Hearold Wayne Montgomery

Shirley A. (Smith) Montgomery, 93 years of age, passed away March 24, 2021 in Tucson, AZ. Hearold W. Montgomery, 95 years of age, passed away August 15th, 2021 in Tucson, AZ. Their combined memorial service will be held at 5:00 P.M. Friday, October 1st, 2021 at the Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home in Sandwich, Illinois.

Shirley A. Smith was born September 23rd, 1927 in Sandwich, IL to Vernon and Doris (Humiston) Smith. She attended Sandwich schools, graduating with the class of 1945. After graduating high school, Shirley attended and graduated from a Secretarial school. Shirley and Hearold met in high school. They dated and throughout WWII the two corresponded as Hearold had been drafted into the US Navy. At the end of WWII they married on October 24th, 1946. They were married 74 years.

Hearold W. Montgomery was born January 24th, 1926 in Grayville, IL to Charles Dawson and Minnie (Daniels) Montgomery.  He attended high school in Leland Illinois, lettering in basketball.  Hearold spent two tours of duty in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean conflict.  Hearold attended college at Monmouth College and Indiana Technical College. Their daughter, Ardis, was born while they were in Monmouth.

After graduating from Indiana Technical College with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Hearold first worked for Shakeproof Engineering in Elgin, Illinois. Then he secured a position with General Electric (GE) in Danville, Illinois. GE offered many opportunities for Hearold. He was employed by GE for 30 years in various locations. Their son, Allen, was born while the family lived in New York.

Meanwhile, Shirley was supporting the family too. She worked as  a secretary in a data processing office while also creating a welcoming home for her family. In later years she worked for the Whiteside County Clerk preparing jury pools for upcoming trials.

Retirement in 1986 meant both were free to travel and enjoy hobbies. They bought an RV and began traveling to visit relatives and see the sights. In addition Hearold bought a “basket Case” 1930 Model A Ford Roadster. He did a complete restoration and improved the car from a Standard to a Deluxe level. 

Shirley meanwhile was beginning to collect antique postcards. One of her favorite subject matters was Santa. She eventually amassed about 15,000 cards. She also created an annual postcard to share among her fellow postcard club members.

Shirley & Hearold were long-time members of the Morrison United Methodist Church. Shirley attended the church women’s Monday Afternoon Club, as well as the local WA-TAN-YE women's organization.

Hearold and Shirley were very quiet, loving, parents, grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, friends and individuals. They will be greatly missed.

Any memorial donations for Shirley may be made to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, 520.326.9686, This memorial was established because Shirley loved the plants/flowers at the Botanical Gardens.

Any memorial donations for Hearold may be made to the "Model "A" Ford Foundation, 6865 W Hickory Rd. Hickory corners, MI 49060, 269-671-5089. This memorial was established because Hearold was a strong supporter of Model A Fords.