Merrilee Ann Monk

SHREVEPORT, LA - A Memorial Service for Merrilee Anne Monk, 58, was held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel, Shreveport, LA, with Elder Jesse Stripland Officiating. Merrilee was born April 9, 1958 in Shreveport, LA. She was the daughter of Elder Reuben Monk and Mary Margaret Monk. She passed away at her home on May 23, 2016 from natural causes. She is survived by her sister, Melody Powell; brother Michael Monk and wife Renae; nephews and niece, Ryan Powell and wife Kelly, Adam Powell and wife Jennifer, Phillip Powell, Laura Powell Searcy and husband John, Michael Alan Monk and wife, Christine, Dusty Monk, Cory Monk and wife, Hope; great-nieces Emily Powell, Natalie Monk, Ivy Rose Monk, and Farah Monk; great-nephews Cody Powell, Jack Powell, BJ Britt, Hayden Knoll, and John Elliot Monk; extended family and friends. Merrilee had an urge to see Europe as a child. As a teenager, she saved all her money from allowances, piano lessons she taught and any \"emergency\" money she was given when her parents travelled. She secured a job as an au pair for a family living in France and was off on her adventure. After her time in France, she spent time in London, traveling and sightseeing. A few years later she went back to England, rented a cottage on a farm and stayed for a few months. There she helped on the farm, and at the farm store. Just in the last few years, she went to England again for a few weeks and explored Scotland and other parts of England. She found a ruin in Scotland with a Monk connection and believed we came from Scotland and not Ireland. A DNA test recently taken showed Ireland to be our main heritage. One of the few arguments she ever lost. Merrilee\'s devotion to her parents was everything anyone could expect of a loving daughter. She went above and beyond in her efforts to take care of her parents. Because of her, they lived out their lives in their home with love, care and support - a 24 hour a day, seven days a week responsibility. For Merrilee it was not a job, but a way to show her love.