Helen Montgomery Obituary

Helen Runita Milling Montgomery ("Nita"), age 87, died August 9, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina. Nita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, Nita was the daughter of the late Robert Lyon and Elizabeth Marbert Milling. She graduated from Eau Claire High School, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of The Clarion in 1955 and was voted Miss D.A.R., and Miss Hi-Miss. She received an associate degree from the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. At USC, Nita met the love of her life, Zeno Hart Montgomery. After their 1958 wedding, she enjoyed sixty-three years of marriage with Zeke before his passing in 2021. Rarely a day went by after his death that Nita did not express her gratitude for Zeke's love and the life they shared. After their marriage, Nita and Zeke lived in Charleston, SC, where she worked at the Naval Shipyard. Following the birth of her two children, the family relocated to Columbia. Nita's dedication to her family and community was unwavering. She participated in a variety of community activities and hobbies, including the Women's Club of Columbia, the Mimosa Garden Club, the Symphony League, Beta Omega Service Sorority, and Saraband, as well as numerous bridge and social groups. She was also an active member of both Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, serving as a circle member, Sunday school teacher, bible school teacher, and nursery worker, as well as a volunteer at her children's and grandchildren's schools. Nita's hospitality made her home the site of many memorable gatherings, where her delicious food, beautiful table settings, and warm welcomes delighted all who attended. After raising her children, Nita returned to the workforce, bringing with her a tremendous work ethic, diligence, and an outgoing personality. Nita was respected as a dependable, trustworthy, and talented employee during her time at Epworth Children's Home, The Lutheran Seminary, Columbia College, and finally, for more than 20 years with the South Carolina House of Representatives. Her work life yielded many close friendships that she maintained throughout her lifetime. Nita is survived by her children: Michael H. Montgomery (Victoria), Lexington, SC, and Pamela M Mills (Terry), Greenville, SC; grandchildren: Hart Montgomery (Eleanor Stoeckle), San Francisco, CA, Faris Montgomery, Washington, DC, Mack Montgomery (Lindsay), Washington, DC, and Kirby Mills, Fort Worth, TX, as well as her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored. Nita's love and care for her family were evident in every aspect of her life. In addition to her parents, Nita was predeceased by her brother, Robert N. Milling; sister-in-law, Marjorie S. Milling; sister, Bess M. LaMontagne; brother-in-law, Col. G. A. Lamontagne; and sister, Martha M. Fabrizio. A service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Smith Chapel in Columbia, SC, on August 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The family will see visitors at 10:00 AM in Jackson Hall. A private burial will follow in Williamsburg Presbyterian Cemetery, Kingstree, SC. The family requests that Memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, Columbia College, or the Epworth Children's Home in lieu of flowers.