Betty Jean Finley Montague

Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Betty was born to the late Edward and Theresa Finley in Albion,

Michigan on January 14, 1937. She grew up in Hawks, Michigan on a farm with her family and

later went to a high-school boarding school in Canada. Betty started her teaching career in a

one room school house in Northern Michigan and then later in Florida worked at Fruit-land Park,

Polk Life and Learning and George Jenkins. She served several decades in various areas of

ministry including children’s, youth, and hospitality at WH Church of the Nazarene. She also

served many years at the First Haitian Church of the Nazarene, Winter Haven, FL. Her

dedication has impacted families over the years. Betty married the love of her life in March of

1956, Alvin “Rusty” Montague. Together they raised four children and lived 63 years in Winter

Haven, Florida. They were together for 68 years. Betty was talented at a young age as a

seamstress and many people in her life have beautiful items to show for it. In the last year of

her life she made throw blankets for everyone in the family.

After retirement, she and Al set a goal to visit all fifty states and achieved that goal in 2017. After

seeing all fifty states, they agreed that Alaska was their favorite. Betty was adventurous and

always wanted to travel. After Al passed away in January of 2023 she set a goal to visit all of

her kids and grandkids. She bought an RV and off she went. 16 states and 14,000 miles, seeing

her 2 sons, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren (and of course 8 wonderful in-laws), and 6

great-God-Grand kids (Chris and Twyla’s crew). She traveled all four corners of the US to visit

them: Northwest Montana, Southern Ohio, Central Florida, Southern California, Wyoming and

Utah. Four great trips. She finished visiting everyone just before the weather turned, although

they did drive through an ice storm on the last one.

Her last year of life she spent in Rapid City, SD with her daughter and son in law. She never

stopped making things and keeping busy; she loved the snow and cold weather. She enjoyed

puzzles, old movies, and taking care of her plants.

She was preceded in death by husband, Alvin G. Montague; brothers Harold Finley, Cliff Finley,

and Wayne Finley; Kevin Montague, son. She is survived by Milton Montague (Kim), son of

Winter Haven, FL; Ken Montague (Lori) son of Lakeland, FL; Twyla J. Stanifer (Chris), Daughter,

of Rapid City, SD; 6 grandchildren: Nicole (Adam), Crystal (Christopher), Kristi (Brandon),

Brennan (Kaitlin), Taylor (Chase), and Kenny (Hannah); 10 great-grandchildren and 6

God-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, visitation with family 10a.m. Celebration of

Life following at 10:30a.m. with Betty style refreshments served. Both will be held at Winter

Haven Church of the Nazarene, Winter Haven, Florida. Please enter through the South

Entrance. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in memory of Betty to these organizations

whose mission and purpose were dear to her heart: Polk County Special Olympics, First Haitian

Church of the Nazarene, Winter Haven, FL. (Please send checks directly to the church, memo:

in honor and memory of Mrs. Betty) OR Cedar Canyon Camp, Rapid City, SD (please send

checks directly to the camp, memo: in honor and memory of Betty Montague for kids and youth)