Monica Gross

Monica Gross was born to Adam P. and Lena M. (Unruh) Dirks. She grew up on a family farm near Great Bend, Kansas. Following graduation from Pawnee Rock High School, she attended Bethel College. After graduation in 1945, she worked full-time as secretary to President E. G. Kaufman and editor of the Bethel College Bulletin. While working there, she met her husband, Harold H. Gross. They lived in Freeman, South Dakota, after they were married in 1947, where Harold was on the faculty at Freeman Junior College. Their children included twin daughters, Camille and Cheryl, and a son, Cuyler. In 1958, the family moved to North Newton when Harold joined the faculty of Bethel College.

 Monica started working again for Bethel College in 1965 as Director of News Service and Editor of the Bethel College Bulletin. After her husband’s sudden death in 1980, she transitioned to supervisor of the Alumni and Development Records until her retirement in 1989, working for Bethel College for a total of 25 years. Monica was active in church life, developing the church library in Freeman. She served as librarian for Bethel College Mennonite Church, including 11 years as the Literature Committee chairman, and served on various other committees. She was open-minded, and believed in inclusion for all people, since everyone is a child of God. She was active in Soroptimist International, Business and Professional Women, American Association of University Women, and Bethel College Women’s Association.

 Following retirement, Monica devoted much of her time to volunteer projects including MCC work in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, and Texas. She volunteered locally at Book ReViews, the EtCetera Shop, Newton Medical Center Gift Shop, Ten Thousand Villages, and Kauffman Museum. A lifelong book lover and avid reader, she was active in several area book clubs. Gardening was a special hobby that she shared with others, especially those who frequented the walking path at the back of her home where she kept a beautiful flower garden, complete with plant labels. She had a great interest in other cultures and ethnic foods, traveling with family and friends to all 50 states and 35 countries. She loved listening to classical music, attending music concerts or dramas, and playing games with her friends.

 Monica loved to travel, and planned vacation trips every year to enrich her family’s experiences. The family visited a different part of the United States every summer. While Harold was on sabbatical leave studying at Heidelberg University in Germany, the family toured all over Europe, the Holy Land, Greece, and Russia and Eastern Europe. When her children’s family were growing up, she combined her love for family with travel, including fun on houseboats and at resorts. 

 Monica is survived by her daughters, Camille (Yotin) Tantibanchachai of Plano, TX, and Cheryl (Cal) Britsch of Archbold, OH, grandchildren Ryan (Zoe) Britsch, Kari (Tom) Hagan, Matthew (Jamie) Britsch, Jeremy Tantibanchachai, Jason (Andi) Tantibanchachai. Great grandchildren include Nathan Tantibanchachai, Sophia and Nora Britsch, and Max and Molly Hagan. Monica was preceded in death by her son, Cuyler, and husband, Harold. 

Celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Bethel College Mennonite Church with a private family inurnment at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made out to either Bethel College Mennonite Church or Kidron Bethel Village and left in care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.