Mary Monroe

Mary Beth Monroe of Reagan Wells, TX passed from this life to be with her Lord Jesus on August 27, 2013 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 65. She was born November 15, 1947 in Bryan, Texas to Hardy Lewis Todd and Jimmie Roe Stewart Todd. She married James Eugene Monroe on December 31, 1977 at the Reagan Wells Baptist Church where they would worship together for over thirty years.
A teacher as her lifework, she was the professor of physics at Southwest Texas Junior College at Uvalde for some thirty eight years, dedicated to her students and to the development of their scientific studies. Active in the American Association of Physics Teachers, she served in various offices and capacities, having been voted national president elect when failing health forced her to step aside. To honor her many years of service, the membership elected her President Pro Tem in July 2013. A highlight of her career, in 2010 she was awarded the coveted Melba Newell Phillips Medal, the AAPTs highest recognition for member leadership and service. Retired from teaching, Mary Beth lived her final time at home at Flying J Ranch in her loved Dry Frio Canyon.
She is survived by her husband son James Todd Monroe and wife Leslie, of Eureka, MO, and daughter Julie Elizabeth Bastuk and husband Michael of Corning, NY, as well as grandchildren Alexander Michael Bastuk, Graham Ethan Bastuk, Aislie Frances Monroe, Landon James Bastuk, and James Reilly Monroe, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Also sistersinlaw, Carol Monroe Brown and special friend Robert Bristol, Laura Monroe Malke and husband Johnny, and brotherinlaw David Monroe and wife Sherry, and a host of friends and colleagues.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brotherinlaw Howard Emil Brown, Jr.
Services will be held on September 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at the Reagan Wells Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Heard Cemetery. Brother Robert Garland will officiate.
Funeral arrangements are by RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Reagan Wells Baptist Church or to the charity of ones choice.

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