ALMA — Mary Lou Montgomery,

91 of Alma passed away Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the age of 91. She was born at home in Evening Shade, Ark., to Leatha (Hamm) and George Gaither.

She lived at Legacy Heights Retirement Center in Van Buren for the last decade. She graduated from Lyon College (then known as Arkansas College) in Batesville. She met and then married her late husband, F.W. “Wayne” Montgomery, when they were both teachers at Mount Pleasant, Ark. She was a teacher in public and private schools, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She taught her own children to read and instilled them with manners. With her gracious charm and bright nature, she attracted friends wherever she lived. Mary Lou loved birds and flowers and was a prolific gardener. She sewed most of her life and made quilts for all her children and grandchildren. She came from a family of storytellers and was a good one herself.

The true matriarch of her family, Mary Lou is survived by her four children, Karen Haggard and her husband, Dan, of Fort Smith, Carl and his wife, Lisa, of Figure Five, Judy of Eureka Springs, and Bryan of Tulsa, Okla. Mary Lou is also survived by her grandchildren, Nichole Hillier and husband, Tim, of Charleston, Carolina Wilson and husband, Kyle, of Charleston, John Bradford Montgomery and wife, Kristle, of Rudy, and Russell Haggard of Fort Smith. Her great-grandchildren are Harper Freeman, Scout Wilson, and Racen Hillier, all of Charleston, and Mabel Lou Montgomery of Rudy; along with nieces, nephews and too many friends of all ages to count.

She is preceded in death by her husband Wayne Montgomery; grandson, Zachary Hank Montgomery; great-grandson, Brycen Hice Hillier; her parents; her siblings, Joyce Gaither, Ruth Love, Carroll Gaither, and Paul Gaither.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Friday February 12, 2021, at Finley Creek Cemetery near Batesville, Ark., under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren. Family will visit with relatives and friends from 4-6 PM, Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Ocker Funeral Home 700 Jefferson Street Van Buren. Memorials can be made to The Gideon’s International, PO Box 97251 Washington DC 20090-7251.

Due to the COVID-19 cases, please wear your mask, your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com