Sandra Kay Montgomery

Sandra Kay Montgomery, known to friends and grandchildren as "Mammaw" or "Aunt Sandy," had her family by her side as she entered heaven's gates on November 22, 2017 at the age of 75. Born January 2, 1942, Mammaw was a long-time resident of Hilliard, Ohio and later Ruskin, Florida. In 1958, at age 16, she married Darryl Montgomery, known to friends and family as "Pap" or "Uncle Darryl." She loved and selflessly cared for Darryl for 40 years until he preceded her in death as a result of Lou Gehrig's Disease in 1999. Mammaw is best known for her radical generosity and the joy with which she loved, supported, and served her family. She was vibrant, famous for her sense of style, and full of life. She loved the beach, gospel cruises, Rays games, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and breakfast at Bob Evans. She referred to Disney World and Disney Cruises as her happy place, and having the whole family together there brought her the most joy. A realist at heart, Mammaw would tell complainers to "suck it up." And she firmly believed that worshing your clothes was better than washing them. Mammaw knew no strangers. She greeted brand new friends with a hug and endeared all who met her. Mammaw will be lovingly remembered by her children, Mike (and his wife, Leah) and Dara (and her husband Kent), her grandchildren Mallory (and her husband, Kevin), Kamden (and her husband, Mitch), Jaiden, and Micaiah, as well as her great-grandchildren Tabitha, Malachi, Maddox, and Baylor. Sandy will also be fondly remembered by her mother-in-law Ellania, sister-in-law Phyllis Thaonea (and her husband, Fred), brother-in-law James (and his wife, Donna), and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Hank, and her sister, Phyllis. Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be made to Redeemer City Church (redeemertampa.com), Ruskin Christian School (ruskinchristianschool.net), or Faith at Newtown (faithatnewtown.org) . If heaven didn't have a palm tree before Mammaw's arrival, God has surely now planted a few. After all, "if a palm tree doesn't grow there, Mammaw doesn't go there."