Celia Montgomery

CHAFFEE- Celia Leah Montgomery, 100, died July 13, 2003, at The Bluffs in Columbia.

Born Oct. 2, 1902, at Blodgett, daughter of the late Albert and Virdia L. James Hatcher, she attended the Normal School (Southeast Missouri State University) in Cape Girardeau and was a teacher in a one-room school for many years.

She served in many capacities at the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee, where she was a member for 79 years. In addition to serving with the Administrative Board and being a Sunday school teacher, she served in the Women's Division and was district vice president of the Women's Society of Christian Service (now United Methodist Women). Also a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, she gave many hours of volunteer service to various hospitals, the nutrition center, county blood pressure clinics and worked in the RSVP Thrift Shop. She was a charter member of the Golden Agers Senior Club, where she also served as treasurer for many years.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Donald "Betty" Rowland of Columbia; four grandchildren, Wren Roark and Robin Jones of Columbia, Rich Rowland of Joliet, Ill., and Randy Rowland of Seattle, Wash.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee with the Rev. Vyron Yount, officiating.

Burial will follow in Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.

Paid obituary