Helen Montgomery

Helen M. Montgomery, 88, of Danville, passed away at 9:45pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Provena USMC in Danville. She was born on March 7, 1921, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Glenn Mitchell and Elsie Leona (Abrams) Baughman. Helen graduated from Topeka High School in 1940, and during WW II, served as a Lieutenant Officer in the American Womens Volunteer Services (A.W.V.S.). In 1949, Helen graduated from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, IL, and futhered her studies with the Child Evangelism Institute in California. She also studied at the Chicago School of Nursing, IBM Computer School, and graduated in 1976 with a B.A. in Art Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Helen was married to Mr. William Ray Montgomery Sr. until his passing on December 2, 1989. Survivors include one son, Raymond Scott Montgomery of Claypool, AZ, her niece, Janelle Kay (Ben) Nobles of Danville, 3 grandsons, Kyle Baca Montgomery, William Joseph Montgomery, and Dustin Russell Montgomery, all of Williamstown, Ohio. One Step-son, William Ray Bill Montgomery Jr. of Sun Lakes, AZ, 2 step-daughters, Marie (Don) Taylor of Snowflake, AZ, and Louella Bradshaw of Mesa, AZ. Helen is also survived by her 2 other nieces, Haylene Baughman, Nancy Agnew, and her 3 nephews, Jeffery Baughman, Matthew Baughman, and Charles Baughman. Her parents, and her adopted son, James Darrell, which was tragically killed in November 1998, precede Helen in death. Helen worked for Moody Monthly Magazine and the Prison and Iron Curtain Ministries at MBI before becoming a Counselor and an Assistant Registrar of Computer Services at Grand Canyon University. She taught school in Kentucky, Arizona, and Pennsylvania and was always active in civic and community affairs. She became a coordinator and speaker for all of President Nixons Campaigns, this resulting in a 35-year friendship with former President and First Lady, Pat and Richard Nixon. Helen became a frequent speaker at schools and clubs and wrote many political news articles such as People In Time, Something To Think About, and A Journey Of A War President. Her recent book Partners in Crisis: the untold story of Pat and Richard Nixon was published in 2003. She was a member of the Ridgeview Baptist Church in Danville, were she was past president of American Baptist Ministries from 1994-1995, Chairman of Primetimers Senior Adults, Mission Circle Leader, and many other church activities. In 1997, Helen received the Uncle Joe Cannon award at the Danville Civic Center for outstanding contribution and dedicated service by the Vermilion County Republican Central Committee. A Celebration of Helens Life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, June 22, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville with Pastor Mark Keyser officiating. Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband Ray at Phoenix Memorial Park in Phoenix, AZ on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:00am. Visitation will be from 4pm-7pm on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Helens name to the Ridgeview Baptist Church. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.