Lisa Rae Erlinger

Lisa Rae Erlinger, nee Monken, age 55, of Dix, IL passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 3, 1967 in Centralia, IL the daughter of Wayne and Bonnie (Timmons) Monken. She married Dave Erlinger on January 2, 2006 and he survives in Dix.

In addition to her husband she survived by her children: Cody Yates of Joliet, MT, Colt Yates of Gardiner, MT, Wyatt Erlinger of Dix, IL, David Erlinger and wife Amanda of St. Rose, IL and Jake Erlinger and wife Sara of Texico, IL; grandchildren: Jase, Masyn, Charlee, Myles, and expected granddaughter, Paisley Rae in August; her mother, Bonnie Monken; her siblings: Tony Monken of Belleville, IL, Craig Monken and wife Beth, Guy Monken and wife Gina, Robin Monken, Amy Brandt and husband Michael, and Brandy Donnewald and husband Mike all of Hoffman; nieces and nephews: Amanda (Joey) Parker, Tyler (Kate) Smith, Eric (Brittanie) Monken, Sadie (Mark) Monken, Miranda Monken, Abby Brandt, Remy Donnewald, Raylynn Parker, and Hunter Parker: as well as many aunt, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Monken; grandparents: Raymond and Ethel Timmons and Walter and Wilma Monken.

Lisa was the smile in the room, the ornery one, the crazy one, the loud one, the fun one and most of all, the most loving one. Her boys were the pride of her life, she loved spending time with her family and friends. She and her siblings had a special bond and were best friends all their lives. Mrs. Lisa taught special education at Sandoval and Selmaville Elementary Schools. She was her school kids guardian and protector and always helped them through rough times in their lives making sure they received the attention they needed to help them learn and thrive.

She was a homebody and loved to cook and grill outdoors. She loved the sunshine and having family and friends at her house. Once the weather turned warm she could be found in her swimming pool as often as possible and was known as the fun one that wasn’t afraid to play in the dirt with her grandkids, nieces and nephews. Lisa was proud of her Monken and Timmons heritage and family was always important to her. She was able to see the goodness in everyone and always said, everyone needs a friend. She was always that friend. Her smile, laughter, and great personality will be missed by everyone that knew her.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 25, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle with Fr. George Mauck officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022 from 2:00 until 6:00 PM at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle.

Memorials made in memory of Lisa are suggested to Clinton County CCRC, Community Link, or to the charity of donor’s choice and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.