Alta Jean Price Montegna age 87, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center, Long Term Care in Centerville surrounded by her family.
She was born on October 30, 1930 in Appanoose County, Iowa, the daughter of Hugh F. and Alta May (Phillips) Price. Jean graduated from Centerville High School in 1947. She graduated with honors at the top of her class from IHCC, with a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing.
She was united in marriage to Bennie Montegna on July 10, 1949 in Davenport, Iowa. To this union of marriage, they were blessed with three children, Alice, Ladd, and Marcia; and five grandchildren, Jeremy Richardson, Chad Montegna, Keith, Benjamen and Jennie Foglesong.
Jean started working as a Nurse's Aide in the early 1960's. She became a LPN and practiced at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Centerville, until her retirement in 1995. During her career, she helped organize the pharmacy at the new hospital. She was also instrumental in establishing the "I Can Cope" program for cancer patients and their families, with her long-time frien...[more]
friend Carmilla Kauzlarich. View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
Jean was a selfless person, who would help anyone she could. On many occasions, she opened her home and her heart to people in need. She put around 300,000 miles on three different cars, traveling over the Midwest transporting people to medical appointments. She was a longtime member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Centerville. Jean held virtually every role at the Church at one time or another. Along with the local Church, she traveled representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church at the national level. Jean was the founder of Reaching All People Together (RAPT), an organization dedicated to assist people in need. Along with RAPT, Jean was also instrumental in establishing Angels Hands and the Christmas Shoppe. Jean received the BPW Award for serving her community.
Jean is survived by her three children, Alice (Jerry) Richardson of Ottumwa, Ladd (Rita) Montegna of Knoxville, and Marcia Foglesong of Centerville. Also surviving are Jean's grandchildren, Jeremy Richardson, Chad (Jill) Montegna, Keith (Megan) Foglesong, Ben (Adriana) Foglesong, and Jennie (Keagan) Foglesong; great grandchildren, Seleena and Hannah Richardson, Ashram and Kira Foglesong, and Caleb Montegna; Jean's siblings, Frances Paustian of Durant, Iowa, Roy Price of Chicago, Ruth Bruce of Chicago, and Lester (Teresa) Price of Chenoa, Illinois; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-time friend Carmilla Kauzlarich and her children, Sharon (Kirstin), and Sean (Nicci) and daughter, Rae; her long-time companion Charlie Turner's children, Denise Pauls, Sheryl (Garry), Donna Hall, Mike (Susan) Turner, Lori Turner, David (Joella) Turner, Kristin (Larry) Wolf, and their children; as well as numerous lifelong friends (too many to list here).
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bennie; her long time companion, Charlie Turner; her step son, Anthony Montegna; and her son-in-law, Phil Foglesong.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4 PM, Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Centerville with Rev. Jeremy McElvain officiating. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the family greeting friends from 2-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to either the First Evangelical Lutheran Church or HCI Hospice Care Services and they may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com. According to Jean's wishes, cremation will be accorded following the funeral service.