Patricia Ruth Montgomery, 86, died quietly in her Merced home of natural causes on February 13, 2018. Born in Modesto on October 13, 1931, Pat was the youngest of three children of Charles and Mamie Brewer. She grew up in Oakdale and graduated from Oakdale Joint Union High School. Shortly after graduation, she married Frederick “Beeb” Montgomery of Knights Ferry. She was preceded in death by her two children, William “Bub” Montgomery and Barney Montgomery.
Pat moved to Merced during the mid-60s. After working for several years for Farmer’s Insurance, she was hired as dispatcher for the Merced County Fire Department, where she remained until her retirement. A country girl at heart, Pat was interested in local history. She liked to go antiquing, driving to Sonora, Jamestown and other places in search of the antique furniture and clocks that reminded her of the Old West she loved so well. She also enjoyed working in her garden – an interest she maintained until the last year or so.
Pat’s family was very important to her. She remained in close contact with many of her relatives throughout her life, and would occasionally travel great distances to see them. They were often in her thoughts. Those who knew her best will remember her as a generous, fun-loving woman who showed great courage and strength in her life. Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Selby Zane Brewer, and her sister, Doris Vernelle Perrigan. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Karen Montgomery of Merced; her niece, Coby Poslaniec of Modesto; her nephew, Bruce Brewer of Oakdale; her nephew Dana Perrigan of San Francisco, and many loving cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at the First Southern Baptist Church, 7264 Myrtle Avenue, Winton, CA. Reception to follow.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
March 7, 2018