Opal J. Montgomery, 81, of Chadron, formerly of Bushnell, died at her home in Chadron on Tuesday, November 9, 2010.  Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Bushnell with Pastor Lynda Parson officiating.  Burial was in the Kimball Cemetery.   An informal gathering was held on Monday, November 15, in Chadron at the Mari Sandoz Atrium Center at Chadron State College.  Contributions can be made to the Calvary United Methodist Church.  The services for Opal have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Opal June Montgomery was born in Bushnell on June 12, 1929, the daughter of Ephriam and Minnie Olive (Taylor) Smith.  She graduated from the Bushnell High School in 1947.  She was married to Richard Montgomery in Bushnell on October 24, 1948.  Together they raised three children, Pamela, Steven and Karen.  Opal was a cook at the Bushnell schools and then began work at the Flower Haven in Kimball.  In 1984 they moved to Chadron and she opened her own floral business. She successfully owned and operated Shower of Flowers in Chadron from 1990 until her retirement in 2001.  She then enjoyed working part-time at Wal-Mart in Chadron until the time of her death.  Opal was a member of the Bushnell Firebelles.  She was a master gardener and a member of the Chadron Master Gardeners Club.  She was a poll worker at the general elections for many years.  While Opal took great pride in her yard and gardening, her true passion was her family.

She will be sadly missed by her children Pamela (Zach) Bell of Denver, CO., Steven (EJ) Montgomery of Grapevine, TX., and Karen Schoenike of Oconomowoc, WI; sister Ina Mae Settlemire of Riverton, WY; grandchildren Stephanie Tarnutzer, Matt Montgomery, Jill McGehee, Gregory and Geoffrey Bell; great grandchildren Grace and Jack Tarnutzer, Logan Montgomery, Malaika Bell; baby McGehee who is due in February; dear Kitty Callie, and many friends and relatives.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Marie, Beulah, Mildred, Verna and Phyllis, brothers Clarence, Gene and Don.