Mary Montgomery

A longtime and much loved resident of Mansfield succumbed to a brief illness on Sunday. Born January 16, 1924, in Portsmouth, Mary was an accomplished violinist and vocalist classically trained in music at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. She received a teaching degree from Ashland University and became a favorite second grade teacher for 33 years in the Madison Local schools. Mary received the local honor 'Teacher of the Year' while at Madison. Always dynamic, active and involved, Mary lovingly shared her gifts of music with many in the Mansfield area, performing for weddings and local affairs. She will also be remembered for her lively children's performances and sing-a-longs. Mary was a dedicated soloist and choir member of First United Methodist Church on the Square for over 30 years where she was also a tireless volunteer worker and passionate leader in her church community. As the first woman leader of the church council and trustees, Mary was instrumental in the dramatic historic restoration of the church and installation of its renowned pipe organ. Mary was a strong and loving matriarch to her and her husband, Ray's entire families and will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Ray Montgomery; children, Mary Beth Baith and Neil Lindhout, both of Mansfield; stepchildren, Terry Montgomery, Mark Montgomery and Karen Hughes, all of Mansfield and Bob Montgomery of Virginia; sister, Ruth Cook Nalvanko of Branson, MO; sister-in-law, Kate Powers Cook of Madison, OH; fifteen grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her two-year old son, Johann, first husband, Cornelius Lindhout, her beloved brother, William Rapp Cook, and her parents, Frank Cook and Lucille Rapp Cook Costello.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Thursday, January 18 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A celebration of Mary's life will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church on the square. Additional viewing will be held Friday at church from 1-2 p.m. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Mary requested donations be sent to the music department of the First United Methodist Church, 12 N. Diamond St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902.