Obituaries

Dorothy Ellen Frazier Montgomery

Photo of Dorothy Ellen Frazier Montgomery
Dorothy Ellen Frazier Montgomery, age 91, peacefully passed away June 3, 2013, at The Maples at Harbor Meadows, in Springdale, Ark., with her beloved daughter at her side. Dorothy (Mrs. James C. Montgomery) was born on Sept. 22, 1921, in Little Rock, Ark., to Catherine Masters Frazier and James Frazier. She was the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. F.M. Masters and grew up in their home in Russellville, Ky. She graduated high school from Russellville, Ky., in 1938, where she was a band majorette and in the high school "Girls Trio." Dorothy attended Ouachita Baptist College (University) in Arkadelphia, Ark., where she received a bachelor's degree in piano and English in 1942. While attending Ouachita, she was selected football homecoming queen her junior year and was listed in "Who's Who of American Colleges and Universities" her senior year. After college, Dorothy moved to Barton, Ark., and taught in the public school for two years. During her adult life, Dorothy lived in Nova Scotia, Alaska, and Colorado before moving to Springdale, Ark. In 1958, while living in Aurora, Colo., she met and married James C. Montgomery, who was a dental technician for the Veterans Administration. Dorothy and Jim (James), with his two children, moved to Springdale, Ark., in October of 1960. Her husband worked for the Veterans Administration, and Dorothy raised their two children and taught piano in their home for 30 years. Many of her former students still reside in the area, including Jeff Harper, Liz Lester, John Wilson, Cynthia Voss and Martha Walker, as well as many, many others. Dorothy was a charter member of Elmdale Baptist Church, where she served as the first organist. She was also a charter member of Springdale Music Club, where she was an active member for many years. Dorothy's family was the "love" of her life, but music and teaching piano were her passions. She is survived by her daughter and primary caregiver, Cathy Ann Montgomery, retired assistant principal of Parson Hills Elementary School in Springdale, Ark.; son, James D. Montgomery, professional sculptor, of Chelsea, Mass.; granddaughter, Allie Slater and family of Seattle, Wash.; brother-in-law, Arthur Endrizzi of Denver, Colo.; her beloved dappled Dachshund, Spanky; and special friends, Ruby Swango and Dr. Linda Nichols Watts. Dorothy was preceded in death on May 26, 2002, by her beloved husband of 44 years, James "Jim" C. Montgomery. She was also predeceased by her mother and grandparents. The family will hold a graveside service at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2013, at Bluff Cemetery in Springdale. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Springdale Animal Shelter, 321 E. Randall Wobbe Lane, Springdale, AR 72764; or the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. The family also wished to extend special appreciation and gratitude to the staff and administration at The Maples for the caring and professional care given to Dorothy for seven years. To sign the guestbook online, please visit www.siscofuneral.com.

Published June 5, 2013

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