Bronna Beth Boling

Bronna Beth (Montgomery) Boling, 96, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Bickford Memory Care in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Born August 27, 1926, in Arapahoe, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Georgie (Oyler) Montgomery. Before the age of one, the family moved to a farm near Fremont, Indiana, where she and her older sister, Laura Lea, were raised with the strong values and wonderful memories that a farm life can bring. She graduated from Fremont High School as the class valedictorian. Ball State Teachers College was where she earned her teaching degree and met her future husband, Ralph, who had just returned from Army service in the Pacific theater during WWII. They were married in 1948 following Bronna Beth’s graduation. In their early marriage the couple lived in Muncie, Talma, Connersville, Metz, Butler and Zanesville. Finally, their home of almost 60 years was on Lafayette Center Road where they raised their daughters, entertained friends and neighbors and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Twenty-nine of her thirty-one years of teaching were at Lafayette Central Elementary School. She led the first Head Start program in the area in the mid 1960’s. She was an exceptional teacher, bringing out the best in her students. Her energetic and no-nonsense approach to her students’ needs propelled her to create varied learning activities. Bronna Beth and Ralph were married for 62 years before his death in 2010. Their parenting was a team approach. They were devoted parents and proud of their four daughters. Bronna Beth encouraged independence and nurtured their daughters’ individual talents and interests. Each daughter was provided with piano and instrumental lessons. All of them graduated from Ball State University, the alma mater of Bronna Beth and Ralph. Having a vibrant personality, she formed lasting friendships with the Lafayette Central school staff, the card playing group from Zanesville and the New Year’s Eve gang. A special bond formed between the Boling and Balsley families as they celebrated over 40 years of 4th of July gatherings. In retirement, she and Ralph enjoyed traveling to visit family and participating in several Elderhostel excursions. Outside the United States, Bronna Beth and Ralph traveled to Japan, Guam, Hong Kong, Iceland, and Russia. A special trip for each grandchild before entering kindergarten was traveling to Chicago on the train for a fun-filled day. She had a multitude of hobbies throughout her life. Reading, knitting, crocheting, completing jigsaw puzzles and playing games were some of her favorites. She was survived by her daughters, Marcia Perry of Virginia Beach, Elaine (Don) Cunningham of Veedersburg, Indiana and Joyce (John) Engel of Garfield, Minnesota; and son-in-law, Jim Pose of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her memory and stories will also live on through her 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Bronna Beth was also preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; one daughter, Karen Pose; and son-in-law, Clyde Perry. A celebration of life service will begin at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Waynedale United Methodist Church 2501 Church Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809 with visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow the service at Nine Mile United Methodist Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Waynedale United Methodist Church music program or Waynedale United Methodist Women.