Edith Montgomery

Edith Marie (Brown) Montgomery, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, gained her wings on March 2, 2025, at Rock Creek Care Home in Ottawa, Kansas. Born on December 26, 1937, in Princeton, Kansas, on the family farm, she was the daughter of Henry and Mildred (Mathias) Brown. She was a proud member of the Princeton United Methodist Church and dedicated her life to her family and community.

Edith graduated from Mount Hope Country School and later from Rantoul High School with the class of 1955. Her career journey included various roles that showcased her remarkable dedication and versatility. Throughout her life, Edith worked as a head cook for Crestview Nursing Home and Ottawa Middle School, a meat wrapper for the Stinsons—a family she regarded with great affection—an ironer, a babysitter, and a school bus driver for USD 290 and USD 288. She retired to her little ponderosa in Richmond, Kansas, bringing years of service to those around her.

Edith was known for her nurturing spirit, particularly when it came to her children. She stayed at home while her children were young, taking on jobs that allowed her to return home in time for them when they got off the bus. She was a wonderful scratch cook, creating almost daily batches of bread for her family, most memorably frying bread for after-school snacks. Each birthday was a special occasion marked by her preparation of the favorite meals of her children.

As a passionate individual, she enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms with her family, although her dislike for chiggers and ticks was well-known. Edith was also noted for her charming anecdote of working that one summer at Franks Cafe in Ottawa, where she famously prepared a limburger cheese sandwich for none other than Colonel Sanders himself. It was during this summer that Edith met the love of her life, Gail Montgomery. They were united in marriage on February 19, 1956, at Ruhamah Baptist Church in Rantoul, Kansas, enjoying a loving partnership for 40 years until his passing on June 8, 1996.

Edith’s legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her daughters Gayle Marie Banks (Don) and Lea Ann Johnson; grandchildren Adam Banks (Kristin), Paul Banks (Kara), Joshua Johnson (Tracy), and Tyler Johnson (Byllie); and great-grandchildren Trenton, Jaylee, Carter, Briley, Finley, Charlie, Andy, Miriam, Xavier, and Evander. She is also survived by her brother Eldon Brown (Beverly), sisters Ruby Murrow (Elton) and Dorothy Sobba, and brother-in-law Kenny Montgomery (Leota), along with sisters-in-law Beth Hotaling (Jim), Linda Flethcher (Skip), and Sandy Moore (Jim), Aunt Vada Cartmill, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Along with her husband, Edith was preceded in death by her son Daniel Dean Montgomery, an infant son, parents, and her sister Carolyn Brown. She is also preceded by her mother-in-law Eula Montgomery, father-in-law John Montgomery, and two great-grandchildren, along with numerous other familial and friendly ties.

A visitation will be held in her honor on March 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, both at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, Kansas. Interment will take place at Ruhamah Cemetery in Rantoul, Kansas, following the service.

Edith Montgomery's warm spirit, vibrant personality, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love, kindness, and community service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Ascend Hospice or Rock Creek Care Home c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. 

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