Shirley J. Montgomery, of Saint Charles, MO, peacefully passed away on January 20, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, at the age of 89.
Born in Flat River, Missouri, Shirley was the daughter of the late Jesse and Lillie Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Audean Edwards and Virginia McClanahan, her nephew Bob Edwards (survived by his wife Pam), and her former husband, Charlie Montgomery.
After graduating high school in Flat River, she joined Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator. Following her marriage, she relocated to Saint Charles and continued her career with SBC until her retirement.
Devoted to her faith, Shirley was a long-time member of the First Assembly Church in Saint Peters and their Goodtimers group. She was a loyal baseball fan and enjoyed attending St. Louis Cardinals games with friends and family. Shirley was known for her homemade candies during the Christmas season and expressing her passion for knitting and crocheting in her leisure time. Shirley also found joy in travel, particularly on Church-sponsored trips.
Shirley is survived by her niece, Anita; great nieces, Jessica, Jenny, and Jaimee; her best friend, Janet; several cousins; extended family members; and a wide circle of friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held at a later date, and her final resting place will be at Parkview Cemetery in Farmington, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Assembly Church (Goodtimers Group) in Saint Peters, Missouri https://www.firstassemblychurch.org/give or by mail at 4750 N. Service Rd., Saint Peters, Missouri 63376.