Michelle E. Montague

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michelle Montague. Michelle, also lovingly known as Shelly, left us on April 6th. Her departure leaves a void that no words can fill, but her love, pure sweetness, and giving nature will stay with us forever. Shelly had the sweetest and kindest love that she shared with everyone she met. Once you met Shelly, you knew you had met someone incredibly special. She had an infectious smile and laugh that was so very contagious. Shelly never met a stranger. Within minutes you were her friend. Shelly touched countless lives. Frequently when going to a movie, the store, eating out, we would be stopped by someone that knew Shelly. Everyone always had a kind word. Her selfless spirit touched the hearts of everyone she met. Her innocent nature made everyone around her blessed.

Shelly was born in Kingman, Kansas on December 21, 1961 to Frank and Judy Montague. Right from the very start we knew she was special. Her loving parents made sure that all of Shelly's needs were met and she was raised in a loving and caring home. Shelly started going to Lilac Lane for special needs at 3 years old. She later became a long standing client at Starkey. Shelly spent 60 years at Starkey learning and developing skills. She was able to work in the community at several jobs. Her longest and proudest work that she loved was at Walgreens. She was an employee of Walgreens for 24 years as a customer clerk. She loved meeting people and showing them where a product might be, or dusting shelves, or restocking. Shelly was also very involved in ARC and loved the events, camps, trips, etc. She had made many friends through the years and loved socializing. One of her favorite things was to watch her boyfriend, Shannon play basketball for the Special Olympics. Whether she was singing to her favorite songs, cheering sporting events, or cuddling on the couch watching her favorite Star Wars movie, she made every moment unforgettable. She loved watching the Chiefs, with her favorite Chief shirt, rooting and cheering them on.

Shelly loved being around family. She especially loved her many nieces and nephews. Few things gave her greater joy than being with her family. She also loved "the girls trips" where we might go to a concert and she would sing along with every song. Her loving light will shine bright in all of our hearts. She will be tremendously missed, but always remembered as the sweetest and the brightest.

Shelly is survived by her mother Judy and was preceded in death by her father Frank She is also survived by her brother Mike (Carmen) Montague and her sister Marsha (Tim) Fitzpatrick. Shelly will be so missed by her many nieces and nephews: Ashley, Ciscileigh, Zayden, Bryan, Judy, Beau, Wes, Jenny, Jamie, Miles, Finn, Hank, Buck, Lacey, Jarrod, Freya, Luna, and Steve.

Although our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Shelly lives on in the stories we share, the lessons she taught us, and the love she gave so freely. She will inspire us every day to be kinder, more compassionate, and to enjoy even the smallest moments.

There will be a viewing at Culbertson-Smith Mortuary 115 S. Seneca, Wichita, on Thursday April 10th, 9 am to 8 pm. A graveside service will be held at Minneapolis Kansas on April 11th.

Any donations may be given to Starkey, Inc. in memory of Michelle Montague's memory, honoring the joy Shelly brought to the world.