Betty Jo Monroe

Betty Jo (Pool) Monroe passed away peacefully in her home on January 14, 2025, by family. She was born March 14th, 1936, in Thompson, AR, which is in Madison County. She was the oldest of two daughters born to J.K. "Buster" Pool and Cressye (Pool) Buckingham. She attended a one room schoolhouse in Combs, AR, until moving to Brewster, WA, in the 7th grade. There she graduated from Brewster High School as valedictorian of her class in 1954. After high school she began her career in banking. She started as a bookkeeper and worked her way up to operations officer. She worked at several different banks in Washington, until retiring from U.S. Bank. She and her husband, Warren Monroe, were married September 20, 1958. They moved to Kennewick, WA, in 1966, where her husband, Warren, taught at Columbia Basin College. Betty Jo at that time stayed home with her two daughters, Kelli Monroe Van Horne and Shanta Monroe Gervickas, until she returned to banking in 1973. To spend time with her girls, Betty Jo became an active Girl Scout leader, imparting her wisdom to many. She was also very involved in St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kennewick. It was there she and Warren sang in the choir accompanied by the beautiful pipe organ, which she loved. She also served in church leadership and managed the bi-annual church rummage sale. She will be remembered by those who loved her as soft spoken, caring, kind, and full of wisdom. Although Betty Jo considered her faith to be private, it was on display for all to see. She was always willing to offer a helping hand, give of her wisdom, or open her home to any in need. Through this generosity, she became a "mother" to many. Betty Jo was an avid reader, cook, art and animal lover, and strategic pinochle player. She and Warren were well known for their vivacious morning competition over the crossword puzzle. After retiring Warren and Betty Jo made several trips to Europe, Belize, and Alaska to visit their children and grandchildren. One of their favorites was traveling the Alcan Highway with Don and Billie Monroe making memories that would last a lifetime. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Monroe; mother, Cressye Buckingham; step-father, Ralph Buckingham; father, J.K. Pool; step-mother, Bernice Pool; and grandson, Caleb Gervickas. She is survived by her daughters: Kelli (Steve) Van Horne and Shanta (Mark) Gervickas; honorary daughter, Traci Rued; grandchildren: Christian Van Horne (Kirsha), Mariah Hardy (Daniel), KImberly Hageman (Mason), Lexi Van Horne, Alexis Gervickas, Login Miller, and honorary grandson, Mason Rued; along with great grandchildren: Lily and Judah Van Horne (Christian), her sister, Billie June Krisher; brother, James Pool; along with many nieces and nephews. Her funeral services will be held at Barnes Chapel, 510 W. Indian Ave. in Brewster, WA on May 16th, 2025, at 2:30 pm. Reception following services at the Brewster Senior Citizens Center, 109 S. Bridge St. Brewster, WA.

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Betty Jo Monroe

March 14, 1936 - January 14, 2025