Jodi L. Monroe

Jodi Lane Monroe, 65, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on May 5, 1961, in Ottawa, Jodi was the daughter of Wendell and Irene (Bierwirth) Monroe. She was a lifelong resident of Ottawa and was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Kim Monroe; her aunt, Barbara Hendrix; her cousin, Gayle Hendrix; and many other loved ones.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kristi Angel; James (Joanie) Thrush Jr.; and Nicole Thrush (Leo Johnson Jr.). Jodi's greatest joy in life was being "Nana" to her seven beloved grandchildren, Miles, Lucille, Rose, and Jack Johnson, Sawyer, Trace, and Hugh Thrush, along with grand-dog Archie Angel. Jodi is also survived by her cousins, David and Bailey Hendrix; her lifelong friend, Janet Stencel; many nieces and nephews; as well as her cherished pets Molly and Silas.

Much of Jodi's life involved caring for others. As a mother, grandmother, and as a registered nurse. She spent many years working in nursing homes before continuing her career as a correctional nurse with the Illinois Department of Corrections, where she retired after years of dedicated service.

Jodi enjoyed gardening and reading, but her greatest passion was quilting. She spent many hours making beautiful handmade quilts for her friends and family. Knowing that so many of those quilts will continue to bring warmth and comfort to the people she loved meant the world to her.

Above all else, Jodi loved her family. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, whether she was cheering them on at sporting events and school activities, taking them shopping, going to the movies, or simply making memories together. They were the center of her world.

Jodi had a gift for making friends wherever she went and also welcomed her children's friends as her own. She was known for being "tough in all the best ways." She was never afraid to say what needed to be said, even if it was not what you wanted to hear. Beneath that tough exterior was an incredibly loving, accepting, and generous heart that listened, offered advice, celebrated successes, and offered support whenever needed.

After being diagnosed with MASLD, Jodi faced every step of her illness with courage, determination, and hope. In her memory, the family encourages others to learn more about liver disease and to consider becoming registered organ donors, giving hope to families facing life-threatening illnesses.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Loyola University Medical Center for the compassionate care they provided throughout Jodi's illness.

Those who knew Jodi will remember her strength, her honesty, her unwavering love for her family, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa. Pastor Bill Clark will officiate a memorial service immediately following the visitation.

Memorials or expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family.