Betty Lou Montgomery passed away peacefully in Fresno, California surrounded by her loving family. She was 95 years old. Betty Lou was born in Fresno on July 13, 1931, to F. Eugene and Alice Davis Mallory of Madera. She had older twin brothers, Roy and John. Betty Lou attended Madera schools and was a 1949 graduate of Madera Union High School. She followed graduation with studies at Fresno State College. Betty Lou married her sweetheart, Robert E. Montgomery, in 1953 and moved to Torrance for a year for her husband’s work before returning to Madera. They were married for nearly 62 years, before he preceded her in death in 2015.
As the daughter of a ranching family, Betty Lou spent a lot of time on horseback helping with the cattle at the Bar7 Ranch, as well as learning to be an exceptional homemaker. A lover of the Sierra Nevada mountains, her happy place was Central Camp, above Bass Lake. She was the hardest working woman and most selfless person her family could imagine. Yet, she lived life with so much joy. She treasured her family, tending her garden, sewing beautiful clothing for her family, and spending time at the family cabin at Central Camp. It was no small accomplishment to raise six children, and she raised them to be kind, thoughtful people.
Beginning in 1976, Betty Lou began her career with the Fresno Unified School District at Powers-Ginsburg School as a Paraprofessional Tutor. She spent many years helping shape the lives of children in multiple elementary classrooms across Fresno, working particularly with English language learners and special needs students.
Betty Lou is survived by her six children and their spouses/partners: Robin Mower (Neil), Craig Montgomery (Cheryl), Brian Montgomery (Cindy), Christine Babcock (Fred Cruz); Brett Montgomery (Alyssa), Carol Montgomery Brosnac (Paul Caetano), ten grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, 1301 Roberts Avenue, Madera on Friday, October 30, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow at the Fourth Street Church of God, 222 North “N” Street, Madera.
Remembrances may be made to the Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, California 93639.