Eva died peacefully in Henderson, Nevada. Eva was born in La Center, Washington, to Esther and Dick Clemens. She grew up in Woodland, Washington, surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins during the 1930s and 1940s. She loved spending time on the slough with Cousin Al and regaled many an adventure to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Time spent on the Gates farm on the Lewis River with cousins was another childhood delight.
During 1948 Eva met and married Gerald Ross Montgomery. They had two sons, Jerry D. and Richard. Following the timber industry (GR had logging trucks), they moved to a tiny mountain community, Randle, Washington, where they worked, played and raised their boys. Upon GR's death in 1987, Eva moved to Henderson, Nevada, where she and GR had snowbirded in prior years. Eva loved games of all kinds; she held master status for duplicate bridge, played a mean game of cribbage, and loved board games of all kinds. It was a perfect fit for her. "Gypsy" was born! A favorite line of hers to the grandchildren was, "G'ma's my name and gambl'n's my game!"
It wasn't all fun and games, however. Eva took her volunteer position at St. Rose Hospital seriously and worked in nearly every department for more than 15 years. She developed fast friendships there that remained steadfast until her passing.
She is survived by her son, Richard, and his three children, Dan, Stephanie and Michael (Michelle); her daughter-in-law Eadie (Jerry D.), their children James (Della) and Jill Kauffman (Matt); her great-grandchildren Rya, Hollis, Merit, Clary, Antwon and Bralyn; nieces and cousins; dear friends; and her Pacific Pines community.
A celebration of life will be held in Washington State at a later date.
