Hildegarde Montgomery

1930 - 2016

Hildegarde Cynthia Montgomery

Hildegarde Cynthia Montgomery passed away peacefully on July 31, 2016, after a short illness. Born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on November 23, 1930 she was the daughter of Clarence and Hilda Iverson. Hildy was generous with her bright spirit and her warm heart touched many lives. Unconditional love for her family was the foundation of her life and her strong faith inspired every facet of her life. Hildy was known for her steadfast and deep loyalty to her family, her church, and her many friends. As a testimony to her loyal friendships, she received more than 55 cards in the mail on her last birthday.

Hildy was the Valedictorian at Kingsford High School in Iron Mountain, Michigan and graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University in 1951 with a degree in art education. She met the love of her life, Richard Montgomery at MSU, and they were married on December 22, 1951. They began their new lives in Battle Creek, Michigan. Hildy pursued a 30 year career with the Lakeview School District as an elementary classroom teacher as well as an art teacher. Her love of art continued after retirement. Hildy was an accomplished artist with several galleries representing her work throughout Michigan. She was proud to participate in numerous juried shows and exhibits. After retiring, she and Richard were summer residents in Pentwater, Michigan. Hildy was a member of the Art on the Town Gallery in Pentwater for 19 years. "Grandma Hildy" enjoyed exposing her grandchildren to cultural activities. They did finger paintings on the kitchen floor, attended Broadway shows, and toured art museums from Chicago to Norway.

Hildy is survived by her daughters, Lynn Montgomery of Kalamazoo Michigan, Lisa ( Rhodes) Baker of Columbus Ohio, three grandchildren, Melissa Baker Linville ( Ryan) of Columbus Ohio, Mark Finazzo of Grand Haven Michigan, and Rhodes Baker Jr. of Bethlehem Pennsylvania.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2016 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 114 E. Minges Road, Battle Creek Michigan, 49015 with Rev. Brad Hubbard officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service and a luncheon will be served immediately following the service at the church. A private graveside interment will be held at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the PENTWATER TOWNSHIP LIBRARY, 402 East Park Street, Pentwater MI, 49449, or "OUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN SCHOOL", St. Mark Lutheran Church, 114 East Minges Road, Battle Creek MI 49015. Arrangements by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.  www.henryfuneralhome.org