Uthal Lillian Montgomery

BURLEY – Uthal Lillian Montgomery, age 92, of Burley, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at her home.

Uthal was born on July 2, 1921, in Williamstown, Ky., the daughter of Luther Manley and Margarite Beatrice Bennett Phillips. She married Robert Earl Montgomery on Dec. 6, 1939. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Utah LDS Temple.

They resided in Yost, Utah, where they herded sheep, farmed, and milked cows for many years. Uthal was handy in all phases of farming, raising animals, milking, and all duties of a farmer and rancher’s wife. She kept a neat and tidy home and was a good cook. They helped raise and nurture many of their nieces and nephews and other youngsters who needed someone. Uthal made their visits at her home very enjoyable as she read to them, played games with them, and taught them to help out around the house and farm. She always made “special” treats and treated the children as if they were special.

The farm in Yost was sold and they moved to Clearfield, Utah, where Uthal worked for the Bank of Utah located at the five points in Ogden and later transferred to the Brigham City branch when they moved to Corinne. She became expert in banking and worked as a teller for many years. After Earl passed away in 1987, she went to work for the U.S. Forest Service in Burley. She loved this job and met and made many friends. She served for more than ten years as a senior companion to many of the older residents in the Burley area and had just recently retired when her health started to decline.

Again, her love of children attracted the young sisters from across the street at her Burley home. Holly and Heidi Jones found a “grandma” who loved their visits. Nate and McCray Mort also became part of Uthal’s family. She loved them all and they loved and served her well – along with their parents and the other neighbors on Uthal’s block. They, combined with her church family, became her support group. The family acknowledges and expresses sincere appreciation for the acts of kindness and Christ-like service given to Uthal.

Uthal was an active member of the LDS Church and enjoyed serving in the Relief Society and loved the opportunity to attend the temple.

She is survived by four sisters-in-law, Olive Phillips, Lois Phillips, Brenda Phillips, and Valene Thompson; and by many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and family who will miss her very much.

In addition to her husband, Earl, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Gaylord Phillips, Marion “Bill” Phillips, and Morris “Glen” Phillips; and one sister, Anna Taylor.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Burley LDS 2nd and 4th Ward Church, 515 E. 16th St., in Burley. Burial will be in the Yost Cemetery in Yost, Utah.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.