Retta Faye Monahan

Retta Faye Monahan (née Morris), age 80, of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, with her family by her side, one day after her 62nd wedding anniversary to the love of her life, Jim. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Benton, Wisconsin with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 1 at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, where there will be a Parish Scripture Wake Service at 2:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the service.

Retta was born on January 9, 1945 in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Vernon and Ethel (Lyne) Morris. Retta grew up in Shullsburg, Wisconsin and graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1963. She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Monahan on July 27, 1963 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Benton.

Retta lived a life defined by devotion—to her family, her community, and the values she held dear. Her journey was one of quiet strength, creativity, and unwavering love. For the first 15 years of motherhood, Retta dedicated herself to raising her daughters as a homemaker. With ingenuity and determination, she took in laundry and ironing to help support her family. She also offered clothing alterations and later worked alongside her father-in-law reupholstering furniture. A gifted seamstress, Retta lovingly crafted most of her daughters’ clothing—each outfit thoughtfully paired with a matching ensemble for their dolls or Barbie dolls.

As her children grew older, Retta began working outside the home. She joined the Benton School District as a custodian and later advanced to head cook—a role she cherished deeply. Earning her nutritional certificate was a proud milestone for Retta, reflecting her passion for nourishing others not only with food but with care and dedication.

Retta’s talents extended far beyond the kitchen and sewing room. She had a deep love for gardening and crafting, always finding joy in creating beauty with her hands. She was an avid fan of the Food Network, constantly seeking new recipes to delight her family—ensuring no one ever left her table hungry. Retta could also grow any flower, tree, or plant with great success, delighting in the beauty of her flower and vegetable gardens. And we cannot forget to mention how much she enjoyed watching her beloved hummingbirds at their feeder outside their living room window. Retta was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a member of the Altar Society.

She shared a remarkable 62-year marriage with her beloved husband James “Jim” Monahan. Together they built a life rich in love and laughter. They enjoyed traveling and were regulars at local supper clubs where they would sip brandy old fashioneds and dance joyfully to their favorite waltzes and polkas—until health challenges made dancing difficult.

Retta’s greatest joy came from time spent with family. She never missed a sporting event, band concert, dance recital, or school play involving her children or grandchildren. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement and pride.

Besides her devoted husband, Retta is survived by three daughters: Mary Elizabeth Dess of Wauwatosa; Diane Marie (Mike) Austin of Cross Plains; and Faye Ann (Steve) Zibell of Reedsburg; six grandchildren: Katey (Adam) Rausch, Leslie (Stephen) Hall, Theresa (John) Chrisfield, Blake (Savannah Litz) Zibell, Sam Dess, and Brooke (AJ Schmitt) Zibell; two great-granddaughters who brought immense joy to her heart—twins Nora and Lilly Rausch; a sister-in-law, Margelyn Richardson Monahan; and Teddy, her loyal canine companion who will miss her dearly.

Retta was preceded in death by her parents; her mother- and father-in-law Francis and Elsie Monahan; brother-in-law Donald Monahan; son-in-law Bob Dess; and her cherished childhood and lifelong friend Nancy Rowe Murphy.

Memorials in Retta’s name may be sent to Casey-McNett Funeral Home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

The Monahan family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at St. Dominic Villa, Agrace Hospice, Sentinel Home Care—especially Sandy Peart—for their exceptional care during Retta’s final days. Their support allowed Retta to remain at home surrounded by love. The family also thanks the many friends and neighbors who offered meals and comfort when it was needed most.

Retta Faye Monahan’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched through kindness, resilience, creativity, and unconditional love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.