Paula Marie Montgomery

Paula Marie Montgomery, 68, of Covington, OH, passed away at 11 p.m. on April 5, 2023 at Hospice of Miami County after a fierce fight against Lewy Body Dementia, robbing her physical body but not her mind or spirit. She was born on April 6, 1954, in Detroit, MI, to the late Helen (Mosley) and John Asher.

Paula married John Montgomery on September 10, 1978, and they share five children together. Amy (Brent) Welborn of Covington, OH; Peter (Mindy) Montgomery of Ludlow Falls, OH; Katie (Isaac) Rentz of Los Angeles, CA; Sarah Beth (Ryan) McNeill of Ardmore, OK, A.J. (Natalie) Montgomery of Troy, OH; their grandchildren Bennett, Eve, Johanna, Kent, Lucy, Mosley, Ruth, and Theodore Welborn; Mitchell, Hudson (whom she shares a birthday with), Sienna, and Sutton Montgomery; Otis and Margot McNeill; Emma and Isabel Montgomery; and Maggie, the grand-pup.

She is survived by her siblings, Rose (Tracy) McMaken, James (Connie) Asher, and Mary Beth (Rick) Canan, and by her in-laws, Jerri (John) Ostergren, James (the late Jody) Montgomery and Jody Liddy, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, other relatives and many friends. She leaves behind a family that were friends and friends that were family.

Paula graduated from Covington High School, class of 1972. She shared an unbreakable bond with her friends; their slumber parties continued through their retirements. After high school, she stayed home to raise her children.

Paula then began her career in Child Nutrition as Food Service Supervisor at her Alma Mater, Covington High School. Later, while working at Bradford Schools, she opened her heart and home to Natashua (Stonerock) Benedict, raising her as her own. She retired from Fairborn City Schools after countless state and national awards. Serving and advocating for healthy meals for children was Paula’s passion. She loved her title “Lunch Lady”.

During her battle against Lewy Body Dementia, friends and family visited, and people from all over the country sent her letters, cards, and pictures. Paula’s family is forever grateful for the care she received from Esther Mwaura at home, her special hospice nurse Kyle Lavy, and the countless providers at Miami County Hospice.

She loved Jesus, people and really loved life. Paula may leave a void but, more importantly, she leaves a legacy. “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”- Nehemiah 8:10.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Covington Christian Church, 115 N Pearl St, Covington, OH. Friends may visit from 10 am-noon, and a Funeral service will follow. The family invites family and friends to join them for Paula’s Celebration of Life immediately following at the Covington High School Commons.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Miami County or Covington Outreach Association’s Paula M. Montgomery Food For Kids. Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.