Retired teacher Doris Montgomery, Joplin, killed in tornado

(The following obituary is taken from the Parker Mortuary website.)

Doris Marie Menhusen Montgomery, age 83 of Joplin, passed away at her residence from injuries sustained in the tornado on Sunday, May 22, 2011. Born April 22, 1928 in Glen Elder, Kan., she was the daughter of the late Harold Finley and Doris Mae Shane Finley and graduated from high school in Glen Elder. She attended Kansas State University, from which she received her teaching certification. Marie was a teacher in Kansas for several years. She lived in Joplin for 20 years, before moving to be near her children in Tonganoxie for 13 years. She returned to live in Joplin with her local children two years ago. She attended Christ’s Community United Methodist Church. Her first husband, Gordon Menhusen, to whom she was married for 48 years, preceded her in death.


Her second husband, Richard Montgomery, also preceded her in death.

Survivors include three daughters, Jeanie Morris and Cathy Menhusen, both of Joplin, Debbie Gravatt and husband Bob of Tonganoxie, Kan.; one son, Gary Menhusen and wife Patricia of Tonganoxie; step-children, Dick and Pat Montgomery of Kansas City, Missouri, Bill and Pat Montgomery of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Judy Forbach of Lawrence, Kansas; one brother, Vernon Finley and wife Mary of Hiawatha, Kan.; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. Memorial services are pending.

Memorial contributions are requested to help re-establish Jeanie and Cathy’s life, care of Doris Marie Menhusen Montgomery, P.O. Box 219, Tonganoxie, Kansas 66086-0219.