Jennie Louise Montgomery

Jennie Louise (Smellie) Montgomery was born on a farm west of Buhl, Idaho, on December 2, 1940, to John Ricks Smellie “Jack” and Luella (Hansen) Smellie. Her older siblings are Rex, Bonnie, Dell, and Don, followed by a younger sister Pauline. She attended the Fairview School and was in the last class to graduate there before the school closed. She graduated from Buhl High School in 1959 and attended Brigham Young University. She was employed by Idaho First National Bank. 

On November 2, 1962, Jennie married Monty Bert Montgomery in the Idaho Falls Temple. The two built a home on “the Farm” north of Buhl in the West Point Wendell area. To this union were born Clay Thomas, David Case, Eliecea Lynn, John Robert, and Daniel Francis. 

Jennie was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She faithfully served in various responsibilities including Ward and Stake Primary President. She served as the Boy Scouts of America Buhl Troop 5 Advancement Committee Chair from 1979 to 2004. Bert and Jennie served as 11-year-old scout leaders and primary class teachers from 1998 to 2014 taking a brief break to serve eighteen months as missionaries in the Indianapolis, Indiana Mission. The Boy Scouts of America honored Jennie with the Silver Beaver award for her dedication to teaching boys responsibility and the importance of hard work. She brightened many lives with service and homemade cinnamon rolls. Her true calling was as a grandmother, and she loved to be called “Grandma Jennie”.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; older siblings; and her beloved husband (August 23, 2024). 

She is survived by her younger sister, Pauline (Earland) Smith; children, Clay (Laura) Montgomery of Wendell, Idaho, David (Traci) Montgomery of Ammon, Idaho, Eliecea (Dal) Wheeler of Pocatello, Idaho, John (Valori) of Wichita, Kansas, and Daniel (Meagan) Montgomery of Pocatello, Idaho; 18 Grandchildren; and 16 Great-Grandchildren, Zach Montgomery, Tyler (Audrey) Montgomery, (Boone, Scotlin, Wes, Loxlee, Cal), Mark (Ciarra) Montgomery, (Kyson, Brooks), Maria (Zach) Searle, (Jace, Taya, Stockton), Sierra (Ryan) Schiess, (Jack, Lily), Briana (Evan) Kelley, (Allison, James, Grace, Henry), Shaya (Katherine) Redwine, Taybree, Case, Talen Montgomery, Emilee, Josh, Jordan Wheeler, Damion, Levi Montgomery, James, Audrey, Sam Montgomery 

The family wishes to express love and appreciation to A Bridge Home; Home Health and Hospice. Benita, Hillary, Misty, and additional staff provided excellent care to Jennie. Jennie’s family is grateful to Georgia Hutchinson, who was an answer to a prayer. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, with a viewing at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 501 Main Street, Buhl. Burial will conclude at the West End Cemetery, 1574 East Elm Street.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Jennie’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.