Rita Montgomery

Rita L. Montgomery 81 died October 5, 2024, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton, Kansas. She was born April 6, 1943, in Emporia, Kansas to Alver James and Orva Rachel (Buller) Gillmore. She married Donald Wilson on February 11, 1963, and he preceded her in death. She later married James C. Montgomery in 1995, and he also preceded her in death.

Rita graduated from Vernon’s School of Cosmetology in 1961 and received a G.E.D. from Peabody High School. Rita attended the Church of God of the Firstborn at 10th and Oak in Newton.

She worked as an Aide caring for children at Heartspring in Wichita for several years. Before her work in Wichita, she was a cook for USD 398 Peabody-Burns. 

Rita enjoyed time camping and fishing at East Lake in Harvey County. She made many friends through the years at the lake. She also enjoyed crafts and was known for her large cookie jar collection.

Her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren were her biggest joy, and the grandkids have fond memories of some heated bingo games played for prizes during “cousin weekends” at grandma’s, which she loved hosting.

She is survived by her son James Wilson (Denise); daughter Donna Garoutte (Calvin) and brother A. James Gillmore (Mary). She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents and two husbands.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at Walton Cemetery in Walton, Kansas. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made out to Good Shepherd Hospice and left in care of the funeral home.