Mary Montgomery, 88, died October 14, 2023, at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, KS.  She was born March 20, 1935, in Warsaw, MO, to Henry Paul Laird and Audrey (Edwards) Laird.

Mary was a graduate of Emporia State University.  She was an elementary school teacher in the Hutchinson area for many years.  Mary was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, KS.

She was a national square dance finalist, a coast-to-coast RV captain, and a lover of cats.  Mary would travel each summer to Warsaw, MO, to catch up with her cousin Blanche, Doctor John, and many others.

She is survived by:  her daughter, Blythe Montgomery of Fordland, MO; and sisters, Janet Laird of Hutchinson, KS, and RoseAnne Fowler of Chatham, NJ.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Lawrence Mitchell Montgomery.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary.  Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS.  Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.

Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501, is in charge of arrangements.