Obituary of Doris Marie Montague

DORIS MARIE MONTAGUE Doris Marie (Sunderland) Montague was born October 11, 1931 in Ellenburg Depot, New York, and passed away February 22, 2022 in Bremerton, Washington. She was the 5th of 12 children born to Everett Elmo Sunderland and Florence Marie (Baade) Sunderland. Growing up on a dairy farm in far Upstate New York, Doris developed a strong work ethic that she would carry with her for the remainder of her life. At the age of 17, she was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and would remain a faithful member for the remainder of her life. Her faith never wavered.

In 1953, she graduated From BYU in Provo Utah, with a degree in Social Work and a minor in German. On July 19, 1955, Doris married Robert Montague in the Logan Utah temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bob and Doris moved to San Bruno, California where they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kathleen. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Yreka, California, and later Red Bluff, California, where they resided for approximately 10 years. They welcomed five more children: Susan, Robert, Vernon, Beverly, and Val. While living in Red Bluff, Doris worked as a substitute teacher, and a Social Worker for the Tehama County Welfare Department.

In 1968, the family moved to Chico, California, where Doris would remain until August of 2020, when she moved to Bremerton, Washington to live with her daughter, Beverly. Again, her strong work ethic took over and she worked a variety of jobs, to help support her family, before taking a position with the Butte County Health Department. She was a Social Worker for California Childrens' Services. She also was a board member of Easter Seals. Her desire to serve others, her calm demeanor, and her professionalism and knowledge were a great comfort for all with whom she came in contact, whether parents of sick children, or her co-workers. Over the years, besides her 6 children, she mothered many teens that came to live at the family home. She was affectionately known as "Mars".

After retirement, her commitment to service continued. She served a one-year mission for the church at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, then continued to work at the local center for the next 15 plus years. Her example of faith and service has had a lasting effect on all those who know her. Her influence has been profound.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers and sisters, husband Robert Elwood Montague (June 1998), her grandson Michael (December 1998), and her great granddaughter Miah. She is survived by her children: Kathleen Marie Montague Hanson of Victorville, CA, Susan Leigh (Montague) El Badry of Spencer, IA, Robert Sanford Montague of Lincoln, CA, Vernon Paul Montague of Orland, CA, Beverly Dawn (Montague) Butler of Bremerton, WA, and Val Dean Montague of Chico, CA, 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren (with 2 on the way), and her siblings: Lincoln Sunderland, Audrey (Sunderland) Jaussi, Philip Sunderland, and Robert Sunderland. Services will take place Saturday, March 12, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 2430 Mariposa Avenue, Chico, CA. Viewing: 10:30am - 11:30am. Funeral service: 11:30am - 12:30pm. Interment: Chico Cemetery 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude or Make-a-Wish Foundation.