Michael Montgomery

Michael Joseph Montgomery, 65, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, after a brief and courageous battle against plasma cell leukemia. Michael was born August 12, 1960 in Williamson, West Virginia to the late Joyce Farley and the late Clyde Montgomery. Raised primarily in west Columbus, Michael graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University, receiving a degree in computer science. He also attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, where he majored in theological studies. Prior to college, however, Michael joined the Ohio Army National Guard immediately after graduating from Franklin Heights High School. He served his country for nearly 22 years. Being a soldier was Michael’s proudest accomplishment.

An intelligent and gifted man, Michael lived his life in the shadow of bi-polar disorder, which sometimes affected his ability to achieve his goals. Nonetheless, he persevered in various careers, including computer technology, sales, mental health case management, and office management.

Michael is survived by his wife of 28 years, Anita Marshall; stepchildren, Sarah (Brandon) Clark and Nathaniel Gallick; step-grandchildren Greta, Silas, Oscar, and Everett; brother-in-law Robert (Michelle) Marshall, sister-in-law Elizabeth (Jeff) Schneider, and brother-in-law Dale Ouzts. He is also survived by nieces Anita Kirby and Heather Kirby, nephew Heath Kirby, and their children, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Susan Ouzts, his nephew Christopher Kirby, his brother-in-law William Marshall; and his beloved German Shepherd Dakota.

Per Michael’s wishes, there will be no public services. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date, when they will travel to the Rocky Mountains to scatter Michael’s remains among the mountains he loved.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Gary Sinese Foundation which serves veterans, active-duty military, and first responders; or to your local Humane Society.