Cheri L. Stanton, Longtime Monmouth Educator and Legion Volunteer, Dies at 77

Stanton was a fixture in the Monmouth community, serving on numerous boards and committees for the American Legion over her decades-long career.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Cheri L. Stanton, a longtime resident of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 77. Stanton had a distinguished career as an educator in the Monmouth School District, teaching for 34 years, and was also deeply involved in the American Legion, serving in various leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.

Why it matters

Stanton's passing marks the end of an era for the Monmouth community, as she was a pillar of the town, known for her tireless community service and dedication to organizations like the American Legion. Her involvement spanned decades and touched many lives in the area.

The details

Stanton was born in Monmouth in 1947 and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1965. After serving in the U.S. Navy, she returned to Monmouth and began her teaching career, eventually earning a Master's degree from Western Illinois University. Stanton taught third and fifth grade in the Monmouth School District for 34 years before retiring. Outside of her teaching career, Stanton was deeply involved in the American Legion, serving on numerous boards and committees at the local, state, and national levels. She held leadership positions such as 14th District Commander, 3rd Division Commander, and Department Chair of Children and Youth Services. Stanton was also the first female Commander for the State of Illinois in 2017.

  • Cheri L. Stanton was born on July 12, 1947 in Monmouth, Illinois.
  • Stanton graduated from Monmouth High School in 1965.
  • Stanton served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at NAS Jacksonville.
  • Stanton graduated from Valdosta State College and began teaching in Georgia in the 1970s.
  • Stanton moved back to Monmouth and began teaching in the Monmouth School District, retiring in 2001 after 34 years of service.
  • Stanton married Jonathon Gill Stanton in Monmouth on June 2, 1990, and he passed away on July 16, 1998.
  • Stanton was the first female Commander for the State of Illinois in 2017.
  • Cheri L. Stanton passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 77.

The players

Cheri L. Stanton

A longtime resident of Monmouth, Illinois who had a 34-year career as an educator in the Monmouth School District and was deeply involved in the American Legion, serving in various leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.

Russell Clayton

Cheri Stanton's first husband, whom she met while they were both stationed at NAS Jacksonville in the U.S. Navy.

Jonathon Gill Stanton

Cheri Stanton's second husband, whom she married in Monmouth in 1990 and who passed away in 1998.

Andy Clayton

Cheri Stanton's son.

Don Fillman

Cheri Stanton's brother.

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What’s next

Cheri Stanton's memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the Monmouth American Legion. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

The takeaway

Cheri Stanton's decades of service and dedication to the Monmouth community, through her work as an educator and her tireless volunteer efforts with the American Legion, have left an indelible mark on the town. Her passing is a significant loss, but her legacy of community involvement and commitment to public service will continue to inspire others.