Elizabeth (Betty/Betts) Jean Zahniser Montgomery

Elizabeth (Betty/Betts) Jean Zahniser Montgomery, 99 years, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Mount Macrina Manor, Uniontown, PA. Betty was born November 14, 1924 in Franklin, PA, the daughter of John Herman Zahniser and Florence Edna Martin Zahniser.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband The Rev. Dean R. Montgomery (March 14, 2019) to whom she was married for nearly 73 years, son Paul Martin Montgomery (July 28, 1970) and brother Robert Calvin Zahniser (Virginia).

She is survived by her son, The Rev. Thomas Dean Montgomery (Donna) of Avoca, NY, daughter Jean Louise Montgomery Nass (John), Uniontown, PA, granddaughter Erin Elizabeth DeMuth (Tyler), Madison, WI, step-grandchildren Rebecca Ritter Pollack (Erik) and Debra Ritter Musa (Jody), New York state, and Jason Ritter (Janet), Georgia, and their families, and several nieces and their families

Betty was a 1946 graduate of Grove City College with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. At Grove City she formed friendships that continued throughout her life, and it was there that she met Dean. They were married in 1946 following his return from active duty in the United States Army Air Corps.

Following Dean’s graduation from Princeton Theological Seminary, they served churches in Cleves and Hillsboro, Ohio until his retirement. Throughout their marriage, Betty played a vital role in her husband’s ministry within the Presbyterian Church, and was actively involved in numerous other church activities including Presbyterian Women, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving as a deacon, and as Assistant for Christian Education (First Presbyterian Church, Hillsboro). She had been a member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Uniontown since 2007.

In Hillsboro, OH, in addition to her church involvement, she was active in the Junior Women’s Club and the Highland District Hospital Auxiliary. Following retirement to Florida, she and Dean volunteered as tutors for elementary students and students with special needs, and were active members of Port Orange Presbyterian Church where they especially enjoyed singing in the choir.

After living in Florida for 20 years Dean and Betty moved back to Pennsylvania to be closer to family in 2007.

Betty was a kind and caring person who never lost her sense of humor. She was a gracious hostess who enjoyed entertaining church members at the manse, as well as friends and family visiting from out of town. She expressed her creativity through sewing, needlework, and music, and loved to read, especially British mysteries. She enjoyed watching sports of all kinds into her nineties, and transitioned from a Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan to a follower of the Pirates and Steelers.

Betty and Dean traveled throughout the U.S., visiting many historic and natural sites, hiking, and camping into their eighties (in a tent). They recorded their various escapades in journals and photos.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care Betty received from the nursing and activity staff at Mount Macrina Manor. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Andrew D. Ferguson, Uniontown. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Uniontown, followed by a Service of Witness to the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, Grove City, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Betty’s memory to Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 79 West Fayette Street, Uniontown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home, 80 Morgantown St, Uniontown PA.  Friends will be received at Trinity United Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 14^th from 10 until 11 a.m. followed by a service celebrating Betty’s life at 11:00 AM with Rev. John Simpson officiating.  Interment will be private.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.