Charles H. "Chuck" Monette

Monette, Charles Henry
Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, Chuck Monette's ("Jimmy" to family) work here is done.  As of April 7, 2015 he continues his work in heaven watching over us with the Lord. Chuck was born on March 26, 1937 on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota.  His parents George and Frances, raised him along with his brothers and sisters Joan, Greg, George, Paul “Tommy”, Teddy, and Margaret on the family farm.  To get the siblings together was a boisterous time full of stories of growing up on the res or running the dealership.  It was never a quiet time in the Monette household when family got together, and family has always extended well past blood relatives. Chuck attended St. Paul’s Indian Mission boarding school in Marty, South Dakota.  Upon completing high school, he left the reservation and joined the Air Force.  He met his bride, Charlotte, while stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She says he "picked me up on a street corner."  Charlotte was selling tickets to a play at their high school and Chuck and his buddies stopped to visit.  She says "he had the best smile."  He bought tickets to the play, and the rest is history.  They were married in 1957 and came to Socorro in 1962 to purchase the Ford dealership, then S&M Ford, with his partner Dick Russell.  He ran the business for more than 50 years until he became ill. Chuck and Charlotte were very focused on family.  They raised six strong and devoted children, Debbie, Denise, Danny, David, Darren, and Donald.   Dinner was a central part of the family with every evening bringing the family around the dinner table to connect and discuss the day's events, another not-so-quiet time at the Monette's.  Chuck was a long-time member of the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in local politics over the years serving as a County Commissioner for two terms.  Participating in Republican party barbecues and events was a family affair.  He served as a New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association director for more than 20 years.   He was a member and supporter of the San Miguel Catholic Church serving as finance chairperson of the parish council for more than 10 years.  He taught his children the importance of having a loving God in their lives.  It was not unusual to see him with his family on Sunday mornings at Church and then afterward at Sophia's at the big table with the family. He made his community stronger through his involvement with people.  It wasn't unusual for people to come into the dealership "just to talk" or to "get some advice from" Chuck.  He was always ready with a smile and a kiss.  Even when his mind started slipping, he always asked the girls "do I get a kiss?" or "where's my kiss?"  He loved a good joke and his laugh was infamous in Socorro and beyond. He was generous to virtually all who asked for a helping hand, loaning cars for parades, funerals, golf tournaments, weddings, etc., making donations to a multitude of charities and fundraisers, and participating in community events.Chuck had a wonderful sense of humor, gift for listening and counseling, and a strong work ethic. He was extremely devoted to his family and friends, generous to his community and charities, and devoted to his faith.  He was proud to belong to the Socorro community and truly cared for everyone. Chuck worked hard all his life, and he made a difference in the lives of many. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, children and their spouses Debbie and Chet DeMoss, Denise and Mike Shrum, Danny and Marliss Monette, David and Patti Monette, Darren Monette, Donald and Pam Monette; grandchildren Tracy Fowler, Tristen Fowler, Travis "Buddy" Fowler (Brianna), Ernie Sichler IV (Stephanie), Craig Sichler, Rhiannon Crespin (Scotty), Cooper Monette, Danielle Monette, Casey Monette, Justin Monette, Dakotah Monette, Tucker Perdue, Ashton Monette and Cadyn Monette; and great-grandchildren Trenton Fowler, Taelene Fowler, Trinity Baca, Trey Baca, Jayden Fowler, Tamra Fowler, Tianna Reichenbach, McKenna Fowler, Ryan Crespin, and Drew Crespin.  He is preceded in death by his grand-daughter Tammy Fowler.  The honorary children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are far too numerous to mention.Chuck's visitation, rosary and Mass of Christian Burial/Resurrection will be at the San Miguel Capilla de Todos Angeles (former Church Hall) on Saturday April 11 starting with the visitation at 8:00 am. Pallbearers are Ernie Sichler, Craig Sichler, Travis Fowler, Cooper Monette, Scotty Crespin, Tucker Perdue, Cadyn Monette, Trenton Fowler, Jayden Fowler, and Trey Baca.  Honorary Pallbearers are Jerome Adam, Holm Bursum III, Arliss Foutz, Hubert Hardern, Fred Lackey, Joe Montoya, Don Tripp, and Danny Trujillo.The San Miguel cemetery projects were near to Chuck’s heart.  The family asks that memorial donations be made to the new San Miguel cemetery columbarium. Chuck would have liked to thank everyone that touched his life and ask that each of you extend a smile and a kiss to someone today when you think of him.To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Chuck's care has been entrusted to:                                                 Daniels Family Funeral Services                                                                                                                               309 Garfield St.                                                                                                                                            Socorro, NM 87801                                                                                                                                                    575-835-1530