Thelma Lucille Montgomery

Thelma Graham Montgomery, 93, of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at The Cedargate Care Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Montgomery was born May 14, 1916 in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the South Poplar Bluff Baptist Church where at one time she was very active and taught Sunday School. Mrs. Montgomery served as the former Registrar of Vital Statistics for Butler County under four different governors, and had retired as a Pediatric Nurse. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge; Missouri Pacific Ladies Auxiliary; and NARVRE (National Assoc. Retired Veteran Railroad Employees). Mrs. Montgomery enjoyed having a vegetable garden and canning, making ceramics, playing music, sewing and quilting.

On Dec. 24, 1933 she married Carl S. Graham in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death in June of 1973. In June of 1974 she married Robert E. Montgomery also in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death in Dec. of 2001.

Survivors include her daughter, Betty (Reid) Karnes and husband Jerry of Poplar Bluff; a grandson, Robert Reid and wife Cori of Poplar Bluff; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

Her parents, Rufus and Elizabeth Groves preceded Mrs. Montgomery in death.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Keith Luke officiating.