Mona Bingham

Mona Jean Bingham, 75, of Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood; pet groomer and retired paralegal; traveler, adventurer, martial artist, explorer, avid gardener, animal lover, music lover, patron of the arts, and true friend. Passed away suddenly while running errands in the neighborhood. Mona was always full of surprises. She had a fascinating background. One of ten siblings born in Davenport, Iowa, she was living on her own in Chicago by age 16. In the late 70s and early 80s she worked the door as a bouncer at some of the roughest and rowdiest rock and punk clubs in the city. She was known to be married at one point, but nobody knows much about it. Mona worked for several years as a paralegal at Transora, where she met lifelong friends. In the second stage of life, she took her love for animals and turned it into a business. She was especially good with the “problem children,” grooming and fostering difficult pets that nobody else could handle. She was universally loved in the martial arts community. She was incredibly talented and many very, very tough competitors openly expressed their respect. Mona started with karate then went into kung fu. She achieved high rank and studied with the very best in the region, including the late martial arts movie star Jim Kelly. In 2024, Mona was inducted into the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame, a ceremony she almost didn’t attend until good friends encouraged her. She is survived by her daughter Debi (Ryan) Weller of Sterling, Kansas; grandsons Devin (Adeline “Ade”) and Tyler (Stephanie) Roberts and David Higgins; great-grandchildren Willow and Rowan Roberts; and siblings Cathy, Glenda, Mary, Jim, John, and Becky. Preceded in death by siblings Susan, Chester, and Bonnie and parents Cleo Runsford Bingham and Wanda Willadean Bingham (nee Starnes). The family is especially grateful to Cousin Amber who is finding good homes for Mona’s four dogs, three birds, and one cat. Mona is now on her last journey, seeking new adventures, always. Memorial service Saturday April 18, 3-6pm (eulogies begin 4pm) at Lizard’s Liquid Lounge, 3058 W. Irving Park, Chicago, IL 60618. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating here, to offset final expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrating-monas-life-together. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Mona Bingham

May 25, 1950 - March 17, 2026