Born October 28, 1917 in Amboy to Mirl and Esther (McCray) Trenholm, she married Howard Montgomery on August 15, 1936 in Pekin. He died November 9, 1986 in Pekin. They were married for over 50 years. She was also preceded in death by one son; one grandson; one great-granddaughter; two brothers; and four sisters.
Surviving are one son, Dennis (Lynn) Montgomery of Manito; one daughter, Kathy Tibbs of Pekin; twelve grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
Gretchen was a member of the South Pekin Congregational Church.
She was an avid reader and Chicago Cubs fan. She also enjoyed fishing and playing Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy. No one in her family could beat her.
Cremation will be accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2011 at 911 S. 10th St. in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to “Mom’s Whole Hearted”, 1606 Hamilton Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
