Anna S. Montgomery

Anna Larrondo Stein Montgomery slipped from her earthly life into the arms of our Lord in the wee hours of the morning April 19, 2010, at Rosetta Assisted Living. She was born to Hilario and Maria Gastanaga Larrondo on their small farm at Glenns Ferry, Idaho, on February 25, 1920. Anna was their fourth child, but their first daughter. When Anna was just a toddler, their family was rocked by an accident that injured her mother to the extent that she was overwhelmed with caring for her 4 children and new baby, as well as the chores of running a household. Albert and Bessie Stein stepped in and offered to care for Anna and her brother Fergie, who was in school by this time. By the time her mother was able to welcome her children home, Anna had formed a bond with the Steins that would last her lifetime. She was allowed to stay with them and did until she was on her own. The Steins were an older couple, but Anna thrived in this adult world. Learning to read before she started school, she developed her lifelong love of the written word and the English language. She was able to skip two grades in school and graduated at the young age of 16. From Glenns Ferry, she went to the College of Idaho where she earned a degree in English education. Anna’s first teaching job was in Homedale where she met the young Ag teacher, Clyde Montgomery. She was lured away from Homedale by the Hailey superintendent, but she and Clyde kept in touch. Clyde and Anna were married on January 8, 1944, in Los Angeles. Their first home was in Salt Lake City where he worked nights for Union Pacific and she worked days in a bank. In 1945, they returned to the Montgomery family farm where they made their home for the next 40 years. Anna, the town girl, adapted to farm life while raising 4 active children. She was involved in all aspects of her kids’ lives, she played in two bridge groups, followed politics closely, and was very active in the Eden (and later the Valley) Presbyterian Church and Eastern Star. In 1964, she renewed her teaching certificate and taught at Valley High School for the next 11 years. After health forced Clyde’s retirement, they decided to enjoy their golden years in a warmer climate. Thus began an 18 year pilgrimage to Arizona in September for 9 months of the year. They made many good friends there and Anna was involved in many activities at their winter home. She especially enjoyed honing her skills at the bridge table and became a director and teacher in the duplicate bridge club there. Back in Idaho fulltime when health again forced their hands, they lived in Bridgeview for many years. Anna was happy there and again found bridge partners and many friends. When her memory started causing concern, Anna moved to Rosetta Assisted Living. She was very happy there and loved the staff who saw to her daily needs. What a comfort and blessing to her family.Anna is survived by her sister, Mary, of Boise, four children, Carl (Linda) of Eden, Ellen (Myron) of Hazelton, Sue (Carl) of Bellevue and Don (Shelley) of Eden. She has 10 grandchildren, Ken (Darci), Mary Lynn, Steven (Jaime), Doug (Krista), Eric, Amy (Dan), Lisa, Jill, Scott and Jason. Four great-grandchildren, Alaina, Kayla, Kennan and Cooper round out her family. Many special nieces and nephews also survive her. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her foster parents, her husband, four brothers, one sister and one grandson. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Avenue East, with Pastor Kevin Anderson officiating. The family will be greeting friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Presbyterian Church, the Idaho Youth Ranch or to a charity of the donor’s choice.