Mrs. Alta Raines Montgomery

Alta Gretchen Raines Montgomery, 83, of Bedford, Texas, passed away on April 4th, 2022. She was born in Benson, Louisiana on April 23rd, 1938 to Ennis and Addie Raines. Alta graduated from Pelican High School in 1956.

She later married William Leo Montgomery on September 12th, 1959. Shortly after they married, Leo joined the Army and after he finished basic training they moved to Mount Clemens, Michigan where they lived for 3 years. Eventually Leo separated from the Army and landed a job in oil exploration, which is when the cross-country moving for them began, often staying in one place for only a few weeks to a few months carrying all of their belongings in 2 cars.

Even though they moved constantly they always managed to find a church home, make close friends, and be involved. Alta had several jobs and careers over the years, first working at Nabors Trailers in Mansfield, Louisiana just after finishing high school. She worked in the Army Corps of Engineers in the same building as Leo when he was on active duty; however, her longest career was working with Don Skillman, a close friend and fellow church member of First Baptist Church of Bedford, at Global Van Lines.

Alta eventually retired in the mid-nineties, about the same time as Leo, but this didn’t slow them down, rather this set them on journey of traveling for pleasure and for service. She joined several mission trips to Honduras, Japan, and Alaska. Alta was very involved in their churches First Baptist Church of Bedford and Woodland Heights Baptist church. She loved playing the piano and organ, singing in the choir and was the ‘unofficial’ florist at their churches, making flower arrangements for Sundays and special occasions. Many people remember fondly her beautiful flower arrangements.

She had a love of nature, music, gardening, camping, snow skiing, traveling, and being in the company with friends and family but serving the Lord was her calling. Alta enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren in Peru and Kenya, experiencing new things and cultures, meeting and visiting with people from all around the world. She never met a stranger, she lived to serve others.

Alta is survived by her husband of nearly 63 years, William Leo Montgomery; son, Joel Montgomery (Kim) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Melanie Trottier (Ray) of North Richland Hills, Texas; grandchildren, Van Montgomery, Bella Montgomery, Ethan Harrah, Willow Harrah, and Darrel Harrah; sister, Patsy Shadoin; brother- and sister-in-law S.L. ‘Sonny’ and Kathy Montgomery; dozens of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was the ‘baby’ in the family and was preceded in death by her mother and father, 6 sisters, 1 brother, 5 brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Although she suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease in the last few years of her life, Alta is now at peace with the Lord, family members and friends in Heaven. Alta was selfless, caring, kind and compassionate – she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, and friend. She inspired so many and will be sorely missed but we rejoice in her life well lived!

Funeral arrangements will be held on April 15th, 2022, visitation at 2:00PM and Celebration of Life at 3:00PM, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.