Helen Mae Montanye

June 14, 1924

She was born on June 14, 1924 to Walter and Bessie(Branson) Hart in Del Rey, CA. She was the youngest of four children. The family moved several times and Helen graduated from Selma High school and Reedley College. Helen went to work for Bank of America where she met the love of her life Charles Montanye and they were married o February 10 1945. In 1948, Helen and Charlie bought a 40 acre ranch in Fowler. They raised 20 acres of grapes and 20 acres of walnuts along withTheir two sons, Monty and James. Helen and Charles raised their family in Fowler, CA. Helen sold the ranch in 1990 and moved with her son James to Fresno.

Helen was active in many organizations and she served as President of Fresno Emblem Club No. 125, Past President of Fowler Home Improvement Association and Fresno District President of California Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Helen believed in community and family. Love of her family was the most important to her.

When her boys passed in 2009 it was very difficult but when her daughter in law remarried,

Helen welcomed Chuck and his family into her heart & family.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beulah, brothers Kenneth and Lawrence, Husband Charles and sons Monty and James.

Helen is survived by her daughter in law, Genie McAlexander (Chuck); Nephew Leland House (Sherry), Niece Susan Phillips (Dale) and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Also Chucks

children Jason, Ian (Missy), Molly (Jeff) and grandchildren.

The family would like to express their thanks to her caregivers from Around the Clock;

Lori Cazares, Yolanda Gomez, Virginia Reyes and Sandie Perez.

A private graveside was held on May 27th. A Memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances to Westminster Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 5252, Fresno, California 93755; Fowler Improvement Association, 110 South Fifth Street, Fowler, CA 93625.