In Memory of

Irene

Dorothy

Montgomery

Obituary for Irene Dorothy Montgomery

Montgomery: Irene Dorothy (formerly Wruth) nee Lightfoot passed away peacefully in her sleep during her afternoon nap at Rideau Park Personal Care Home on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. Irene was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan on January 19, 1926 to James and Gertrude Lightfoot. She grew up in Weyburn and then Regina, Saskatchewan and became a schoolteacher. Her first assignment in teaching was at Thunder Creek School near Carievale, Saskatchewan where she met Oliver Beatty Wruth. They were married in 1945 and she joined him farming near Carievale, Saskatchewan. There, they had all 9 children. Due to years of severe drought in southern Saskatchewan, in 1964 they sold the farm and moved to a farm on Otter Lake, near Erickson, Manitoba. They farmed and sold cream in town. In 1972, Irene convinced Oliver and they began a dairy farm operation. They enjoyed square-dancing and raising their large family, including taking in foster children. Irene was an awesome cook and baker, keeping a very large garden to feed her family. Oliver and Irene moved into Erickson in 1985 and Oliver passed away in 1987. Irene took up painting, taking lessons and became a wonderful oil painting artist. Every child and grandchild is happy to have been gifted a piece of her artwork. She had a gallery event in Clear Lake and also sold some art. Irene was always very musical, she learned to play the piano as a child. She could learn a piece by ear in very little time and most often played without music. When Oliver passed, she took lessons to learn to play from music. She thoroughly enjoyed music, playing piano and singing until the end. In 1998, Irene remarried to Donald Kenneth Montgomery and together they played in a band; Irene on piano, Don on violin, Donna Wruth on guitar and Ivy and Lloyd Carter on the banjo. Later, they also played with Rod and Evelyn Lewandoski. They played and sang at any opportunity, even just sitting around with family. In 2000, Don and Irene moved into Brandon, and then later into the Lions Manor. Irene was predeceased by her sister Delores Lightfoot, brother Bill Lightfoot, first husband Oliver Wruth, son Regan Wruth, second husband Donald Montgomery, daughters-in law Peggy Wruth and Delinda Wruth, and daughter Donna Wruth. She is survived by her sister Lorna Pilon of Wallaceberg, ON; sister-in-law Betty Lightfoot of Barrie, ON; children Delbert Wruth of Courtney, BC; Tom (Diane) Wruth of Brandon; Allan (Rosalind) Wruth of Kitscody, AB; Sheila Kuzmicki of Brandon; Mark (Lynne) Wruth of Erickson; Garrett Wruth of Grande Prairie, AB; Melvin (Marjorie) Wruth of Erickson; daughter-in-law Cindy Wruth of Oak Lake and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Erickson Lutheran Church, Erickson, Manitoba. Mr. Elgin Hall and Pastor Jim Vickers officiated. A private family interment followed at the Erickson Cemetery. Donations in memory of Irene may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B-457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 1K2.