Emma Jean Montgomery, 74, a long time resident of Fair Oaks, CA, passed away in her sleep at peace on Sunday, August 20, 2017.

Emma Jean Hlas was born in Belle Plaine, IA, July 27, 1943 to Frank and Margret Hlas. Emma lived in Iowa until she was approx. 7yo when her Mom and Dad moved the family to Southern California. They later picked up again and moved to Orland, CA. Emma graduated from Orland high school in 1960. She married James Montgomery in 1962. She went to work at McClellan AFB in 1965 in the coding department and later worked in personnel where she then soft retired in 1989. She was hired back and worked at Mather AFB for a few years then finally retired. 

Emma is survived by her 2 sons; Jerry Montgomery and his wife Christa (Noorlan) Montgomery of Carmichael, CA; Tom Montgomery and son (grandson) Tucker Montgomery of Fair Oaks, CA; and granddog, Chloe..

Emma made a friend everywhere she went. She has kept friendships for more then 50 years! She played cards weekly with friends. She loved each one. Emma always had positive thoughts and sayings for any matter or situation. Even in her own life. She accepted and embraced her condition and outcome. In the end, she was sad but accepted what was to be. She was a very religious person and welcomed the time that she would be with God and Jesus. Nightly she played gospel music when she went to sleep. Emma adopted people who needed a special person in their life. Not matter what that need was, Emma was there - a mother, grandmother, sister, friend or neighbor. Several people told her she was the nicest person ever. She would say she didn't see it but accepted it. She would say, "I'm just being me."

Emma had alot of love for many people including those she never met or knew. She loved her 2 sons and daughter-in-law very much. Out of all, Emma loved Tucker the most. She loved him from the moment she saw him and was in his life just about daily. Even telling Tucker's Dad, "Tom, I love you but I love Tucker, more." 

Emma did her best to help anyone whether they really needed it or not. Emma was not a registered donor. However, after being contacted by the hospital, the family decided that Emma's corneas be donated. The family feels she would have wanted that. 

Emma will be greatly missed. 

Emma wishes were to be cremated. She was claustrophobic and said she did not want to be in a box! A memorial service is planned for Emma on Saturday October 14, 2017 from 11a - 3p. Cypress Baptist Church, 5709 Cypress Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608. Lunch will be potluck. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Emma's name to Tucker's school - Woodside K-8, 8248 Villa Oak Dr, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, or The Front St Animal Shelter, 2127 Front St, Sacramento, CA 9581, or an animal shelter in your area. 

Arrangements under the direction of Price Funeral Chapel (916) 725-2109.

 Service Information