Shirley J. Montgomery, 91, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away October 24, 2026.
She was born October 18, 1935, in Chambersburg, PA, the daughter of Samuel A. and Beulah M. (Jones) Snively.
Always one to stay active, Shirley enjoyed playing in golf and bowling leagues well into her 80’s. This was also evident in her strong work ethic that was often centered around helping others and serving her community. Whether greeting visitors with a friendly smile at the reception desk of The Shook Home, working in local schools, serving as a crossing guard at Coldbrook Elementary School, participating in Meals on Wheels, or caring for residents as a certified nursing assistant at Leader Nursing Home, Shirley found purpose and fulfillment in helping those around her.
Above all, family was Shirley’s greatest joy and always her first priority. She treasured time spent together, whether on family vacations, celebrating holidays, or gathering for cookouts at Caledonia State Park. She had a wonderful sense of humor, made all the more endearing by her occasional habit of calling people by the wrong name, often without realizing it. Shirley also had a competitive streak, and whether it was a round of golf, a bowling match, or a “friendly” family game of bingo, being related to her certainly didn’t mean she’d let you win. These little moments, along with her laughter and spirited personality, are among the memories her family will forever cherish.
Shirley is survived by four children: Greg (husband of Debbie) Koontz of Douglasville, PA, Carol Gribble of Shippensburg, Karen (wife of Tim) Latsbaugh of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Teresa Montgomery of Chambersburg. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Jessica, Josh, Jasmine, Justin, Ryan, Eliza, Ailsa, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Montgomery in 2021, as well as siblings, Richard, Lincoln, Paul, Virginia, Betty, Pearl, Kathleen, Peggy, Nancy, and Ted.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., with Rev. Dr. Meagan Boozer officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please visit the floral store.
