Earl T. Monroe, a long-time Elk River resident, passed away from cancer on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at Cornerstone Court Adult Care Center in Spokane. He was 90.
Earl was born Sept. 12, 1918, in Richey, Mont., to Bert and Alice Monroe. He had one brother, Ervin, who preceded him in death.
Earl grew up on the family farm and graduated from Culbertson (Mont.) High School in 1939. While in high school Earl excelled in track, football and basketball, and was also a member of the Montana National Guard. After high school Earl served in the Army's 163rd Sunset Division.
Earl married Arva Eggett in 1941 at Lewiston. They had three sons: James, who preceded Earl in death in 1950, Brent and Nancy Monroe of Spokane and Kevin and Nancy Monroe of Bothell, Wash. Earl has three grandchildren, Ryan Monroe of Santa Barbara, Calif., Erin and Ben Bryan of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Craig Monroe of San Diego. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Pauline Hall of Missoula, Mont.; nieces Raelene Hall and Debbie Monroe; and nephews John and Steve Monroe.
Earl and Arva lived from 1941 to 2001 in Elk River, where Earl worked in the logging industry until 1993. He loved logging and operated a loader for most of his career. Earl loaded his last load of logs in 1993. He was chairman of the Elk River School Board for 27 years. He served on the Elk River board of recreation for several years. Earl spent the past two years in Spokane at Fairwood Retirement Community. Earl loved sports and was an avid supporter of his children's and grandchildren's activities.
The family would like to thank Cynthia Rogers and staff at Cornerstone Court Adult Care for their tender and loving care of Earl.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. next Saturday at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow. The Rev. Matt Hallson will officiate. A reception will follow at St. Mary's Church Family Center in Moscow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elk River Ambulance Fund, c/o Edith Griffin, P.O. Box 91, Elk River, ID 83827.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.
