Nellie Jo Montgomery

Nellie Jo Montgomery, daughter of the late Arbie Allen Boatman and Itha Ida (Hedden) Boatman, was born October 16, 1939, in West Terre Haute, Indiana where she grew up and graduated from Valley High School with the Class of 1958. On October 11, 1959, Nellie was united in marriage to a young man who grew up two blocks from her and whom she had known all of her life…Billy Joe Montgomery. They shared over 51 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Joseph, Gary, and Jonellie. Billy preceded Nellie in death on May 10, 2011. Due to Billy entering the United States Army, Nellie began the life of a military spouse and lived at different duty stations throughout Billy’s career. They were stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Alaksa; Ft. Riley, KS; before coming back to Fort Leonard Wood. After Billy was honorably discharged from the military, the family decided to settle in the Waynesville area and Nellie began working at West Side Market and for Al Lynch as a bus driver for the Waynesville R-VI School District. In her spare time, Nellie enjoyed reading, crocheting, artwork and ceramics. She was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary #49, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Laquey, and the Hanson Chapter of the Eastern Star, which she served as past Worthy Matron three times. Nellie loved spending time with her family and treasured all the times they could spend together. Nellie passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in her home in Waynesville, having attained the age of 85 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Nellie leaves to cherish her memory, three children: Joseph Montgomery, Sr. (Mary) of Dresden, TN, Gary Montgomery (Jamie) of Texarkana, TX, and Jonellie Chavis of Waynesville, MO; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister: Marjorie Ann Trench of Terre Haute, IN; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Nellie was preceded in death by an infant sister, Jean Marie Boatman and two brothers, Gary Earl Boatman and James Paul Boatman. Services were held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. The songs "Amazing Grace", "One Day At a Time", and "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" were played. Private family burial was held in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Nellie Jo Montgomery and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Nellie Jo Montgomery

October 16, 1939 - November 12, 2024