Taylorville, passed away with her daughters at her side, at 6:00pm on Monday, February 21, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  She was born on December 3, 1937 in Taylorville, the daughter of Jack and Juanita I. (Lee) Braat.  She married Ronald P. Monge on August 20, 1966 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville.  Ron preceded her in death on December 17, 2017.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 1960 and in 1967 received her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois.  For a span of over 40 years Barb taught at St. Peter & Paul High School in Waterloo, Taylorville High School, St. Mary’s School, and Morrisonville High School before returning to and retiring from Taylorville High School as guidance counselor.  Barb was the first female score keeper for IHSA boys high school basketball.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she played the organ for over 50 years.  She was a charter member of the American Business Women’s Association and the Community Business Women’s Association.  She was a member of the Catholic Daughter’s of America and previously coached basketball and softball.  More than anything she loved her family, and especially looked forward to traveling to visit her grandchildren.  

 
She is survived by her daughters: Virginia "Ginny" Monge (Deane Walker) of Concord, California, and Carol Lee Sain (Shon) of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren: Bailey Sain, Alex Walker, Jack Walker, and Lily Sain; sister: Jean Neal (Tom Newton) of Chandler, Arizona; brother-in-law: Julio Monge of Taylorville; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A Funeral Mass for Barb will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March, 1, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Father Fredrick Chima Mbiere officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Visitation will be held on Monday, from 5 until 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church with a prayer service beginning at 4:45pm. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church or St. Mary’s School. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Barb, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.