Teresa "Terry" Kay Montgomery

Teresa “Terry” Kay Montgomery, age 70, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 14,2026. She was born on December 1, 1955, in Scottsburg, Indiana, to Alan and Phyllis Morgan.

Terry graduated from Austin High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Gary Montgomery, who attended rival Scottsburg High School. They were married on August 5, 1978, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

She pursued her passion for education, earning her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Ball State College in Muncie, Indiana and later, earning her a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University. Terry devoted thirty years to teaching before retiring in 2011. She spent her career as an elementary teacher and concluded her calling as a librarian in the Milan C-2 School District in Milan, Missouri.

Terry was a true master of her craft. She had a deep love and unwavering devotion to teaching and was a mentor to fellow educators throughout her district. She had a special gift for making every student feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Many students came to her not only for learning, but also for comfort, guidance, and prayer during difficult times.

She created meaningful and creative learning experiences, including a beloved school “coffee shop,” where students earned the opportunity to participate each week. There, they learned etiquette, teamwork, reading skills, and how to engage with others—an experience treasured by all who took part. She also hosted special tea parties for her students, leaving lasting impressions on their hearts. Her intentional, hands-on approach helped countless students thrive, and she was deeply loved by all. One student even wrote a heartfelt tribute describing how Terry changed the trajectory of his life.

Terry had a special love for the Hispanic community and invested time in learning and embracing their traditions. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond the classroom and into her home. The Montgomery household was a place of refuge—where family, friends, and those in need found safety, warmth, and belonging. It was a gathering place not only for her daughters’ friends, but also for her adult children and grandchildren to return to time and time again.

She was a fun, intentional, present, insightful, and witty woman who found great joy in giving thoughtful gifts to those she loved. Terry was a faithful member of Hope Church in Springfield, Missouri, where she was actively involved in a life group that deeply impacted her life and the lives of others.

Terry cherished traveling with her husband and family. Some of her favorite destinations included the beach, Ireland, Greece, an Alaskan cruise, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Mackinac Island. A particularly meaningful journey was traveling to Ethiopia with her daughter for the adoption of her grandson.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Montgomery; two daughters, Alisa Johnson (Mark) and Morgan Willemsen (Josh); two brothers, Phillip Morgan (Sandra) and Russell Morgan (Debbie); and her cherished grandchildren, Lucas Johnson, Drew Johnson, Garrett Johnson, Gabriel Willemsen, and Judah Willemsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alan and Phyllis Morgan, and her sister, Lisa Wasson.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home in Ozark, Missouri, with Dan Kurt officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Selmore Cemetery in Ozark, Missouri.

Terry’s legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to others will live on in the countless lives she touched.