Ruth Montague, age 106, died peacefully Friday, October 12, 2018, at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Hiawatha.

Ruth was born June 26, 1912, on the family farm south of Hiawatha, near Willis, KS, to the late Truman Agustus and Nora Norton Jacques, the fifth of nine children.  Ruth attended grades 1 through 8 at Temple School, located on their farm, on the land donated by her father for the school.  Ruth then attended Willis High School, where she graduated in 1930, and been the oldest alumni the past several years.  She had lived in the Hiawatha area all of her life.

Ruth met Orville Montague in 1933 at the Claytonville Ladies Aid ice cream social at Kale’s Park, just a couple of miles NW of the farm.  They were married April 21, 1935, in the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hiawatha, which later became Bethany United Church of Christ.

Ruth was a homemaker until the last child was in fifth grade, whereupon she worked at Hohnbaum Bakery for two years and then Don Winter State Farm Insurance for 17 years.  She retired on January 1, 1976.  She and Orville enjoyed many years of bowling locally and in state tournaments as well as traveling with their camper and fishing at many lakes in Kansas and Missouri.  She also enjoyed several years each as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout Brownie Leader.  Orville, or “Monte” died March 21, 1994.

She was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ, Bethany Women’s Guild, and the Quilters Club.  Ruth enjoyed many years as a member of the Rebekah Lodge, KK Club, BPW (Business and Professional Women), the Birthday Club, and delivering Meals on Wheels.  She also attended Senior Center luncheons and had much fun playing cards with her friends on into the afternoon.

Ruth was the last of her generation in both the Jacques and Montague families. Her siblings were Vivian Olson, Berniece Shearer, Russell Jacques, Truman Jacques, Genevieve Cheek, Dorothy Brook, Donald Jacques and Roland Jacques.

Survivors include her three sons:  Paul (Kathy) of Kansas City, KS, Jay of Seattle, WA, Mike (Patty) of Olathe, KS; five grandchildren:  Kelly (Dave) Burns of Kansas City, MO, Anthony (Astri) Montague of Cassville, MO, Kirsten Ulmer of Excelsior Springs, MO, Brett Montague of Desoto, KS, Alyssa Montague (Sonny Morrison) of Rockledge, FL; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; with nieces and nephews to numerous to count.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, October 20, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Friday.  The family will meet friends one hour prior to services at the Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethany Church Memorial Fund or NEK Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com