Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Montgomery, 64, was born on Friday, February 13, 1959, at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Bonny (Brown) Shay and Richard Shay. She lost her battle with cancer on February 16, 2023. She is survived by 2 sons, Christopher Shay of Austin, Texas, and Ryan Montgomery of Manhattan, Kansas. 3 grandsons, Ethan Montgomery of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Liam Shay of Chicago, Illinois, and Elliot Montgomery of Manhattan, Kansas. And, her life partner Craig Bethke of Appleton, Wisconsin, and his family (Warren Bethke of Appleton, Wisconsin, and William and Ashley Bethke of Wausau, Wisconsin)
Kathy spent her childhood living on the North side of Chicago. She attended Catholic schools until the family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. She graduated from Chaparral High School in 1977. She was active in High School sports (Volley Ball and softball) and was a cheerleader.
Soon after High School, she married Gary Montgomery who was in the Air Force. The Air Force necessitated many moves from bases in Nevada, Utah, Georgia and Alaska. The family retired to Manhattan Kansas. Kathy had many jobs through her life. Gas station attendant, car rental, casinos, child care, restaurants and retail at ZCMI, Lane Bryant, American Eagle, Walmart and lastly at Walgreens. Her work opening and managing stores for American Eagle led to her coming to Appleton Wisconsin in 2000 to manage the store in the Fox River Mall.
After 30 years, the marriage to Gary ended, she remained in the Appleton area. She met Craig in September of 2013. They found great happiness together. She made their house a home and was his partner in every way possible. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, travel, sports, being on the water (boating, rafting and canoeing), watching old movies and Christmas. They had many wonderful adventures together. Her cancer was diagnosed February of 2021. After some success, the disease took her February 16, 2023. She had many thanks and appreciation for the care she was giving by her primary doctor, Oncology doctors, nurses and staff at Aurora Bay Care Hospital, Aurora Palliative Care, Lombardi Cancer Center and Aurora Hospice.