Millie S. Monte

Mildred “Millie” S. Monte, 89, of Lubbock, passed away on December 9, 2015. Millie was born on May 9, 1926 in Hope, Arkansas to Leslie and Asalee Purtle. She married Dr. Mel Monte on October 20, 1951 and they moved to Lubbock in 1955.

Millie stayed active as a volunteer and elected official in many civic and political organizations. She volunteered with the Women’s auxiliary at Methodist hospital, Served on the City-County Welfare Board (1968), The Women’s division of Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Was appointed to the Urban Renewal Agency (1966-68) and was the Heart Fund Chairman for the American Heart Association (1968-69).

Her political career began in the 1960’s and continued well into the 1970s. In 1966, Millie was the first woman to run for City Council in Lubbock. She later was the co-chairman of the Steering Committee for Senator John Tower. In the 1970’s she kept busy with her position as President of the Lubbock Republican Women’s Club as well as the Texas Federation of Republican Women. As a devoted Republican, she was proud to extend her friendly welcome to many political figures during their visits to Lubbock. The list includes Ronald and Nancy Reagan, John Tower, Barry Goldwater and many others. She was the official Hostess for Ronald Reagan’s fundraiser breakfast in 1976, and travelled with Nancy Reagan across Texas as the official Texas Hostess during the presidential campaign. Millie loved the Lord and was an active member of Church on the Rock where she and Mel were the head greeters for 18 years. Millie was a greeter for the Joy Club for 3 years.

Millie is survived by her daughter Michele Bailey and her husband Bobby and their children Meagan and Brandon of Lubbock, son Mitch Monte and his children Whitney and Drew of Lubbock, son Mark Monte and his wife Debbie and their daughters, Brittney and Emma of Irving, daughter Melanie Eklund and her husband John and their son Trevor of Lubbock. She is also survived by sisters Nora Lee Goff, Ruth Wright and Carolyn Sue Ashford, and brother Dwight Purtell of Texarkana, TX. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Mel Monte, her parents, three brothers, Elmer, Al, and Charles Purtle.

Online condolences may be made at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.