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(Jan. 16, 1925 - May 16, 2012)
Wilma Montgomery of Powell died on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, having spent 87 years building her legacy as a devoted wife, dedicated mother, respected friend and committed servant of God and his church.
Wilma Jane Bacon was born Jan. 16, 1925, to Leslie and Laura Bacon, the third of four girls, on a farm in Lincoln County, Mo. She married Eugene William Montgomery on Sept. 5, 1943, and they were married for more than 53 years prior to Gene’s passing in 1997.
Gene and Wilma pulled up stakes and left all their family roots in Eastern Missouri in 1951 and moved to Powell. Over the years they lived in Powell, first as a partner in the South Side Grocery and later moving around the state while Gene worked on drilling rigs. They lived in Powell several times through the years finally buying their home on Avenue F in 1963 when Gene went to work as fire marshal and Wilma continued her role as homemaker raising her four sons. Wilma’s strongest wish was fulfilled; she was able to live out her remaining years in her own home and remained strongly independent to the very end. Wilma was adamantly opposed to ever having to live with one of her kids and she did not want to have to move into any assisted living. In addition to her fierce independence her other remarkable quality remained with her to the end — her sense of humor never faded. She will truly be missed by her family and friends.
Wilma was a resident of Powell for more than 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Montgomery, who died March 6, 1997.
Wilma is survived by her four children and their wives: Gene and Ella Mae of Flower Mound, Texas, Tom and Anita of Payette, Idaho, Jon and Yvonne of Powell and Todd and Shawn of Graeagle, Calif.; and one of her sisters, Ruth Willougby of O’Fallon, Mo. Wilma was also blessed with 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23 at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.thompsonfuneral.net or to P.O. Box 807 Powell, WY 82435.
