Judy Montgomery was born on March 5, 1945, in Lampasas to Charlie Elam and Audrey Garner Elam.
As was the case with many children born in 1945, Judy’s father was in the Army and was in transit from England to France. Under the prevailing communication, the Red Cross was responsible for conveying birth announcements to soldiers by wire. They could not locate him initially. Finally, a telegram caught up with the battalion, containing the message “Daughter born. Both well.” This fading, fragile telegram survives today.
Judy attended Lampasas High School all 12 years and was valedictorian of the Class of 1963. She then graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a major in history and English literature, despite which, she liked to say, she was still able to earn a living.
During her working career, she held administrative positions with large organizations, the last being 20 years in human resources with one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the United States, located in Los Angeles County. She was part of the hiring process for bluecollar workers at the plant.
She retired in 2007, moved back to Lampasas and enjoyed a pleasant retirement amid the birds and deer of west Lampasas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Walter and Stella Garner of Rumley, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by several cousins, including Lampasas natives Melinda Morris and Becky Yowell.
Judy’s body will be cremated, and no service, visitation or memorial will be held.
