Thelma I. Montgomery, 82, died December 20, 2009 at Lakeland Hospital in Nile, MI. She was born Jan. 26, 1927 in Hardy, Ark to Henry and Ollie Lawson Allen. On May 11, 1965 she married James W. Montgomery in Lyons. He died Jan. 20, 1995. She attended the Church of Christ. She worked for many years as a dry cleaner.

Survivors include two step sons, Jimmy M. Montgomery and wife Brenda, Hutchinson, and Jim Ray and wife Barbara, San Antonio, TX; step daughters, Barbara Kelley, Wichita, Mary Jo Ritzdoff and husband Bill, Hutchinson, Kathy Montgomery, Burrton; brothers, Marlin Allen and wife LouAnn and Marvin Allen and wife Charlene, both of Cassopolis, MI; and numerous step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, step daughter Betty Jean Goff and a brother Willie Allen.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at Fairlawn Burial Park with Richard Foster officiating. Friends may sign the register book from 9-9 Sun., Mon., and Tues. at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association in care of the mortuary. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for her family.