106-Year-Old Widow Leaves Generous Gift to Children's Mercy: Eliza Evans Monk

Eliza Monk had a keen sense of humor and a generous spirit.
Eliza Monk drove her white Mustang, helped care for her 105-year-old sister and managed her own business affairs until she reached 101 years old.
Jettie Clemens, her great-niece, remembers that even at 106, Eliza had a sharp mind, keen sense of humor and twinkle in her eye. She was a private person who lived a simple life. "She was a quiet lady—in the background, taking care of her family and not drawing attention to herself," Jettie says.
In that same understated way, Eliza recently left a gift in her estate of $1.8 million to Children's Mercy.
Jettie says her great-aunt was a frugal woman who enjoyed nice things but didn't believe in extravagance. She did feel a strong responsibility to care for others, though. That's why no one was surprised she made such a generous gift to Children's Mercy. "I think Aunt Eliza wanted to make a difference in someone's life and she knew that for families with sick or injured children, her gift would mean a lot."