Billy Ray Montgomery

Billy Ray Montgomery, 77, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026, in Hereford, Colorado. 

Bill was born on December 9th, 1948, in Denver, CO to the late Harold and Anna (Dugan) Montgomery. He was raised in Deer Trail, CO alongside his siblings, Virginia “Ginger,” Dorothy “Dotty,” and Steven. 

Bill graduated from Deer Trail High School in 1966. He was then drafted into the military on his 20th birthday in 1968. He served as a radio operator with the 11th Armored Cavalry, “The Blackhorse Regiment,” in Vietnam. When Bill returned home, he attended Aims Community College in Greeley, CO where he pursued a welding certification while also taking courses in jewelry fabrication. 

Bill met his loving wife, Leona Kay (Waite) Montgomery in Holyoke, CO. They were married on December 6th, 1980. Bill and Leona moved to the Grover/Hereford community in 1980 and made their forever home atop the Hereford hill in 1991. 

Bill was a skilled welder, and throughout the years, completed numerous welding jobs. He worked at Loyd Farms for five years in the dairy barn, followed by seven years at Pawnee School. There, he cared for the building and students, always making those around him laugh. Bill would volunteer his time sharing his well-known passion and knowledge of minerals and gems, hauling in his personal collection for viewing and learning – making arrowheads with the children, letting them create their own. A simple hello from Bill could make a student’s day, and his presence was surely missed when he retired. Bill continued to weld after retirement, using his skills for odd jobs, projects, and hobbies.

In Hereford, there is no doubt of him being the town’s favored neighbor. Bill was the one to visit and gather advice from – whether it was history, past or up to date political happenings, recipes, fishing, gardening, or basic tips of any trade - Bill knew it and he'd gladly share the knowledge with you. Hobbies were “his thing” and he was talented in many. Sharing the expertise and love of these with his family and others was a true gift. If you needed a homemade back scratcher, Bill was your guy – as he was a collector of all things - from that "turkey leg back scratcher” to the often family discussed, “antique railroad track switch,” - he had it. In Bill’s later years, after retirement, he enjoyed caring for his animals. When asked, “What are you up to?” he would be on his way to “scratch the chickens or feed the cats.” 

Bill will be deeply missed by his wife, their children, and incredibly so by the grandchildren. They will remember him through adventures in the mountains, time spent at the cabins, fishing or at home with rock hunting, watching “How It’s Made,” tinkering outdoors, and simply letting them terrorize the house and deck as the “guests,” often with his reminder, “IT’S NOT A RESORT!” Many hours and countless memories were made while he babysat his grandson, Blake. Bill was a proud grandfather. 

The memories made with Bill will be cherished forever and always remembered. 

A final piece of wisdom from Bill for us all: 

“I watched some fade away, but their memories are here to stay.” –BRM 

Bill is survived by his wife, Leona; their children, Michele (Richard) Kasper of Kersey, CO; Nathan (Christy) Mitchell of Aurora, CO; Meghan Montgomery (Mike Campbell) of Grover, CO; and Michael Montgomery of Canyon Lake, TX; grandchildren, Jaime (Blake) Mattson, Kendra (Tristan) Gerth, Tim Kaspar, Blake Misech, and Sawyer Malcom-Dunfee; great-grandchildren Caroline and Ella Mattson; sisters Ginger (Dave) Becker, Dotty (John) Johnson; his best friend, Dave Mathis; and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Anna Montgomery, and brother Steven Montgomery. 

Bill’s Celebration of Life was held on May 5, 2026, in Eaton, CO with family and close friends.