Patsy Karol Montague

In the peaceful hours before dawn, Pat slipped away from us peacefully, on her own terms, at her home on August 18, 2026, at the age of 95 years, 9 months. Pat lived a life filled with enthusiasm, many interests and fond memories for nearly a century.

On November 15, 1930, Patsy Karol Harroff was born in Buchanan, Michigan, the first of eight children born to Gertrude Harroff. She was born a yankee but was never far from a can of Tony “Casheree’s.”

Married to Charles C. Montague while still in her teens, she lived in numerous places throughout the country creating a comfortable home for her growing family and making lifelong friendships.

Beyond being a wife and mother, she had a variety of interests. She was an excellent home decorator, an expert seamstress, sudoku puzzle lover and could refinish an antique better than most professionals. She was a Cub Scout den mother, a statewide Sarah Coventry Jewelry representative, one of the first employees at the new Sears & Roebuck on Florida Boulevard, a rural mail carrier for the USPS, and a deputy tax collector for the EBR Parish Sheriff’s Office. In later years she co-owned the Antique Emporium with her daughter. Other interests led her to be a member of many organizations including the Lion’s Club, The Patchwork Pelican’s Quilt Guild, Cajun Country Quilters, and The Red Stick Depression Glass Club.

She often traveled between Louisiana and Indiana visiting relatives, searching for barns, and attending estate auctions looking for antiques and treasures.

A doting Grandmother and Great Grandmother, she reveled in the accomplishments and talents of all of her “Grands” by attending their birthdays, special occasions, holidays, sporting events, and school activities. She always enjoyed a good laugh or prank with them. They gave her several nicknames such as Gram, and even Grandpa but she preferred to just be called “Great!”

Pat was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church since the family’s arrival in Baton Rouge in 1960. Her connection there was accented by family weddings, memorials, celebrations and her selection of its Columbarium as her final resting place.

In her immediate family, Pat is survived by her daughter, Laurie M. Cary, with whom she has resided for the last 6 years, granddaughter Hayden Shirley, and great grandson Tucker Hidalgo; by her son, W. Bret Montague, Sr.; grandson W. Bret Montague, Jr. (Kate) and great grandsons Marcus and Matthew Montague; grandson Treuil Montague (Jessica) and great grandsons Treuil Jr. and Turner Montague; and daughter in law, Susan P. Montague. Among her siblings she is survived by brothers Jay, and Dean Harroff, sister, Doris Miller, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and their families. She is also survived by dearest of friends who have become family, Jared, Missy, and Tanner LeBouef.

Our Mother was proceeded in death by her mother, Gertrude Harroff; husband Charles C. Montague; son Charles Carter Montague, Jr.; daughter in law Judy T. Montague; brothers Bill, Bob, and Ray Harroff, sister Ruth H. Hancock, and a host of beloved friends waiting at heaven’s door.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Ricky Windburn and the Pinnacle Hospice Care Team of Anna, Chantelle, Tamara, and Angelle for their tender and loving care.

Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, La.,70802, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10 am to 11:30 am, with services to immediately follow conducted by the Rev. Chris Andrews. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802, in her honor.