Dr. Mary Ella Montague

Dr. Mary Ella Montague Mary Ella Montague was born January 28, 1924 in Washington, GA the only daughter of Frank and Sadie (Wootton) Montague and she passed away January 30, 2006. Her family included three brothers, Frank Orum Montague, Jr., William Sanford Montague and John Wootton Montague. Dr. Montague was educated in the public schools of Bay City, Texas, graduating from high school in 1940. She entered Texas Women’s University that year, graduating with two degrees, Master’s and Bachelor’s 1944 and 1946. Dr. Montague earned a Doctorate in education from New York University in 1962. Dr. Montague spent her entire career in the field of Modern Dance at Sam Houston State University, beginning in 1945 and ending with her retirement in 1984, a total of 39 years. Positions she held in those years include Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education for Women, 1967 – 1978, Chairperson of the Department of Dance, 1979, and at the time of her retirement, was Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Montague was named at her retirement professor emeritus in dance by the university. Other honors and achievements: dance editor for the JOURNAL OF HEALTH PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND RECREATION; president of the TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION; responsible for the choreography for ten concerts and seven musicals; author of many articles written for professional journals in the field of modern dance. In her retirement years, Dr. Montague gave leadership to the Huntsville LITTLE THEATER, literacy program for children, and the Women’s Golf Association at Elkins Lake, where she made her home. She served as an elder, First Christian Church in Huntsville. Dr. Montague is survived by two brothers, Rev. William S. Montague, Rowlett, TX, and John W. Montague, San Antonio, TX; three nephews and one niece, 8 great nephews and 3 great-nieces, her precious dog, Kate, her many friends throughout the community especially her exercise class that she led for twenty years after her retirement from Sam Houston State University. Her many friends include her church friends, her golfing buddies, the community theater, the university and other groups that she was a part of. She meant so much to so many people. Memorial services will be held Thursday February 2, 2006 at 10 AM at the First Christian Church of Huntsville under the direction of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Montague Dance Scholarship at Sam Houston State University. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Dr. Mary Ella Montague

January 28, 1924 - January 30, 2006