Judy Kay Montgomery

Judy Kay Montgomery, daughter of Earl Kenneth Gragg and Josephine Baze Gragg, was born on July 19, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up attending Newton schools.

On October 24, 1975, Judy married the love of her life, Darrell LeRoy Montgomery, in Montezuma, Iowa. Together, they shared a life filled with laughter, love, and a deep connection to the animals they cared for, from horses and mules to her beloved dog, Benny. Whether she was tending to the barn with Darrell and her best friend Colleen, feeding the country cats, or treating Benny to a cheeseburger, Judy’s heart was always full when surrounded by her furry companions.

Judy had a gift for connecting with people, which she brought to every job she held, from bartending and waitressing to retail and housekeeping. Her vibrant personality and endless conversations made her a cherished member of the Newton community and a familiar face to nearly everyone in town. As an active member of the Moose Lodge with Darrell, Judy made lifelong friends and countless memories.

Judy passed away peacefully at her home in rural Newton on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 75. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darrell; her brothers Robert and Lee Gragg; her sisters Leitha Jenkins, Shirley Sager, and Pat Doyle; and her grandson, Austin Gragg.

Left to honor her memory are her children, Bill (Jennifer) Gragg of Newton, IA, and Amy (Tony) Alter of Newton, IA; her grandchildren Josie (Andy) Kopf, Chelsea Alter, Jessica Jacobs, Jordan Gragg, and Taylor Alter; her great-grandson Bryce Kopf and a great-grandchild on the way; her sister-in-law Joanne (Larry) Anderson; her brother-in-law William (Jan) Montgomery; her partner-in-crime Colleen Illingworth; and her ever-faithful Benny.

A visitation with Judy’s family will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Cemetery in rural Newton.

Memorials in Judy’s honor may be designated to Amy Alter and left at Pence-Reese Funeral Home.