Patricia "Patty" Montag

Patricia Montag (Patty), 96, passed away peacefully in her home (as she wished) on October 3, 2025. Patty was born on December 20, 1928, to Edward and Ruth Langren in Whiting, Iowa. Patty received her teaching certificate from the University of Northern Iowa and taught 5th grade in West Bend, where she met and married her husband of 68 years, Richard Montag, in 1950. After farming for several years, the family of five moved to Ames in 1958 so Rich could attend Iowa State University. As the family grew to eight, Patty was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, church parishioner, volunteer, school "lunch lady", and friend to many.
The family enjoyed many camping trips around the country. Patty and Rich continued to camp in their Hi-Lo camper for many years. After retiring, Patty and Rich moved to Colo, Iowa, where they made lots of friends and enjoyed the quiet life. Patty loved summertime when she could be outdoors; gardening, tending flowers, mowing the lawn, and soaking up the sun. She was creative and artistic; writing poetry was one of her favorite pastimes. Patty was a caring and generous person who loved helping people.
Patty is survived by her six children: Tom (Brenda) of Ada, Oklahoma, Paul (Carol) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ruth of Naperville, Illinois, Mary (Charlie) of Wilmington, Delaware, Beth (Norm) Wagoner of Alleman, Iowa, and Andy (Bobbie) of Bartlett, Illinois, ten grandchildren: Jennifer, David, Sarah Ann, Matthew, Patrick (Ariel), Peter (Robyn), Sarah Elisabeth (Nate), Jacob (Britta), Riley, and Jack, and three great-grandchildren: Sloan, Maxine, and James.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and two angel grandbabies, Bethany and Daniel.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada is handling the funeral arrangements.
There will be a visitation at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in State Center on October 10 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon in the church after the Mass. Interment in Ames Municipal Cemetery will be private.
The family wishes any memorials be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colo, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in State Center, Mary Greeley Hospice, or a charity of choice.
Below, in Patty's own words is her good-bye to all her family and friends.
I'm packed and ready to go on this trip, knowing I will be seeing good friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Since this is a one-way trip, it is time to say good-bye to all. I am remembering all those little fifth graders from a long time ago. It was great because that is when I met and married my wonderful husband, Richard, who has already gone ahead of me. Also, it is a good idea to mention my all-time friend, Jesus, who has been with me all this time and loved me in spite of all my misgivings, faults, and neglects. He has stayed with me, forgiving me, and by my side always. I have tried to walk in his footprints. I do not plan to take any kids with me on this trip, Tom, Paul, Ruth, Mary, Beth and Andy, knowing that I will see them later. Since I am not taking much with me, it should be an interesting trip with lots to see on the way. Jesus and His Father will be traveling with me, so it should be a pretty smooth ride. Looking back, I will take memories securely packed in my small case. My destination is one of the most beautiful places that I have heard about, so I am looking forward to this journey, with no obstacles in my way.
Waving good-bye to my family and friends, I look forward to a smooth ride with Jesus by my side. I hope the ride is cool, since I don't like a lot of heat! I have a paid-up ticket tight in my hands.
Bye all you guys, see you later.
Love, Patty