Monte Jay Inghram

Monte J. Inghram, 74, of Phillipsburg, Kansas, passed away on December 15, 2025, at Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg. He was born on July 27, 1951, in Newton, Kansas, to Kenneth and Naomi (Becker) Inghram. Monte married Elaine Novotny on February 14, 1992, in Newton, KS.

Monte devoted 34 years of service to the City of Newton Parks Department, working in maintenance until his retirement. From an early age, he had a lifelong passion for machinery and tools—first driving a tractor at just five years old. He loved cars and spent his entire life working on them, always tinkering, fixing, and inventing. A true gadget-guy, Monte seemed to have a tool for everything and a knack for making things work.

He was a man of quiet strength and integrity—no-nonsense, kind, and generous, with a good heart. Monte loved his family deeply, enjoyed the company of cats, and faithfully read his Bible every day. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, stationed at Fort Ord, California, with the National Guard.

Monte is survived by his wife, Elaine Inghram of Phillipsburg; son, Jay R. Inghram of Wichita, KS; step-daughter, Angie M. Monares of Wichita; brother, Gary Inghram of Wichita; sisters, Ardete (Glenn) Frey of Newton, KS and Susie (Don) Curtis of Sanford, FL; three grandchildren, Tyler Inghram, Jace Monares and Chelsea Monares.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Gregory A. Inghram; and brothers, David and Doug Inghram.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:00PM at the Stockton Cemetery in Stockton, KS. There will be no public visitation.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice Services of NWKS and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.