Mary Charlotte Montgomery

Born December 24, 1930, in Roswell, New Mexico, Mary was the third child born to Myra (Spencer) Watts and Flournoy P. Spencer. Raised in Roswell, Mary enjoyed a childhood full of adventure, friends, animals, and time in her beloved mountains of Ruidoso. It was also in Roswell, while in junior high school, Mary met the love of her life, William Jackson (Jack) Montgomery. From her perspective, Mary said, “Jack never stood a chance” and she probably was right. Upon her return from college, first at Lindenwood and then the University of Nebraska, Mary and Jack married on June 17th, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell. Their marriage of 57 years was filled with adventure, love, commitment and loads of laughter.

Mary found immense joy in being a loving wife to Jack and mother to her three girls. Whether it was in Texas City, Texas, Williamsburg, Virginia, Stamford, Connecticut, Tehran, Iran, Lake Bluff Illinois, or Lakeway Texas, Mary embraced the journey to each new home with courage and excitement. Moving from place to place, created a passion for travel which afforded Mary opportunities to visit fifty-six different countries. No matter where Mary lived, she found a way to meet new friends and serve her community: Within the Church - Church school Coordinator, Sunday school teacher for 17 years, Elder, various church council positions, and Women’s Club President. Outside Organizations: Area Gamma Phi Beta alumnae president, Secretary/Treasurer of the Lakeway Service League, Member and Registrar (5 years) for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and officer for various bowling leagues. Mary was an accomplished pianist, organist, bowler (ranked in top ten women North Shore of Chicago), tennis player, racquet ball player, golfer, and bridge aficionado. When it came to cards, darts, board games, and crossword puzzles she was quick to request a challenger always knowing there were few who stood a chance against her skill. Mary enjoyed time with family and friends, walks and cuddles with fur-baby Mollie and sharing her quick wit and stories over a martini or glass of red wine. Mary’s can-do spirit and laughter will be sorely missed.

Mary, our generous and loving mother, Bama and friend, was preceded in death by her mother Myra Martin Spencer Watts and father Flournoy P. Spencer, her beloved brother Sam Spencer, sister Jane (Spencer) Wiedemann, and husband (the love of her life) Jack Montgomery. Mary is survived by her daughters Sarah Stone and husband Steve, of Spring Branch, Texas; Susan Rainey of San Angelo, Texas; and Rev. Carol Montgomery of Dallas, Texas; Grandchildren: Russell Stone and wife Lindsay of Valley View, Texas; Ashley Stone of Roswell, Georgia; Christy (Rainey) Vick and husband Nathan of San Angelo, Texas; Matthew Rainey and wife Mia of Ft. Worth, Texas; Elliese Montgomery-Shaughnessy of Vero Beach, Florida and Amelia Montgomery-Shaughnessy of Garland, Texas; Great-grandchildren; Caroline, Caitlin, and Charlotte Vick; Savannah and Sadie Shepard, Hollie and Jules Stone; Preston, Foster, and Hudson Rainey, and Emma Shaughnessy; Nieces and Nephews; Sam, Chris, Ben, Sherry, Spencer, Marty, George and Mary, best friend Barbara Peterson, fur-baby Mollie, and many beloved friends near and far.

The family offers their deep appreciation, gratitude, and love to the nurses, doctors, and Visiting Angels who cared for Mary. Especially Mary’s most special angels, Gabby Tucker, Dianna Williams, Weizye Lumingkewas , Linda Thomas and Suha Qashu. Your love, care and compassion for Mary is never to be forgotten.

A memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday February 5, 2022 @ 1:30. A link to a live feed of the service to be provided.

Internment to be South Park Cemetery, Roswell, New Mexico TBA

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.