Lillian E. Monson (nee Schultz) passed away peacefully in Green Valley, Arizona on May 15, 2026 at age 103.  Lillian was born on August 4, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska to Frank and Bernice (Ellyson) Schultz.  She married Archie Monson on October 12, 1947.

Lillian saw much of the country during her childhood as her family lived in California, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas after leaving Omaha.  Following her graduation from North Little Rock High School in 1940, Lillian returned to Omaha, where she worked for the U.S. Army Seventh Service Command and later trained at the Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing.  After WW II, Lillian met her future husband, Archie, and they moved to a farm near Archie's hometown of Irwin, Iowa.  They later lived in Yakima, WA, Charles City, IA and DeKalb, IL before retiring to Green Valley, AZ.

Lillian loved art from an early age and rekindled her interest in oil painting and watercolors when her children were grown.  She exhibited her art in many shows and was a regular exhibitor at the Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago.  Later she and Archie, who in retirement took up woodworking in Green Valley, traveled throughout the Southwest and displayed their work together at various shows.  Lillian loved Green Valley and the Sonora Desert, which served an an inspiration for her art and outdoor activities.  She became an avid hiker starting in the mid-1980s and was a leader in the local hiking club.  Lillian was proud to be the first member recognized for hiking 5000 miles with the club.

Lillian had an outgoing personality and a knack for making friends.  She loved to be "on the go" and even in her last days always wanted to be out of her room visiting with other residents or enjoying nice weather outside in the courtyard.  She had a very positive outlook and never became discouraged by any setbacks that came her way.

Lillian is survived by her daughter Paula, son Tom (Debbie), five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, husband Archie, son Tyrus and brother Frank.

A private family service will be held at a future date.