RONALD L. “RON”, 81,
AND
MARLENE B. MONTGOMERY, 78
MANHATTAN
Ronald L. “Ron” Montgomery, 81, and Marlene B. (Mattas) Montgomery, 78, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Marlene passed Thursday, April 7, 2016 in Topeka, KS. Ron passed Monday, April 11, 2016 in Topeka.
Ron was born February 21, 1935 in Anthony, KS to James E. Montgomery and Mary P. (Oliver) Montgomery. Marlene was born January 3, 1938 in Ellsworth, KS to Albert C. Mattas, Jr. and Marie A. (Jiricek) Mattas. Ron spent his early years in Hutchinson, KS and Marlene grew up on a farm near Black Wolf, KS. Ron’s family moved to Ellsworth in 1947 when Ron’s parents bought F&M Drug.
Ron and Marlene had their first date on April Fools Day. They met for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Salina.
Ron and Marlene were married October 24, 1964 in Wilson, KS. They were longtime residents of Ellsworth where they were owners of F&M Healthmart. Ron was a pharmacist having received his degree from the University of Kansas. Marlene was the office manager taking care of all of the administrative duties at the pharmacy. She received her degree from Kansas State University. They were members of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth where Ron was also involved with the Knights of Columbus and Marlene was actively involved in numerous church committees. In the last few years, they had moved to Manhattan, KS where they were active in the St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Ron and Marlene enjoyed traveling around the US and the world and going on adventures together. They traveled to Germany to meet their newborn grandson in 2000, and visited Mom’s ancestry country of Czechoslovakia. Their favorite trip was their trip to Rome where they visited the Vatican. Always very active and involved, they devoted their time to Catholic organizations.
Ron and Marlene are survived by their daughter, Kris Bethea and husband John Connett of Topeka; son, Drew Montgomery and wife Linda of Pearland, TX; grandson, Kevin Loric Bethea of Topeka; and Ron’s brother, Jim Montgomery and wife Helena of Daytona Beach, FL. They were both preceded in death by their parents.
Visitation: 1-7 p.m., Friday, April 15, 2016 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Vigil/Rosary service: 7:00 p.m., Friday following visitation at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth. Burial will follow in the Wilson Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Adoption Services, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439 or at by clicking here.
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