Monty Avon Kemph, Sr., Obituary
At 4:40 PM on Monday, December 21, 2020, Monty Avon Kemph, Sr., passed away from complications due to a COVID-19 infection at St. Vincent Hospital, in Billings, Montana. He was 77 years old.
Monty was born on June 18, 1943, in Provo, Utah. He was the youngest of four children and only surviving son to Avon Leonard Kemph and Mildred Margaret Dernburger. Shortly after his birth, the Kemph family moved to Billings, Montana, and then Miles City, Montana.
Monty attended public and Catholic schools in Miles City, Montana. In February 27, 1962, he entered the United States Army and was stationed in Germany before completing his time of service at Fort Hood, Texas. He achieved the rank of E5 and was honorably discharged on December 28, 1967.
During his time in Germany, Monty married Maria Ulhmann. They had 4 children before divorcing. He married Connie Bickle on July 3, 1977, and they remained married until his death. After their children were grown, they adopted 2 daughters.
Monty was a mechanic and worked for the Billings Airport and other jobs before becoming a working supervisor for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He worked for the railroad in Livingston, Forsyth and Great Falls, Montana.
Monty enjoyed hunting, shooting guns and fixing things. In addition to being a mechanic, he could weld, do electrical and plumbing jobs as well as carpentry and concrete work. He always had a garage full of tools and a list of projects to complete. He had a heart for helping people, and life long love of dogs.
About 1974, Monty was saved in the Church of Christ in Billings, Montana. He faithfully attended several churches during his life including: Grace United Methodist Church in Livingston, First Baptist Church in Forsyth, Westside Baptist Church in Great Falls before joining the Great Falls Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Monty was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, his oldest sister, 3 brothers’-in-law and an adopted daughter.
Monty is survived by his wife of more than 43 years, Connie, of Forsyth, Montana; a sister, Jo Anne Hudson, of Absarokee, Montana; a sister-in-law, Emma Jean Weight, of Rosebud, Montana; a son, Monty A. Kemph, Jr., of Belgrade, Montana; a son, Falk Kemph, of Billings, Montana; daughter and son-in-law, Keri and Jeff Footer of Mount Pleasant, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Trey Lampkin, of El Paso, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Brett Footer, of Abilene, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Glenna and Wayne Krehbiel, of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and John Ward, of Garden Valley, California. He was also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. Monty had extended family and friends throughout Montana.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no funeral or grave side services. Monty will be buried at Sun River Cemetery in Sun River, Montana. Memorials can be sent to the charity of choice. Condolences can be left at stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Mike Freeman says
I only knew Monty a short while but felt like we’d been friends all our lives. A wonderful Christian man who was so easy to get along with and love. He loved his Lord, his wonderful wife, Connie, and his friends. He was a loyal friend who believed it truth, integrity and true Christian values. He is one of the people I really look forward to seeing again when our Lord takes us home to Heaven after the Resurrection.
Lynn Anderson says
Connie,
I am saddened to learn of Monty’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Norma Tom says
We are sorry to hear we have lost one of our classmates to Covid-19. We remember his infectious smile while at Sacred Heart High School and enjoyed visiting Monty at one of our reunions he attended in Miles City. Monty please greet our other classmates who have gone before us. Till we meet again. Norma Dyba Tom, Edla Billing McKerlick and the rest of the SHHS class of 1961.
Cathy Byron says
Connie –
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Monty. I was so looking forward to sharing some of the Garfield County history collections that would have held memories of his ancestors. Another example of waiting too long. Please call if there is anything I can do for you during the days, weeks, months ahead. My heart is aching for you, but it is a comfort to know your faith will sustain you.
Berl Stallard says
I am 2 days older than Monty. I knew him from Sacred Heart High School.
Richard Deines says
My sympathy’s to the Kemp Family- I still reflect on the memories of the early 70″s when I first met Monty and the friendship that developed, and the interactions we shared during our “early” years.
Rest in Peace Monty.
Dick Deines
Rick Scheidt says
Connie,
I am so sorry to hear about Monty. I so enjoyed talking to both of you while taking care of your yard. My prayers are with you. 🙏
Sandy Pearcy says
Connie, I am so sorry to hear about Monty’s passing. You and Monty were definately a match made in Heaven some 44 years ago! So glad that Merrill and I were a pary of that! May God Bless!
Shorty & Judy Brush says
I grew up with Monty in Miles City had a lot of fun at Grants pool hall a lot of good memories you will be missed dearly prayers go out to the family of Monty
Scott and Sally Hinderager says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Connie.
cheryl wiley says
With deepest sympathies
Thoughts and prayers are sent your way
Casey and Cheryl Wiley
Richard and Denise Ewing says
Connie and Cassie, we are saddened to hear of Monty”s passing. Your family was such a support and blessing to our family when we got to know you at Vaughn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs to you and the rest of your family!
Ann Kapernick says
I knew Monty through mutual friends in high school. I smiled at the mention of his love of dogs. One day he showed up at my house with a puppy which my mom promptly made me give back! I remember Monty as a sweet, fun person and am so glad that he had such a loving family. My sincere sympathy to all of you…
James Moore says
Glenna, Cindy, Keri, Carol, Cassie, and Connie,
I was so blessed to have known Monty. I was Associate Pastor during his time at Westside Baptist Church. Monty was a true friend, the kind who would do for you what you needed done if he could do it. Even if that meant raising money for buying a car. Monty and Connie were a couple and it will be difficult to think them as apart from each other. Joyce, our kids and I were blessed to have been part of your lives. It is so awesome to think that Monty graduated to his final resting place with the Lord Jesus.
Sue Smith says
Dear Connie and family,
Al and I were so saddened to read of Monte’s passing. Even though we only met you a few times, many things both of you said stuck with us! Living in your house in Vaughn we see your touches everywhere! We have frequently commented that Monte would have enjoyed a beautiful sunrise, or seeing some deer run across the field! He told Al that the first time he (Al) would watch the sun rise through our window looking east he would fall in love with this house! And we do love living here. Our view isn’t quite as spectacular now as the water district built a garage over there that blocks some of it, but the sunrises are still spectacular! We think of you when we see the kids handprints in the cement, and the marks on the garage door frame for their growth over the years. We can still feel the love in this house!
Take care of yourself, and stay well.
With sincere sympathy,
Al and Sue Smith
Sue Smith says
Dear Connie and family,
Al and I were so saddened to read of Monty’s passing. Even though we only met you a few times, many things both of you said stuck with us! Living in your house in Vaughn we see your touches everywhere! We have frequently commented that Monte would have enjoyed a beautiful sunrise, or seeing some deer run across the field! He told Al that the first time he (Al) would watch the sun rise through our window looking east he would fall in love with this house! And we do love living here. Our view isn’t quite as spectacular now as the water district built a garage over there that blocks some of it, but the sunrises are still spectacular! We think of you when we see the kids handprints in the cement, and the marks on the garage door frame for their growth over the years. We can still feel the love in this house!
Take care of yourself, and stay well.
With sincere sympathy,
Al and Sue Smith
Glen and Susan kelly says
Connie,Sorry for loss of Monty.We put a lot of miles on when we were kids I lived right around the corner from him.Never thought he would turn into a God fearing man but he did and it was real.Connie very few men love there wife as much as Monty loved you.My whole enjoyed Talking to Monty what few times we got together over the years.He came to many funerals in my family.I always enjoyed seeing him.Susan and I enjoyed the lunch with the both of you when we meet you for the first in Greatfalls.The gates of heaven were open for Monty we all know this.
Falk Kemph says
Thanks Dad… For all that you did. I hope you’re happy and content, and amongst long lost loved ones. Hopefully when she is ready, you and Connie will be together again. Take care; rest in peace and Godspeed….
Love always,
Falk
Les Gapay says
RIP Monty. We were in the same class at Sacred Heart. Saw him at one of the reunions. Condolences to his family.