Mona Joanne Golden of Poplar Bluff, MO, passed away June 21, 2026, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, MO.

She was born November 5, 1944, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of the late George and Vera (Monteil) Golden. And is survived by her sister, Linda (Golden) Benner and her husband Earl Benner; nephew Timothy Benner and wife Suzanne (King) and their children Samuel and Megan; nephew John Benner, and niece Carolyn (Benner) Kelleyand her husband Patrick.

Mona earned her B. S. Degree as well as a Master's in Elementary Education. She taught at Eugene Field Elementary School in Poplar Bluff for 25 years, retiring in 2000.  Teaching was one of her passions - she loved her students and enjoyed the creative process of making learning in her classroom fun and engaging.

Mona enjoyed life. Even in hard times she always had a positive attitude. Her hobbies included arts and crafts, which she created at the McDevitt Hall sewing room to benefit the Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s annual bazaar each November. She loved to sing and shared her voice with the church choir and a group called the Praise Singers. Mona was also an avid Star Trek fan and attended and participated in many conventions over the years.

Mona had an outgoing personality and enjoyed meeting new people. She had many friends and cared deeply for each of them. She loved animals, movies, reading, fishing, and traveling. She was creative, not only in art but in finding solutions to solve problems. She was generous to all. She was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

We love you, Mona, and will miss you very much.

A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Poplar Bluff, MO. on August 13,2026 at 11:00AM. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.

Condolences may be made online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Facebook page.