Larry "Bugs" Monson

Larry "Bugs" Monson passed away at home from complications of COPD on September 29th, 2024. He was born on August 9th, 1946 in Bellingham, WA to Harold and Gladys Monson of Shelton WA. Larry is survived by his wife, Sandi Monson; his daughter, Sherrie Mills (daughter of first wife Carol Miller, deceased), son-in-law, Brent Mills, his sister, Darlene Rede, her husband Ken, his niece Tammey Rede Frey and her family of Arizona and California; several cousins and many friends.

Larry attended grade school through high school in Shelton WA., and Orange Coast College in California. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, completing two tours in Vietnam. He then settled with his family in Southern California where his daughter Sherrie was born. He moved his family back to Washington in 1975 to be closer to family, settling in Olympia where he lived the next 18 years and spent his career working as a Systems Analyst for the State of Washington. He then returned to his hometown of Shelton WA., in 1993, where he enjoyed his retirement. Larry was very active in local car clubs, attending car shows and spent many years traveling by motorhome throughout the country with former partner Ruthann McLaughlin.

Larry reconnected with the love of his life Sandi in 2017 after a 30-year separation. They married on October 14, 2020 in a beautiful rustic chapel in Tacoma. During their short seven years together, their lives were filled with many adventures, lots of laughter and a never ending love for one another. From cruises, to many road trips searching for waterfalls and visiting national parks, they were always up for new adventures, creating lasting memories and always holding hands along the way.

Larry had a lifelong passion for hot rods and car culture, attending many car shows with his 1923 "Tall T" hot rod. Larry, his daughter Sherrie and Brent shared 25 years together building, modifying, preparing, photographing and showing cars together. He was also actively involved in the reemergence of the Shelton Drags in 2007 and provided his skills as a trackside photographer for the event. Larry and Sherrie also shared a lifelong passion for rock-hounding and would talk for hours about their adventures.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 at Mason County Senior Center in Shelton, Washington.