Monica E. (Wright) McMillen

Monica Eloise McMillen, 103 years old, passed away October 7, 2025 at St Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri.  Monica was born in the family home in Tuscumbia, Missouri June 3, 1922.  Her parents were Kitty Lee Slote and Paul Pitt Wright.   Monica attended Reed Elementary school in Brumley and Brumley High School, graduating in 1939.

Her first job was as a waitress at Young Bar-B-Que in Lake Ozark. She then moved to Kansas City where she managed the Soda Fountain of Crown Drug.  During World War II she worked at the Pratt Whitney defense plant as a “Rosie the Riveter”.  She then worked for the Briany Marlin Coat & Suit Factory for 38 years.  After retiring, she moved to Eldon where she met and married David McMillen.

Monica was an active member of the Eldon Church of the Nazarene, she enjoyed helping make pies with her church friends – even after 100 years old.  Monica also volunteered at the Eldon Senior Center, taking donations each Tuesday.  Monica went to the gym to exercise five days a week first at Curves and recently at All Fitness.

Monica is survived by her two Nieces Rita (Wood) Spalding (David) of Holts Summit and Linda (Wood) Procter (Mike) of Eldon.  Many Great Nieces and Nephews as well many Cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Kitty Lee (Slote) Burks, Paul Pitt Wright and Stepfather Ben Burks, sister Velda (Wright) Wood, brother Paul Junior Wright, and infant sisters.

Memorial services will be at the Eldon Church of the Nazarene Saturday October 25, 2025.

Visitation at 10:00 – 11:00 AM with Funeral to follow.  Reverend Jerry Fry to Officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eldon Church of the Nazarene.  Private Burial in Tuscumbia to follow at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Monica E. (Wright) McMillen, please visit our floral store.