Celia Montgomery

CHAFFEE, Mo., -- Celia Leah Montgomery, 100, passed away July 13, 2003, at "The Bluffs" in Columbia, Mo.

She was born Oct. 2, 1902, at Blodgett, Mo., to the late Albert and Virdia L. James Hatcher. She married John E. Montgomery of Delta, on June 20, 1921, and he preceded her in death on March 8, 1967.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee for 79 years, where she served in many capacities, including administrative board, Sunday school teacher, women's division work, district vice president of Women's Society of Christian Service (now United Methodist Women) and a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Also, she gave many hours of volunteer service to various hospitals, the nutrition center, county blood pressure clinics, as a worker in the RSVP Thrift Shop and was a charter member of Golden Agers Senior Club, serving many years as treasurer.

She attended State Normal in Cape Girardeau, which is now Southeast Missouri State University. She taught in a one-room rural school for many years.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Donald "Betty" Rowland of Columbia; four grandchildren, Wren Roark of Columbia, Robin Jones of Columbia, Rich Rowland of Joliett, Ill., and Randy Rowland of Seattle, Wash.; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Friends may call at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee with the Rev. Vyron Yount officiating. Burial will be in the Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.