BY BARBARA BOOTH
The August volunteer is Ethelene Bennett Munson. She is serving on the board of directors, and volunteers every Friday in the Museum and also any other time she is needed. She still finds time to be the acting membership chairperson. Ethelene can be found giving museum tours or selling history books in the Book and Gift Nook. She can also be seen carrying in large bags of office and cleaning supplies that she donates.
There are simply not enough words to express the appreciation for all her service hours and financial contributions to the Stone County Historical Museum.
Ethelene was born at Flat Creek, Stone County, to parents Ray and Evelyn Bennett. She attended several country schools during her elementary school years. The Bennett family moved to the city of Crane, and Ethelene graduated from Crane High School. While in high school, she worked at Meyers Rexall Drug as a soda jerk. She received her diploma in nursing in 1961. While in college, she worked for Crane Dentist, Dr. Miller and also IGA Grocery. Later she earned and became certified as an RN, ONC.
In January of 1962 she married her high school sweetheart J.D. Munson. With education being of upmost importance to the young couple, J.D. graduated with his BS from the University of Missouri then later completed his PhD in Entomology at the University of Nebraska. The couple have two very successful daughters. The youngest, a graduate of West Point Military Academy, and her older sister received her Master's in Nursing and MBA from Syracuse University. Both daughters have served in the U.S. military.
When the Munsons moved back to Southwest Missouri to retire, Ethelene remained active in the local chapter of the National Orthopaedic Nursing Association. After 50 years of Nursing, she established a nursing scholarship fund through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to assist nursing students. The Munsons decided to establish a scholarship fund for Crane High School in honor of Classes ‘57 and ‘58 to assist students in higher education and handled also through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Her civic ethics and giving back to others set an example to be greatly admired.
Dr. Munson passed away one month before they could celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple were world travelers and shared many wonderful opportunities and experiences. What a fine legacy this couple is providing to students in their pursuit of higher education.
Ethelene is an active member of the Crane Presbyterian Church. She takes her church work very seriously and is highly committed to serving others.
It is with great honor for the Stone County Historical Society and Museum to pay tribute to our Volunteer of the Month, Ethelene Bennett Munson, with great appreciation for your volunteer service.
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The Historical Museum will hold an "Indoor Yard Sale" Friday-Saturday, August 23 and 24.
We are in need of donations! All donations are tax deductible. We are nonprofit 501(c)3).
Museum hours are Thursday-Friday: 10-4; Saturday: 10-2.
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