Blanche “Zenoba” Monroe, 88, of Salem, Illinois, passed away at 6:11 am January 10, 2026 peacefully in Tampa, Florida. She was born April 4, 1937 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Herbert Edward Johnson and Blanche Leona (Boyle) Baskett. Zenoba married Charles Robert Monroe on August 23, 1958 in Mount Vernon. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2014.

Zenoba is survived by her children, Clay Monroe of Ramsey, Joy Monroe-Harris and husband, Ken of Tampa, FL, Kyle Monroe and wife, Andrea of Salem, and Dax Monroe of Salem; grandchildren, Amber Murray and husband, Scott, Joshua Monroe, Bianca Monroe, Noel Harris and fiancé, Kyle Machuca Centeno, Caleb Harris, Blair Monroe and partner, Michael Dulaney, Kylie Monroe, Madison Monroe and Jordan Rinehart and partner, Kayli Berry; great-grandchildren, Parker Murray, Elijah Murray, Brooks Murray, Braidyn Monroe, Bane Dulaney, Maxxton Dulaney, Roman Berry, and Addisyn Rinehart; sister, Euvera Sumner; and one nephew.

In addition to her parents and husband, Zenoba was preceded in death by her stepfather, Francis Baskett; and son, Robbi “R.W.” Monroe.

Zenoba graduated in 1955 from Mount Vernon Township High School. She was the co-owner of Laco Electronics and Kampland, and worked as an in-home daycare provider. Zenoba was a member of Evergreen Christian Church, the Senior Citizen group, and TOPS. She enjoyed reading and watching the television in her spare time. Zenoba will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A Graveside will be held Monday, January 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Ham’s Grove Cemetery in Opdyke, Illinois with Shannon Bopp officiating. Memorials may be made in Zenoba’s honor to Residential Hospice Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.