Kent Montgomery, Rosebud County rancher, passed away May 7, 2014 at the age of 83. He was born September 4, 1930 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, the middle son of Monty and Aileen Montgomery. He attended grade school in Pine Ridge, junior high in Lame Deer, and graduated from Colstrip High School in 1948. He played quarterback on the State Champion six man football team.
He married Marjorie McRae November 2, 1949 at McRae Ranch on the Rosebud Creek. They began married life at Porcupine, South Dakota working for John Glover. In March of 1956 they purchased the Draper Place on Horse Creek, north of the Yellowstone River at Rosebud and began ranching.
He served on both Cartersville and Rosebud school boards, and as manager of the Forsyth Horse Show. He was past President of Range Riders Museum and a member of Grace Bible Church.
Because Kent was an entrepreneur and an excellent manager, he took small holdings and turned them into a successful ranch. He was a good dad and mentor to many. Kent lived life fully and had few regrets. He loved his wife, good horses, ranching, and babies.
He is survived by his wife Marj, and two brothers, Lynn and Scott Montgomery. His children: Heather Polich (Don), Kirk Montgomery (Teresa), Molly Cypher (Jere), Jill Mackley (Kirk), Zane Montgomery (Lynda), Leta Calvin (Vinny). His grandchildren: Sarah Polich, Rachel Hull, Matt Polich, Keeley Montgomery, Mia Mintz, Sierra Undine, Kyle Cypher, Garrett Cypher, Meredith Cypher, Lana Guzman, Mara Mackley, Ailee Montgomery, Jade Montgomery, Madeline Montgomery, Mora Schiffer, Savannah Calvin. His great grandchildren: Christian Parr, Lane Parr, Courtney Arneson, Cameron Bethke, Joby Montgomery, Kami Montgomery, Rilke Undine, Isabel Schiffer and Tyson Kent Schiffer. His great-great grandchildren: Gabriel and Kendall Montgomery. Kent is preceded in death by daughter Gwenn and granddaughter Bethany Mackley.
Visitation will be Monday, May 12, from 10:00 to 6:00 PM with Family to Receive Friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 13 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons of Forsyth. Interment will follow services in the Forsyth Cemetery. Luncheon reception following the services will be held at Haugo Center in Forsyth. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday May 12, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59347
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday May 12, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Tuesday May 13, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following Services
Tuesday May 13, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday May 12, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59347
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday May 12, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Tuesday May 13, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following Services
Tuesday May 13, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Helen Johnsen Holtz says
I am sorry to see you’ve lost your husband and father. Its never easy, but he will rest in peace. Remember him with smiles.
LeeAnn & Clyde Lees says
Kent was a great guy and neighbor. We are so sorry for your loss.
TJ Cape says
Molly, Jill, Marge, and all the rest of the family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May Kent rest in peace. My prayers are with you all.
Marlene Rule says
Sorry to read about Kent, I remember he, John Harstad and Chet Larsen all helped me in the cutting in High School Rodeo’s. Don’t know who had more fun than those three. Good ole memories. Marlene Newman Rule
Allen and Karen Barnes says
To All of Kent’s family Please accept out deepest sympathy in the loss of Kent. He was truly a good man – always caring about everyone around him – may your memories give you comfort at this time.
Diana Robinette says
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Montgomery family. God Bless and may the Lord be with you all during this time and after.
Dave Lloyd says
Sorry to hear of Kent’s passing. Marge and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed visiting with him.
Regards,
Dave and Donna Lloyd
Cindy Lebie says
Montgomery family so sorry for your loss. Kent holds a special place in my heart. He spent hours trying to teach me to water ski. He was so patient with me. Keep your hearts filled with all your wonderful memories to help you through the years ahead.
Jack and Carol says
We just heard about Kent. Jack said he was so glad they’d had a good visit not too long ago.
Prayers for the family.
Debbie Anderson says
It feels like a patriarch of our church family has left us. I will miss seeing him at church, hearing him say good morning. He will be missed by so many, but we know where he is & I believe he is there waiting for us all; wishing we were all with him. He is in a most beautiful place, more so that we are here. God bless you all and comfort you while you remember all the wonderful memories you have of Kent. He is always here with you in your hearts & he is waiting patiently for everyone to join him in a beautiful paradise. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Claudia Mitzkus Gross says
Just a good old “horse friend”. Always had a smile and time to visit. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends. Claudia Mitzkus gross
Curtis Terrett says
So sorry to hear of Kent’s passing.
Claira and Ron Bromley says
Marge, Kirk, and girls, Ron and I are so sorry to hear about Kent, we have such good memories, dating back for years, Hell Creek, Cowbell dances, buying horses for my kids, visiting at class reunions,
The list goes on and on. He raised a wonderful family and had one of the biggest hearts, we love you all, and our prayers are with you now. May your memories help you through this time. He is back walking and riding his horses without pain. God bless you all,
Ron and Claira Bromley
Mara Mackley says
I cried when you passed away. I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn’t make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best. I love you Grandpa!!!
Laura & Allen Wetherelt says
Dear Marge and family,
We are saddened by your loss, but we know that the future holds the promise of a reunion. We are so glad to have had the opportunity to know such a wonderful person! May the Comforter and Healer bring you peace in this difficult time.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Marge and all your wonderful family–that word wonderful happens when you have someone like Kent leading the way. He will be remembered and remembered with love and friendship. Our thoughts are with you!
Dann and Pat Sharp says
We were very sad today to hear of Kent’s passing but know that his rewards in heaven will be many because of the way he loved the Lord and loved others. We are so honored to have known him and to have spend a little time with him. Whenever we think of our family in Montana it has always been Kent and Margie. We love you Margie and your family and although we will not be able to be with you during this time we will be praying for strength and peace for you that only God can provide. We will try to get up north to see you soon and share some precious time with you.
Travis and Becky Willson says
Kent holds a special place in our families heart., so much so that many years ago we chose him and Marge to be one of daughters god parents. They both did a wonderful job in e erything that they did in life and in faith. We will never forget one time Travis was having a rough time with one of the girls and Kent gave him some advice that we repeat often. He said if their belly’s full and their shorts are clean they should sleep. How true that is.Our girls love grampa Kent and Marge!
Nancy Pasha says
An old time cowboy, has ridden away
To meet his Heavenly Father, this very day.
Boots, left on the floor
Hat hung by the door
Horse in the corral with his head hung low
The old cowboy said, “It is time to go”.
Cry not for me, but recall memories made
I sit with the Lord, on a hill in the shade
I will watch over you each day
And listen to you each night as you pray
Marge, I am so sorry for your loss and I know your pain. God was good to us when he gave us such good men to share our lives with. I pray for you and your family.
Jonnie K. Gilbert Taylor says
I am so sorry for your loss. Kent was an amazing man and will be sadly missed.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
Marge and Family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved Kent.
May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. My late Father (who by the way was an excellent judge of character) spoke very highly of Kent, and treasured his perspective on things. He
truly enjoyed the time the two of them spent serving on the Board of Directors at the Range Riders’ Museum. Kent will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Rosebud/ Forsyth communities. May you find comfort and strength in the love and support from those around you now and in the days ahead.
Forest Plympton says
Kent is one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. His kind and gentle nature couldn’t be matched. He was a great friend and probably the best role models I’ve ever had. His strength, courage, commitment and love to doing what is right will never be forgotten by those who knew him. Kent was all class. I am a better person for having known him. His faith for Christ I know has put him in the loving hands of our heavenly father. Thanks for everything old timer. Your legacy will never be forgotten by me.
pam patterson says
Marge and family, So sorry to hear of Kents passing. I will always remember his smiling face. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kinder Willson says
It’s with a very heavy heart that I send my condolences. Kent was a great man that will be missed by many!! He was very special to us girls and we always called him Grampa Kent. Whenever I come to Rosebud and I would see him he always smiled that great big grin and would say “Ol Kinder Joy” His memories will live on in our hearts forever. My deepest sympathy to the entire Montgomery family.
Rest in Peace Grampa Kent
Love Kinder Joy
Monty and Sheila Haselhuhn says
Another member of a truly inspirational family has come to the end of the trail here on earth. He’ll always be Grampa Kent to our daughter. He told a good story, had a kind heart, and always had a smile! His warmth and friendliness will certainly be missed!
MIke & Lynn Blakesley says
Lynn and I are so sorry for your loss. Kent was one of my favorite customers at Valley Auto — always in a good mood even when things weren’t going quite right. I still remember when I was first starting to work on the parts counter, he was one of my first customers and was very patient with me while I “bumbled” my way through a catalog to find a couple of oddball bearings for him. In the last few months he was working, he would call us and have us bring his parts out the side door. We always joked that Kent was our only “drive-up window” customer! He was a wonderful guy and will certainly be missed.
Susan says
A lot of Memories went thru my mind when I heard the news. My first thought was there is a Happy Reunion in Heaven today. I talked to Kent on the phone a couple times in the last few months. Once was when they were having a reunion of old football players at the motel in Colstrip, and I gave directions to your place and Kent called to make sure they were there. Then I called as there was someone looking for Elmer and I knew I could call Kent and he would help. May God be with you..
Clenora and Gary Quinlan says
It shows in every corner of Rosebud County of how this man was loved by every one.
And how he loved his family and friends. Those of us who had Kent in our lives were truely blessed. We share your pain and sorrow, he is in Heaven still shareing that big Kent smile with all of those gone before him.
Nancy McKay Hagen says
Marne & family,
My heart hurts with yours . Just under a year ago what a wonderful visit we had. I will treasure the memories I have of time spent together. I know kent is at peace. And in a far more beautiful place than we can imagine. I will hold all of you in my heart and in my prayers. I hope to visit soon
John and Sharon Pachl says
Our heartfelt condolences at this time of loss. May Christ’s peace and love be with you.
Penny Teeters says
One of the best cowboys I have ever known. Sold me my first horse and he was a good one. Kent I hope the cows are nice and fat and not a cold back horse in the bunch in gods country.
Ron and Sally Mans says
We are so sorry to hear about kent’s passing. Please accept out deepest condolences. He will be truly missed. Island also sends her thoughts and prayers.
It’s comforting to know that Kent is now resting in the arms of our Lord.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Sorry for your loss! Kent had such an impact on so many lives. I am so glad to have known him.
Helen Johnson says
Your family has been such a good part of my life in Rosebud. I loved it when I stopped by and Kent was there for a quick visit or story. I was sorry to hear he was gone but I know he was in so much pain. He sure did start something when he married little Marj and built such a wonderful life with her. God bless his soul. RIP, Kent.
Morla Cole Rice says
So sorry to learn of Kent moving on to greener pastures. His leaving darkened our world but sure lit up the sky of heaven. Dad (Morris) always enjoyed Kent and trusted his opinion and ideas during their years of “Horse Show”. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Kent’s family …. he was one of a kind and loved by many. Good friends like Kent are hard to come by and a golden treasure to hold deep in our hearts. God bless you all.
Brady Berdahl says
I never saw Kent without a smile on his face. It was a pleasure growing up with some of Kent’s family who are a direct reflection of the character of this man. Prayers going out to the loved ones. He will be missed…
Floyd Huckins says
Marj & family,
My thoughts are with you all- our loss is Heaven’s gain. Kent is right there with my Dad on the list of people who had the greatest positive impact in my life. I have passed many things he taught me on to my son and daughter. How many times did we hear “old Glover used to say….”
Well, mine starts….”as Kent Montgomery used to say…..” I’ll never forget Kent or the caliber of man he was.
Floyd Huckins
Mary Ann Bailey Lammers says
Although I have been gone from the Rosebud for many years, I still think about those who were part of my childhood. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time.
Mike Ferguson says
Sorry to here about the loss of Kent .He always was a great family friend.and the Montgomery family always will be.
Jack & Julia Ferguson says
To the Montgomery family sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at this time
Diane Welbes says
So sorry for your loss–He is with Our Lord now, and what a great place to be. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Sable says
How I enjoyed visiting with Kent; his easy going manner and matter-of-fact way of living life always left me feeling at peace with the world. I pray that all of your memories and that peaceful smile of his is your comfort during the weeks to come. Praise the Lord!
Joe and Pam Ash says
We are thinking of you and sending prayers and best wishes to Kent’s family. God bless.
WALT LLOYD says
I HAVE KNOWN AND REPECTED KENT ALL OF MY LIFE AND ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM ESPECIALLY SINCE MOVING TO NORTH DAKOTA. WE KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED ALWAYS BUT DRAW ON THE GOOD TIMES AND GOOD MEMORIES AND GOD WILL BLESS YOU.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Marj and family…we were blessed to have known Kent…his smile, good humor and positive attitude were infectious and a pleasure to be around…he has left a legacy of love and honor for his family and friends…God Bless you all…
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
Marj and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mel and Sue Raatz says
Kirk and Jill,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Dick &Dana Cunningham says
Our thoughts are with you at this time. We are all better people for having Kent as a friend and role model. He really seemed to enjoy life and was an inspiration to all who knew him.
jerry and barb mickell says
good by old cowboy:
the long trail of life has not always been an easy one. we hope your final ride finds you in the land of tall grass, fat cows, and good horses.
Penny (Mees) Johnson says
Whenever someone from the “old country” passes, there is always a feeling of emptiness, but then one remembers the Joy to come at our big Reunion with our LORD and Savior in our Heavenly, Eternal Home!
Mary Petro McClarty says
Marge and family – So sorry to hear about Kent. I have so many great memories of the Montgomery family!! My prayers are with you always.
Grace Larson says
I just heard about Kent’s passing . My sympathy to all of Kent’s family and his wife , Marge . Grace Larson
Bob & Lila Nansel says
Marj and family,
So sorry to learn of Kent’s passing. We were blessed to know Kent and come to know why he was held in such esteem by Dad. The legacy he built with you, Marj is truly of the Lord. We often remember him telling of his, “Grab your bonnet!” bidding to you. He will be missed.
Daniel Toohey, My Gramma was a Montgomery. says
Marj, and Molly, from all that I have read about Kent, I wish that I could have had a chance to really get to know him. He sounds a lot like my Grand dad Francis Marian Hendershot, who was married to a Margretta G Montgomery, both being from the state of Missouri, from there they sold their farm at auction, and moved to Jordan Montana, where they homesteaded 320 acres of land. It sounds like Kent and my Grand dad spent their young lives working hard for everything that they or their family had. I just wish that the younger generation had a similar work ethic.
Ken Sievert says
Marge and family:
My sincere condolences for your loss. As you know Kent was my ‘cowboy’ hero when I was a little kid, and he and Lynn would come to Sunday dinner at our place when they were in Bozeman going to school at MSU – if my memory is correct they both were involved with MSU rodeo. He had a high standard of right and wrong then – and I don’t think that it it ever changed. Ken Sievert
Lisa Palazzi (nee Melton) says
I was very sad to read this information. I worked and lived on the Montgomery ranch for just a few months in the mid 1980s when I was working as a co-op trainee for NRCS out of Forsyth. I was privileged to know the Montgomery family. What an amazing loving bunch of people they were. My heart felt condolences. Late but not forgotten.