Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Vera Ellen Montgomery


Sept. 6, 1921 - Nov. 16, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/20/2008

SOUTH BEND - We say goodbye and celebrate the life of Vera Ellen Montgomery, 87, of South Bend, who passed away after an extended illness on Sunday, Nov 16, 2008. Vera's care in her final years was provided by her children in their homes; most recently in Grenada, West Indies, where Vera died peacefully in her daughter's warm embrace. Vera Ellen Gahman was born on Sept. 6, 1921, in Wells County, Indiana, to Martin and Ethel (Warthman) Gahman. She married Eugene Edgar Montgomery on January 30, 1944, in Fort Wayne, IN. Vera and Eugene lived most of their 60 years of married life in South Bend. Vera was preceded in death by her husband, brother, Robert Gahman, and by a sister, Alice Wilkinson. Vera is survived by her brother, Arthur Gahman of Craigville, IN; eight children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Vera's three daughters are Kay Montgomery of Grenada, West Indies, Karen (Zach) Klymman of Reno, NV, and Rebecca (Jay) Britton of Indianapolis, IN. Vera's five sons are Michael (Marilia) Montgomery of Hamden, CT, Steven (Anita Manning) Montgomery of Honolulu, HI, Bruce Montgomery of White City, OR, Gary (Jan) Montgomery of Roswell, GA, and Kenneth (Cindy) Montgomery of Mishawaka. Vera provided her children with encouragement on many science, music, and 4-H endeavors in Clay Township. She won Indiana's homemaker of the year award in 1964. Vera served as a USDA lab specialist for 22 years in Niles, MI, working with insects for biological control of crop pests. An excellent seamstress with patience for fine detail, she also enjoyed gardening, nature, and watching birds and butterflies. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorial donations to the Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Center, 13998 Range Line Road, Niles, MI 49120.

 

Friends may visit from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by 1 p.m. funeral services in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN. Vera will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, IN.