Betty Raye Monnett

Betty Raye Monnett (Shirk), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, mentor, supporter, community advocate, teacher, and role model, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026. She will be remembered for her friendliness and warmth, and her ability to easily connect with people in a remarkably kind and caring way.

Betty was born April 2, 1943, in Morrison, Illinois, to Lola Mae (Twombly) and Ellsworth Shirk. She was raised by her mother on the Shirk farm while Ellsworth served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines until his return in 1945. Growing up, she was a loving big sister to her three siblings, a decorated student, and devoted herself to mastering the clarinet.

Following graduation from Morrison High School in 1961, she enrolled at Northern Illinois University, where she studied elementary education and met the love of her life, John Monnett, Jr. Following graduation, they were married on August 13, 1966, and settled in suburban Chicago, where both taught in the Illinois public schools before welcoming a son, John III, in 1971. About that same time, John and Betty began selling plans for John's newly designed aircraft, the Sonerai. So began a 60-year entrepreneurial journey, on which Betty's support for John's ideas was unwavering.

Twin sons Jeremy and Jason joined the family in June 1974. As a mother of three, Betty also lent her knowledge and experience as a role model and mentor for La Leche League. Starting in the mid-1970s, Monnett Experimental Aircraft grew, with Betty's help, into a flourishing business. Ultimately John and Betty moved their family and business to Oshkosh, home of the EAA and its annual convention and fly-in.

Betty and John thoroughly enjoyed their introductions to the Oshkosh community, and Betty became active in the PTO, Cub Scouts, and coaching soccer while the boys attended Oakwood School. When economics required a departure from the aviation industry, Betty brought her positivity and energy to her work at Supportive Home Care and then Fletcher Financial Network. As a professional, she enjoyed mentoring and supporting other women through her participation in Women in Management, Tempo, and other organizations.

In the 1990s, John returned to aviation with the founding of Sonex Aircraft and the ensuing line of unique aircraft offerings, with Jeremy joining him in the business. Betty was soon to follow. She served as the warm welcome to customers who became friends-and to all who visited from around the world for Sonex workshops, tours, and AirVenture.

In her later years, Betty enjoyed visits with John to Chicago and their St. Pete, Florida, condo and the accompanying walks on the beach, hosting family gatherings whenever possible, spoiling her grandkids, reading, chardonnay, and salty snacks.

She is survived by John, her husband of nearly 60 years; sons John III (Terri) of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Jason (Jaimie) Monnett of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Kate Monnett and her husband, honorary son-in-law Tim Kiefer of Pewaukee, Wisconsin; grandchildren Calvin, Miles, Juliet, Brooks, and John IV; sisters Cindy Connelly and Joanne (Mike) Kutzman; brother Bill (Sherrie) Shirk; as well as 11 nieces, four nephews, 12 great-nieces, and 10 great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Jeremy, and her nephew, William ("Billy") Shirk.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Oshkosh this summer, with Details TBD.