Arizona Montgomery, 91, of Willard, died on October 9, 2024, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 10, 1933, in Salyersville, KY, the daughter of the late Galen and Hazel (Howard) Back.
Arizona grew up in Salyersville, KY, in the early years Arizona lived in various cities, until finally settling in Willard, Ohio, where she made her home and raised her family. She was a 21-year employee of the Vandresser Corporation until their closing and her retirement.
Although she was not affiliated with a church, she faithfully listened to the gospel and hymns on Sunday morning while fixing breakfast.
Arizona often had upwards of 30 family members coming for breakfast on Sunday mornings. She cherished her family and cooked breakfast well into her eighty’s. She liked to garden and tend to her flower beds, pulling weeds was a priority.
Arizona is survived by her loving children, Donald Montgomery of Roper, NC, Carol Hodge of Plymouth, Wendy Montgomery of Shiloh, Lynn (Jamie) Beverly of Willard, K. Sue Montgomery of New Haven and Jeannie Montgomery of Willard; 12 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Mimix, Wanda Craft, Barbara (Gordon) Gillum, Kenneth (Faye) Back and sister-in-law, Lena Back all of Kentucky.
In addition to her parents, Arizona was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Montgomery; son, Benjamin Montgomery; grandson, Alan Beverly; son-in-law, Frank Hodge; brothers, Carthal, Testamon, Neri, Shelby, Walen, Lewis, Adrin Back; sister, Anita Arnett; and special great nephew, Chris Rowe.
Visitation was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Greenwich Funeral Home, 49 W Main Street, Greenwich, OH 44837; where her Funeral Service was held on Sunday, October 13. Burial followed at Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2508 North Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 43615. Eastman Funeral Home, Greenwich is honored to serve the Montgomery Family, online condolences may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.
