June Elizabeth Monks-Basco

Remembering June Elizabeth Monks-Basco (January 9, 1938 – April 18, 2025)

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3 at Noon at the Calvary Cemetery and Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Ave., Citrus Heights, CA  95621.

Mom’s life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and the enduring power of family. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Jacob and Elizabeth Michel, she was the daughter of immigrants who arrived in 1907 from the heart of Russia and Ukraine, settling in Nebraska and forging a life amidst the fields of sugar beets, wheat, and corn.  She was the youngest of three, Brother Richard Michel and Sister Marilyn Michel Eihusen. Her own journey was marked early by adversity; she contracted polio during her junior year at Giltner High School, a setback that only seemed to strengthen her resolve. Later, she pursued her education at Lincoln College, focusing on business and bookkeeping, skills which would prove invaluable in her future.

It was in 1956 that she met Dad, Chester Monks, while he served in the Air Force. Their marriage on December 5, 1957, in Lincoln, marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership and the start of our family’s life in Sacramento, California. While Dad pursued his electronics studies at night, Mom worked diligently as a secretary in Safeway’s purchasing department. Their entrepreneurial spirit blossomed in 1965 with the opening of Advanced TV, a small shop offering TV repair and in-home service. This humble beginning would evolve into something extraordinary.

Advanced TV’s growth was exponential. The move to Marconi Avenue in 1980 coincided with the rise of VCRs and big-screen televisions, making them pioneers in the burgeoning home video rental industry. Their success attracted attention from major players like Blockbuster, who came to observe their innovative model. The store boasted over 20,000 movies, a remarkable feat at the time.

This success fueled incredible adventures. Mom and Dad’s travels took them across continents—from the vibrant cities of China and Hong Kong to the rolling landscapes of Ireland and England, and the stunning beauty of Hawaii. Weekends often found them exploring the California coast, Reno, or Lake Tahoe. Family vacations were a cherished tradition, connecting us with relatives in Nebraska and Washington, and friends in Utah. These weren’t just trips; they were experiences that shaped our lives and strengthened our bonds.

More than anything, Mom and Dad instilled in Shelley and me a profound work ethic. We always had chores, teaching us responsibility and the value of a job well done. But beyond the lessons learned, they gave us something far more precious—a childhood brimming with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

And then came the joy of becoming grandparents to William “Billy” Lee Monks in 1982. Shelley added her partner Robert and daughter Rhiannon in 2001. Our family soon began to grow. Welcoming the First Great Grandson Drake in 2010 and Billy married Amanda with 2 boys Landon 19 and Jaxson 8. Billy and Amanda added a baby girl in 2022 with first Great Granddaughter Harley. In addition June was a GiGi to Robert and Shelley’s Grandchildren. great grand children. Jacqueline 26, Cameron 18, Jr 17, and Luke 15. Mom loves and cherishs her family and always enjoyed visits with the kids. Mom always sent a card for your birthday, You could count on it!

Mom joined the Sacramento Post Polio Group in 1995. There she met her friend Alice and Gene Basco. Later Alice passed away. With both grieving, Gene and Mom grew closer then soon Married in 2008. Again Mom gained a daughter, Julie. And we gained a sister.  Sadly, Gene passed 10 months later.

Mom enjoyed her Church where she went to bible study group on Wednesday. On Fridays, her church group would fill shoeboxes for the Troups or could be a shoebox for a very deserving child with school supplies. Sunday was her day to worship in her local church here in Rocklin. In 2019 Mom had a stroke. She was feeling better, went shopping, came home and fell in the bathroom and broke her good leg. After a lot of different challenges. Just in time for Covid to completely shut down the world. Shelley and Robert became her caretakers. I never worried about her care as she had the best care anyone could have. A lot of friends dropped by Robert always had a game of some sort on TV. She loved Baseball “Dodgers” and Football “SF 49ers.

The legacy of June Elizabeth Monks-Basco extends far beyond her accomplishments; it is etched in the hearts of those she loved, shaping who we are today. She was, simply, the best mom a person could ask for. We will forever miss and cherish all of our time with our Mom, Grandma, GiGi, Sister, Cousin, Best Friend. We love you Momma and will Always Miss you everyday!

Fly high as a eagle Momma! ❤️