Ms. Monika Renate Oost

Monika Renate Oost, 81, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away on August 22, 2026, at The Green House Cottages of Belle Meade in Paragould. Monika was born Monika Renate Tkotz on February 25, 1945, in Weißenbrunn-Schleyreuth, Germany, to Günther Tkotz and Gerda Minna (Sernowski) Tkotz. Born during the closing months of World War II, she later grew up in Berlin, where her childhood during the Cold War gave her plenty of stories to tell. One of her favorites involved riding bicycles home from school with her friends and making less-than-polite hand gestures toward the Russian soldiers they encountered along the way. They soon learned there were certain routes home that were wiser to take than others. Apparently, Monika’s fearless nature showed itself early. She was a stunningly beautiful young woman with a strong personality to match. Proud of her German heritage, Monika was independent, hardheaded and never one to leave anyone wondering where she stood. When she said something, she meant it. At just 15 years old, Monika fell in love with a handsome American serviceman stationed in Germany. They married there, welcomed their first child, and when she was only 17, Monika left everything familiar behind and came to America, eventually making her home in Paragould, Arkansas. Coming from a well-to-do family in Germany, Monika apparently thought that handsome young American in his sharp uniform looked as though he had a little money. Arkansas quickly corrected that assumption. She arrived to find a life far different from the one she had known, later recalling squirrel for supper and a house with slatted floors through which she could see the ground below. She could have returned to Germany, but as her family grew to seven children, leaving them behind was never an option. Monika stayed, and America became home. Her young American husband also introduced her to a few colorful English words, and those particular lessons stayed with her for a lifetime. Monika famously had no filter. If she thought it, there was a pretty good chance she was going to say it. Monika loved to dance. Her father owned a bar in Berlin, so music and nightlife had been familiar to her from an early age. She later became a bartender by trade, a profession that suited her outgoing personality well. She also loved butterflies, beautiful flowers and feeding the birds. In her later years, she enjoyed sitting on the back patio, watching the flowers grow and the birds gather around the many feeders in the yard. Those coming to visit knew there was always one thing that would be especially appreciated—birdseed. Monika lived a remarkable life that began in wartime Germany and carried her across an ocean to Northeast Arkansas. She raised seven children, built a life far from the country of her birth and remained entirely herself through it all. Beautiful, determined and unforgettable, she was simply Monika—and there will never be another one quite like her. Monika was preceded in death by her parents, Günther and Gerda Minna (Sernowski) Tkotz; her brother, Jürgen Tkotz; and two grandchildren, Angela Phillips and Michaela Phipps. She is survived by her seven children, Michael Oost of Paragould, Arkansas; Candy Bane of Hammond, Indiana; Angela Gilland and husband Mark of Paragould, Arkansas; Tony Oost and wife Trudie of Wheatfield, Indiana; Christopher Oost and wife Amy of Paragould, Arkansas; Tabitha Ellenberg and husband Keith of Paragould, Arkansas; and Teresa Oost of Paragould, Arkansas; 22 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Gena Tkotz, and niece, Dani Tkotz, both of Berlin, Germany; along with many other relatives and friends who will remember a truly one-of-a-kind woman. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to the family. Tri-City Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the family of Monika Oost. Online condolences may be left at www.tri-cityllc.com.

Ms. Monika Renate Oost

February 25, 1945 - August 22, 2026