Elizabeth Claire Montague

RUPERT - Elizabeth Claire Montague, passed away at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho on Monday, May 8, 2017. She was born in Provo, Utah to Quinten Blair Montague II and Terry Bohle Montague on July 14, 1979.

She graduated from Minico High School, the College of Southern Idaho, and Idaho State University.

Her adventuresome spirit led her into a wide variety of places and situations; managing football teams, orienteering in the Tetons, and performances in theater and music. As well, Elizabeth was a published cartoonist and an award-winning sculptor.

With degrees in software engineering and an international teaching certificate, she sought wider horizons, eventually finding a home in mainland China. She taught English on every grade level, the ACT and SAT preparation classes, and administered those tests. During that time, she made many treasured friendships with people from all over the globe.

On a spring day, Elizabeth was on a city bus when a tall, good-looking university student sat down next to her. He was to become her husband and two beautiful, brown-eyed daughters were born to them.

Back home, she received her cancer diagnosis with up-beat determination, encouraging others and offering advice from her own experiences. Elizabeth’s stubbornness allowed her to outlive her prognosis by several years.

She is survived by her parents, Quinn and Terry Montague of Rupert, Idaho; her beloved husband, Chen Qi Liang (Jack) of Wuxi, P.R. China; and her children, Gracie and Jane Chen of Rupert. She is also survived by her grandparents, Richard and Paula Jensen Bohle of Rupert; and Jack’s mother, father, and sister, of the Jiangsu Province. She leaves behind her dear friend, Vicky Purvis of Christ Church, New Zealand; special cousin, Serena Henscheid of Rupert; and her therapy cat, Moxie.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her grandparents, Quinten Blair Montague and Lova Abbott Montague Abbott; and a dear brother-in-law. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gladly served in many capacities.

The family wishes to thank the communities of St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center and the Mountain States Tumor Institute who were so kind to Elizabeth during her last difficult years. Also of note are family members and friends, locally and internationally, who supported Elizabeth and her family.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 12, at the Rupert Cemetery, 450 N. Meridian, with Bishop Mike Child officiating.

Elizabeth was a dedicated volunteer with a local feline rescue organization and asked, in lieu of flowers, donations be made at www.magicatsrescue.org