Monteray was born in Maysville, Ok. to Harlan and Alma (Cowan) Nelson, and is predeceased by brothers Bill and Robert Nelson, and sister Mary Jo Nelson. She was raised on her Grandpa Cowan’s farm and graduated Maysville High School in 1942, moving to Oklahoma City to work at the Douglas Aircraft Plant. She joined the Oklahoma Publishing Company staff in 1946 and became head librarian, retiring after 40 years at the newspaper. Monteray was a long-time member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. She loved books, traveling, and animals, especially her dogs. She was kind-hearted, generous, devoted to her family, and much loved. Survived by cousins Dr. Earl Cowan, John Cowan, and Raymond Cowan, nephew Mike Nelson, and nieces Mary Jo Kraft and Alma Holtsclaw. The family wishes to express gratitude to her lifeline, Freddie Gibson, and to Bellevue Health Center, Centennial Hospice and her friends at St. Luke’s.
