Paula Jeane (Baird) Montgomery

Mrs. Paula Jeane Montgomery, age 88, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Heartwood Lodge. She was born on September 26, 1936, to the late Paul and Itell (Latimer) Baird in Caruthersville, Missouri, and remained proud of her southern heritage.

Paula moved to Grand Haven with her family at the age of 15 and graduated from Grand Haven High School, where she was a majorette, active in theatre, and was a cheerleader. It was there that she met the love of her life, John Montgomery, and they were married on June 12, 1955. They were happily married for 51 years before his passing in 2006.

Paula was very supportive and involved in the lives of her children. She especially enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother and loved sharing information about their lives. Paula enjoyed collecting and selling antiques which led to her opening and operating the Mouse House in Grand Haven and other related ventures.

Paula and John traveled the country together which invariably led to a car full of vintage and antique items arriving home with them. Paula enjoyed accompanying her husband on business trips around the country and was also very much involved in the family business, Johnson's Grocery.

Paula was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven. She was involved in her local community, having served in various organizations. These included the Jaycees Auxiliary where she served as President, the Coast Guard Festival and Pageant where she chaperoned queen contestants and many other festival activities, and Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

Later in life, Paula enjoyed spending time watching movies including westerns and her favorite, Gone with the Wind.

Paula is survived by her three children: Debra (Dan) Starkey of Grand Haven, Michael (Kim) Montgomery of Norton Shores, and Kelly (Robert) Aylsworth of Grand Haven; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Pam (George) Underhill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; granddaughter, Amanda Yonker; and her two sisters, Pattie Goldberg and Peggy Bobeldyk.

The Celebration of Life Visitation for Paula will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. A private Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan or Love in Action of the Tri-Cities-Backpack Blessing.

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