Russell Dean Jenks, 92, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 3:40 am, Monday, October 14, 2019, at Legacy Estates in Monmouth, IL. Russell was born on July 17, 1927, in Monmouth, IL the son of John Clifford and Ada Ruth (Bruyn) Jenks. Russell was raised and educated in Warren County Country Schools and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1945. He then began farming. On December 19, 1948, he married Elva Irene Brown in the Kirkwood United Presbyterian Church and they lived and farmed in Lenox Township where they raised their family. He loved the farm where he produced livestock and grain. He was a good steward of the land, livestock and of his equipment. Russell lived a strong Christian faith and was a lifelong member of the Fairview Center United Methodist Church. Russell served the church in many capacities and especially enjoyed singing in the church choir and, in his youth and early adulthood, playing on the church softball team. He had a great love and joy for his family, and his face lit up whenever grandchildren or great-grandchildren entered the room. He always supported his family in all their endeavors. He was at every event, and his voice was easily heard at sporting events as he cheered “Let’s Go Warriors!” Russell and Elva would also travel to watch and support their grandchildren in Colorado. Russell served on the Warren School Board and the Warren County Prime Beef Festival Beef Committee. Russell and Elva enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Roseville Ramblers. They also enjoyed ballroom dancing. After retiring from farming, Russell played golf and appreciated the camaraderie of old and new friends as he played several courses in the area. He and Elva moved to Lake Warren where summers brought the family for swimming, boating, and skiing; and he made many valuable wooden pieces of furniture for the family in his woodworking shop. In retirement, Russell and Elva liked to travel.
Russell is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elva, and his children, Judy (Tom) Gilliland and Stan (Kay) Jenks both of Monmouth, IL and Jeff (Carol) Jenks of Arvada, CO. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, Jenn (Zemirah) (Todd Graves) Jazwierska, Jill Henson, Krista (Blake) Burns, Andrea (Brian) Kozak, Rachel (Jared) Kunkle, Chelsea (Justin) Petersen and Caitlin Jenks; 12 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 7 step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Lynn Jenks of Sonoma, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Kenneth, Harland, John, Loren, and Robert; one sister, Alice Hainline. Russell’s family thanks the staff of Legacy Estates and Hospice Compassus for their love, care and respect were shown to Russell and Elva.
Funeral services will be 1:30 pm, Friday, October 18, 2019, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Interment will take place at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, October 17, 2019, at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Fairview Center United Methodist Church, Legacy Estates or Hospice Compassus. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
