Catherine Yvonne Prince Montgomery's Obituary
Catherine Yvonne Prince Montgomery, 74, graduated from mortality on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, following a valiant and determined battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born February 25th, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the second child of eight to Jack Raymond and Yvonne Morgan Prince. She grew up in their very close and loving family with three sisters and four brothers: Laneea (John (d)) Breinholt, Jacquee (Lynn) Ferrin, Scott (Denice) Prince, Evera (Margaret) Prince, Spencer (Tami) Prince, Jack (Janet) Prince and Rebecca Prince, who died in infancy.
Catherine met and married Rick Miles (her now former husband) while both were studying at the University of Utah. They were married on September 3, 1970. They soon moved to St. George and were blessed with three children: Garett, Monica, and Morgan. Catherine lived in St. George until 2005 when she returned to Salt Lake City
Catherine’s children and grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Her home was the neighborhood magnet for her children’s friends and cousins, where they played for hours upon hours. Some had the added blessing of extended stays where Catherine shared her motherly love, amongst other talents, without hesitation.
Catherine loved music and she taught piano to the youth of St. George for decades. She instilled the sense of service in her students, through piano, including having her students perform at care centers. Catherine also passed on a deep love of music to her children (albeit with much patience!) and everyone who spent time in her home.
Catherine lived to serve. She was an exemplary member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she fulfilled many callings, including Relief Society President; ministering to any and all who were blessed to cross paths with her. Catherine’s service extended well beyond her church callings. She was a member of the Washington County School Board for 16 years and felt she helped lift the quality of education throughout the district via her efforts.
Catherine believed strongly in education. She ultimately earned her B.A. in Literature at Southern Utah University in Cedar City. Besides teaching piano, she taught English at Dixie College in St. George and LDS Business College in SLC. She retired as a Career Advisor at West High School, also in SLC.
Catherine has an Aunt Marlene whose tenacious personality eventually convinced her to answer a very special phone call which led to her falling in love with John Lane Montgomery in the spring of 2014. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 6th of that year and settled in the Millcreek area of SLC. November of 2015 found them heading to Nashville, TN to fulfill their shared dream of serving a mission for the Church. As was totally in character for Catherine, she wore two hats: Finance and Housing Secretary, and her effervescent personality served her well with all the missionaries always looking forward to seeing Sister Montgomery’s captivating smile and perhaps a hug. In addition to her mission office duties, serving in the Nashville YSA Branch/Ward was an added bonus, where she enjoyed serving more of the youth of the Church in the greater Nashville area. Many lasting friendships and love continue from these experiences.
In late 2019 Catherine and Lane moved to VA to be nearer her two sons and their families. Their initial one-year plan turned into almost four years in Sterling, VA where they enjoyed close proximity to, and many family gatherings with, both families and all six grands with almost weekly one-on-one experiences with each grand. Attending concerts, recitals, swimming, and gymnastics meets along with library visits and local parks amongst other special events filled much of Catherine’s time while in VA. She couldn’t have asked for a better experience and besides family time, much of her joy was due to the ministering she received from, and was able to return service to, so many in the Algonkian LDS Ward. Many close and dear friendships continue, and many tears were shed as she departed VA for UT so Catherine could enjoy her remaining time with her daughter, siblings and other very close friends and relatives in Utah.
We thank the many family members and friends who selflessly filled the growing voids in her life with their warm presence, love, laughter and patient service. God bless you all.
The family also expresses their heartfelt appreciation to all who helped Catherine during her time at Sunrise at Holladay Assisted Living and Memory Care units along with the Hospice Care staff. They will never know just how much Catherine and all the family love them for their devoted and professional care during Catherine’s time there. May God continue to bless them for their service.
Catherine is survived by her loving husband: John Lane Montgomery; her former spouse: Rick Miles; their three children and spouses: Garett (Haley), Monica and Morgan (Alli); and their six grandchildren: Corbin, Isaac, Ava, Gray, Mika and George. She is preceded in death by her parents and baby sister: Rebecca.
A viewing will be held Sunday, October 6th, from 6:00 – 8:00 at Premier Funeral Services, 67 East 8000 South, Midvale, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 7th, at 11:00 am in the Holladay 25th Ward LDS Chapel, 4650 Naniloa Drive, Holladay, UT, with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 – 10:30 am.
Interment will take place at the Holladay Memorial Park, 4900 South Memory Lane, Holladay.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to either “West High Area of Greatest Need” or the “West High Family Resource Center” at: https://west.slcschools.org/community/make-a-donation or, if you prefer, Alzheimer’s_Association_of_Utah
Friends and family who are unable to attend the services in person are welcome to attend them virtually by clicking on the link below:
https://m.youtube.com/@friendsoftheholladay25thwa72
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