Kenneth Ray Monk Sr.

May 1, 1932 - March 5, 2022

Kenneth was born on May 1, 1932, to John Naith and Opal Pearl Monk at their home beside the Pecos River bridge east of Dexter, New Mexico. He left his earthly body to claim his new eternal body on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at his home in Artesia, New Mexico, in the company of his wife and children. Kenneth lived all but a few years of his life in the Pecos Valley and often claimed to be a true Pecos River Rat. He graduated from Dexter High School in May 1951. On October 28, 1951, Kenneth and Nellie Lucille (Gill) Monk began their seventy years of marriage. Ken was the head of family-run businesses for thirty-eight years, with Nell as his office manager. He was an active community member as a volunteer fireman, Lions Club member and Deacon of the Church of Christ. Kenneth enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and later owning and flying the real deal. Kenneth is survived by wife, Nell of the family home in Artesia, NM; daughter, Judi Thomas of Artesia, NM; sons: Kenneth Monk Jr and wife Neita of Artesia, NM, John Monk and wife Shelly of Roswell, NM, and Keith Monk of Rutherfordton, NC; eleven grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren.as well as sister, Cheryl Douglas of Knoxville, TN. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, John Naith Monk; mother, Opal Pearl (Bizzell) Monk, and his granddaughter, Shayla Rae Monk. The family is planning no formal memorial but requests that each recall your fondest memories of our dear loved one. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home or the charity of your choice. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Kenneth’s family at andersonbethany.com. or visit us on Facebook. Kenneth’s tribute was written in his honor by his family.