Ivan Leroy "Roy" Montgomery

On Christmas day of 1920, Ivan Leroy Montgomery, was born in a tent in Boise, Idaho. His parents were Ivano Montgomery and Marie McGinnis-Montgomery. Roy grew up on a farm during the great depression where he milked cows and caused mischief.

In February of 1943, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was trained to be in the airborne infantry then later was redirected into the 8th infantry. A week after D-Day, he landed on the beaches of Normandy where he fought through the battle of the bulge and into Germany, there he was wounded and received the purple heart.

In August of 1945, he married Lillian Walters and they settled in Sumner. Between 1946 and 1952 they had three children- Claudia, Bonnie, and Gary.

Roy had various business ventures and attended Knapps Business College. In the early ‘60s, he and his wife started Monty’s Drive in. Later they built the Valley Drive-in right next door, which was known for its pies and burgers. He put the whole family to work peeling potatoes, cooking, and working the counter.

He was a respected member of the Sumner business community and was also one of the founding members of the Sumner business association.

In 1968, a surprise came to Roy and Lillian in the form of a baby, Kelly, who kept them young through their middle years.

By the mid-70s, Roy sold the Valley Drive-In and moved to Scott Lake in the Olympia area, where he ran a lunch counter at Bailey’s Drug store in Tumwater for two years. He also drove a school bus for the Tumwater school district.

In retirement, Roy and Lillian enjoyed traveling in their R.V. and spending their winters in Southern California and Arizona.

The church community was always an important part of his life. He attended the community of Christ church, in Olympia, and made many lasting friendships.

Family was always important to Roy. He could always get a laugh with his one-liners, although not always appropriate, but always appreciated by everyone including his eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Roy was a people person. He absolutely loved music and dancing. Roy enjoyed gardening, yard work, and going on long walks. All the dogs along Roy’s usual walking path eagerly awaited his arrival, for he brought treats for them as he passed by.

He will greatly missed .