Keith D. Montgomery

Keith D. Montgomery, 71, of Nampa, slipped away to be with Jesus from his home in Nampa, Idaho, on Saturday, Dec. 1. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Family Life Center, Nampa First Church of the Nazarene (601 16th Ave S.) in Nampa Idaho. Burial will follow at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. – 208-442-8171. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com.

Keith was born to Thomas and Virginia Montgomery in Carrington, North Dakota.  Being the youngest of five children, he was the first to be born in a hospital.  He grew up in rural Foster County and was a part of the family farming business.  He milked cows, fed pigs, and drove tractors and farm trucks all at an early age.  His was among the first farm families to plant and harvest sunflowers as a crop in North Dakota. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho.  Due to his father’s poor health, he returned to the farm and enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Throughout his 12-year career in the military, he excelled in his role as Communications NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge). In 1968, Keith married Merrianne McCaffree in Myrtle Point, Oregon.  They resided in Carrington, North Dakota for 15 years, where they had three daughters.  In 1982, they moved to Sidney, Montana. It was there where he completed his family with one more daughter. An avid sports enthusiast, Keith attended all his daughters’ sporting events and coached girls softball.  Rarely did he miss Sidney high school football games, basketball games, and wrestling matches — including  all the postseason tournaments — and he did what he could to verbally keep officials accountable. Not only did he love watching sports he played racquetball, league baseball, and league bowling.  He also had a passion for hunting every fall and getting “the big one.” Keith was diligent in making sure his daughters knew the game of football, which helped them to share his love of the Minnesota Vikings.  He also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins.  In 2006, Keith and Merrianne moved to Nampa, Idaho, where he became an avid Boise State University football fan. Keith’s career included 14 years as a rural mail carrier; however, he found his calling in sales of insurance, appliances, industrial equipment, and real estate. But his favorite job was being a professional Santa Claus. He was loved by kids as he traveled all over the United States. Nothing mattered more to Keith than his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a lifelong and active member of the Church of the Nazarene and invested heavily in ministry. He passed his passion for the Gospel on to his children and grandchildren.

Keith is survived by his wife of 50 years, Merrianne (McCaffree), daughters, JeDonne Hines of Meridian, Idaho; Jeanette (Tory) Nelson of Eagan, Minnesota, Jayci (Chris) Field of Pomeroy, Washington; and Jenee’ (Brad) Taylor of Enterprise, Alabama. He loved his family and in turn was fondly loved by them all, including six grandchildren: Abby and Scout Hines; Mackenzie Nelson; and Isabella, Colton, and Lucianne Field. Siblings include Stanley Montgomery, Kent, Washington; Hugh Montgomery, the Philippines; and Marilyn (Joel) Peebles of Sequim, Washington; many nieces, nephews, great great nephews, Hayden and Kade Hansen and cousins; and sister-in-law, Dora Montgomery of Carrington, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by father Thomas and mother Virginia, brother Kenneth Montgomery, sister-in-law Margaret Montgomery, niece Kristi Montgomery, and nephew Dwight Montgomery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hands of Hope Northwest, 1201 So. Powerline Rd., Nampa, ID 83686; Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 17001 Prairie Star Way, Lenexa, KS 66220.

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