Erma Jeane Montray-Morris' Obituary
Erma Jeane Montray known and loved as Jeane passed away November 11th, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jeane was born in Sully Iowa. a small farming community to 1st generation Netherland immigrants, Cornelius & Alice Vonk, she was the 4th of 8 children.
Jeane was swept off her feet by a handsome young DJ who tried to encourage her to enter the Miss Des Moines competition after a quick romance she instead became Mrs. Edward A. Montray on August 28th, 1954. This love affair was blessed by 4 children.
Jeane was a remarkable gardener, her flowerbeds, tomato & banana plants and her whimsical bunny rabbit displays were the highlight of the neighborhood. She was a joyful hostess and would quickly “employ” you in the kitchen. If you wanted to join in the fun it started at the kitchen sink with a handwashing, the next thing you knew you were learning all the secrets.
Jeane joined her husband Ed in the workplace when they purchased KTMC radio in McAlester, Oklahoma, there they became even more of a dynamic duo. After decades in the broadcasting business the Montray’s sold the radio station and moved to Duncan, Oklahoma.
There Jeane began her career with the NFIB becoming one of their top salespersons.
In 1998 after a few years of illness Jeane lost Ed. She continued to live in Duncan as a widow working successfully at the NFIB and volunteering at the Lions Club. Serving as their president she caught the eye of a widowed Lions Club member at the annual rodeo and a new chapter of her life began. A few years later she became Jeane Montray-Morris.
She retired from the NFIB and devoted herself to caring for her new home, she was back on the “farm” oh how she loved to play in the dirt, she and Jimmy took such joy in working together in the garden, they laughed together often and at each other, we are just two old people in love, taking care of each other they would say.
When “her” Jimmy died Jeane reluctantly left the farm and moved to Tulsa to be with her children. She spent her last years living in the loving care of her son Jeff and making many friends visiting Celebrate Recovery on Saturday nights.
Jeane was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius & Alice Vonk, her husband's Edward Montray & Jimmy Morris, her sisters, Bea Oswalt, Joy Verwers, June Fife & Elaine Doubleday. Her brothers, Bud Vonk, Cleo Vonk, & Ron Vonk. Her son Marc Montray, her grandchildren Christopher Montray, Matthew Montray, and Arrow Pike.
She is survived by children Jeffrey Montray, Alicia Davis (Buddy) Brett Montray (Kristi). Daughter-In-Law Vikkie Montray. Grandchildren Dustin Hoefling, Casey Montray (Cassandra), Kristen Pike (Ronnie) Brandy Bundy (Darin) Micheal Montray (Jessalynne) Dalton Davis, Madison Montray, Athena Morgan. Great- grandchildren Nathan Bright, Katelyn Montray, Tate Bundy, Jason Bundy, Hannah Montray, Brinley & Teagen Pike, Savannah Pike, Tyler Morgan, Kason Montray, Jayce Chance; along with other family members and friends who will forever cherish their memories.
A celebration of her life will be held at Core Church in Broken Arrow Saturday November 23rd at 11:00.
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