Mary Elizabeth Montgomery, 98

Marybeth Montgomery, 98, passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at her residence in Whitefish. Marybeth’s final days were at home under the care of hospice, family and friends.

Marybeth was born in Higbee, Missouri, on Feb. 9, 1919, to Rodes Burch and Ella K. Burckhartt. She was the youngest of five children (four girls and one boy) and lived on the family farm until shortly after her mother’s death in 1931 when she was 12. In 1932, Marybeth moved to Kalispell to live with Frances and Fred Sundelius, one of her older sisters and her family. She graduated from Flathead County High School and went to work for the Montgomery Ward department store in Kalispell.

In 1940 she met Milo Montgomery at a Rainbow/DeMolay dance. They married July 6, 1941, and made their home in Whitefish, where Milo worked for the then Great Northern Railroad.

They had three children and Marybeth was happy as a homemaker, involved with Eastern Star, Presbyterian Women activities and sewing for her family.

Her sewing continued on to the grandchildren. It was later she joined Stumptown Quilters Society and started quilting. She found she loved it and made many quilts for friends and family. In 2011 she was a featured quilter in the Stumptown Quilters Society Quilt Show.

In addition to her sewing Marybeth loved to bake. For several years at Christmas, while the kids were in school, she and a neighbor spent several days during the weeks prior baking Christmas cookies and making special candies, which they shared with church, family and friends. And, oh, did the houses smell “yummy” coming home from work or school.

Once her children were grown, she then went to work managing Hinderman’s Mountain Shop on Big Mountain in the winter and the Village Shop when it later opened in downtown Whitefish.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Milo, on Jan. 7, 1993; brother, A. Miller Burckhartt; sisters, Frances R. Sundelius, Louise D. Lyon and Eva V. Wilson; and son-in-law, Ronald D. Clark.

She is survived by children, Verna Schultz, husband Rick; Carol Clark; and Don Montgomery, wife Terri. Also surviving are grandchildren, Erin Schultz, Ian Montgomery, Jeridon Clark and wife Jennie, Vianne Cooper and husband Jeremy, Jerron Clark and wife Michelle, and Jordan Clark and wife Julie; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Memorials to the North Valley Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, First Presbyterian Church Building Legacy Fund or the charity of your choice are welcomed.

A memorial (family service) will be scheduled for a later date.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is caring for Mary’s family.