Ronald L. and Marlene B. Montgomery
Ronald L. “Ron” Montgomery, 81, and Marlene B. (Mattas) Montgomery, 78, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Marlene passed Thursday, April 7, 2016 in Topeka. Ron passed Monday, April 11, 2016 in Topeka.
Ron was born Feb. 21, 1935 in Anthony to James E. Montgomery and Mary P. (Oliver) Montgomery. Marlene was born Jan. 3, 1938 in Ellsworth to Albert C. Mattas, Jr. and Marie A. (Jiricek) Mattas. Ron spent his early years in Hutchinson and Marlene grew up on a farm near Black Wolf. Ron’s family moved to Ellsworth in 1947 when Ron’s parents bought F&M Drug.
Ron and Marlene had their first date on April Fools Day. They met for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Salina.
Ron and Marlene were married Oct. 24, 1964 in Wilson. They were longtime residents of Ellsworth where they were owners of F&M Healthmart. Ron was a pharmacist having received his degree from the University of Kansas. Marlene was the office manager taking care of all of the administrative duties at the pharmacy. She received her degree from Kansas State University. They were members of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth where Ron was also involved with the Knights of Columbus and Marlene was actively involved in numerous church committees. In the last few years, they had moved to Manhattan where they were active in the St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Ron and Marlene enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and the world and going on adventures together. They traveled to Germany to meet their newborn grandson in 2000, and visited Mom’s ancestry country of Czechoslovakia. Their favorite trip was their trip to Rome where they visited the Vatican. Always very active and involved, they devoted their time to Catholic organizations.
Ron and Marlene are survived by their daughter, Kris Bethea and husband John Connett of Topeka; son, Drew Montgomery and wife Linda of Pearland, Texas; grandson, Kevin Loric Bethea of Topeka; and Ron’s brother, Jim Montgomery and wife Helena of Daytona Beach, Fla. They were both preceded in death by their parents.
Visitation is from 1-7 p.m., Friday, April 15 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Vigil/Rosary service is 7 p.m., Friday following visitation at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass is 10 a.m., Saturday, April 16 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth. Burial will follow in the Wilson Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Adoption Services, in care of the funeral home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.
Condolences may be made at parsonsfh.com