Sue Ellen Montgomery

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, devoted wife, loving mother and dear friend to many, Sue Ellen (nee Crawfis) Montgomery, age 83, passed away in her home surrounded by family in North Canton, Ohio.
An important achieved goal that she wanted all to know is this: she died with all her teeth.
And, yes, that's supposed to make you chuckle. Sue always had a flair for the dramatic and LOVED telling a good story. No doubt because she had a healthy mouth, full of her own teeth.
Sue was born on November 15, 1941 to Gerald David Crawfis, and Edna Mae (Welty) Crawfis in Bluffton, Ohio. On March 31, 1961, she married her partner in life William Joe Montgomery, who preceded her in death on Sept. 21, 2020.
Together, they had three children: Stephanie (Steve) Jackson of Hartville, Ohio; Randall (Gena) Montgomery of Apache, Oklahoma and Robert (Kim) Montgomery of Blue Rock, Ohio. All of whom survive her. She is also survived by her sister Linda Crawfis of Woodland Park, Colorado. Sue had another sister Barbara who died as an infant.
Sue and Bill called many places home throughout their life together, including Bluffton, Ohio; Penn Station, Pennsylvania; Fairfax, Virginia; McComb, Ohio; Houston, Texas; London, England and Findlay, Ohio.
Being a wife and mother provided the training to become the most doting grandmother to Stephanie's children: Lauren (Jackson) Smith, Sam Jackson and Xeelia Jackson; Randall's children: Ivan Montgomery, Nova Montgomery and Solomon Montgomery; Robert's children: Jacob Montgomery, and Jesse Montgomery. If becoming a grandmother was her reward for great parenting, becoming a GREAT GRANDMOTHER to eight was the cherry on top.
Throughout her life, Sue used her creative inclinations to make a beautiful home inside and out. She was an active member of the McComb Gardening Club for many years and was recognized for her keen eye on arrangements by winning several awards at various fairs through the years. A move to Houston, Texas in the late 70s for her husband's career, inspired her to take painting classes. She created many family treasures from still life paintings of owls, ducks and lions to flowers and picturesque landscapes. She was also a very good cook, who kept her family well fed through the years.
Sue was quite proud of another accomplishment achieved while living in McComb in the 1970s: she was a charter member of the very first emergency squad for the tiny village. She served in this role for a combined 10 years. She also served on the Hancock County Republican Central Committee as the McComb representative for many years. Other notable accomplishments include receiving the BETTY CROCKER HOMEMAKER OF THE YEAR award as a senior in high school, and also received recognition as a master typist, earning the title of BEST TYPIST for her class. Sue was an avid Ohio State football fan, and enjoyed watching college football and basketball games. She was also a die hard Bengals supporter, with a soft spot for the Steelers, and grew to love the Guardians too. In short, she loved being a sports fan.
After graduating high school, she took her epic typing skills to work at Marathon Oil Company in Findlay. Other work included the Singer Sewing Factory, data punch operator, and guest services in the gift shop at the Cracker Barrel.
As a couple, Sue and Bill loved to travel and made it to all 50 states together... the states out west were of particular interest to them both due to several exciting adventures with dear friends.
She was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in McComb, and later a member of the First Lutheran Church of Findlay. During her residency in North Canton, she became a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Sue also wanted to mention the wonderful staff and other residents at the Sanctuary Grande for making the last chapter in her book memorable and comfortable.
Sue was a life-long lover of reading. She always had a book by her side. With that in mind, the family is requesting that donations be made in her memory to one of her favorite institutions, the McComb Public Library, 113 S. Todd Street, McComb, Ohio 45858.
There will be a celebration of her life held on Saturday, November 15th at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME in Findlay. Visitation will begin at noon, the service will start at 2 p.m. Internment will follow immediately at the McComb Union Cemetery. There will then be a dinner following at the C.L.A.C., Crates Life Appreciation Center, next to the funeral home, with cake to mark what would have been Sue's 84th birthday. Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.