Ardeane Wanda Monck

Ardeane Wanda (Belonga) Monck, of Portage, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2026. She was born on August 10, 1932, at home in Mackinaw County, Michigan, with the assistance of a midwife, to Earl D. Belonga and Ruth A. (McKenzie) Belonga.

Ardeane grew up during the Great Depression, spending much of her childhood along Horse Shoe Bay on Lake Huron in Evergreen Shores, near St. Ignace, Michigan, with Castle Rock in her backyard. Her father worked in the WWPA, and Ardeane learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a young girl, she worked various jobs in housekeeping and cooking. She and her older sister also painted totem poles to sell at the Indian Village Shop in St. Ignace.

Ardeane graduated from St. Ignace High School in 1950. On June 21, 1952, she married William "Jim" James Monck, beginning a life centered on family, hard work, and caring for others. She raised four children and moved to Portage in 1971, where she made her home for the rest of her life.

Throughout her working years, Ardeane worked as a meat wrapper, beginning at Harding's Stores before eventually retiring from Meijer Thrifty Acres. Outside of work, she was always busy doing something for the people she loved. She sewed clothes for her children, enjoyed knitting and crafts, and became especially well known for her cooking and baking. Whether preparing food for special occasions and weddings or helping someone who needed a hand, Ardeane showed her love through the things she did for others.

She was kindhearted and generous with her time, always willing to help someone in need. She enjoyed fishing, crafting, and garage sailing, a pastime she especially enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren. Taking them along gave her the opportunity to teach them a little economics while making memories together.

Ardeane was a longtime, devoted member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Portage, where she faithfully assisted with the church's indoor services every Sunday by helping prepare the flowers for many years. Her dedication to her church was an important part of her life and reflected the caring, giving spirit she shared with those around her.

Ardeane was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe. Her family was central to her life, and her nieces and nephews were all special to her. She will be remembered for her resourcefulness, her many talents, her wonderful cooking and baking, and the kindness she extended to those around her.

She is survived by her four children: Cynthia L. (Charles), Kathryn M. (Patrick), and Robert E. (Katheryn); her grandchildren, Jason Monck, Tiffany Monck, Nicholas Krill, and William Krill; and her siblings and extended family.

Ardeane is preceded in her passing by her son and daughter in law: Steven J. and Diana Monck.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 23, 2026, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Drive, Portage, Michigan 49024. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. A memorial gathering will also be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Lutheran School, 7211 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024, or to Elara Caring Hospice.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please take time to sign Ardeane's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Monck family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.