Netella Kathleen Montague

Netella Kathleen Montague, affectionately known as “Tella,” 76, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 4, 2025, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Netella was born on May 16, 1949, in Provo, Utah, to Quinten Blair Montague and Lova Mae Abbott. The oldest of nine children, she spent much of her childhood in Boise, Idaho, where she developed a lifelong love for country living. Tella was known for her creative spirit, often turning mundane farm chores into games for her younger siblings.

A gifted musician, Tella participated in choir and played the clarinet in the Borah High School marching band. After her family moved to Vancouver, B.C., in 1966, she graduated from North Vancouver Secondary School. She later returned to Idaho to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, where she established many cherished, lifelong friendships.

Tella’s professional life was defined by her organizational and leadership skills. She spent several years in Utah and California working in various managerial and accounting roles. She was a natural leader who took pride in her work, but her greatest professional joy was always found in the people she worked alongside.

Family was the cornerstone of Tella’s life. She was the architect of joy at family reunions, particularly at Kennally Creek in Idaho. Her organizational talents shone through the elaborate scavenger hunts, card tournaments, and campfire singalongs she orchestrated for her aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tella’s faith was her guiding light. She served in numerous capacities within the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women’s organizations. She was a  Member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and was instrumental in the restoration of the Spanish Fork Pioneer Cemetery. Her most profound impact was felt through music; she directed many ward and stake choirs and taught seminary, sharing her testimony through teaching and song. Even as her health declined, Tella’s hands would instinctively move to conduct whenever choral music was played.

Netella was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Pamela Katherine Montague; and her sister-in-law, Deborah Robinson Montague.
She is survived by her seven siblings: Quinn (Terry) Montague of Rupert, ID; Kevin (Kathryn) Montague of Citrus Heights, CA; Jenny (Kevin) Baadsgaard of Spanish Fork, UT; Dain Montague of Lehi, UT; Rebecca (Bert) Wharton of Boulder City, NV; Polly (Daniel) Bodell of Vancouver, WA; and Ginger Montague of Mesa, AZ. She also leaves behind a large legacy of beloved nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Noble Hospice for their unwavering support and tender care, as well as the many friends and church members whose cards, calls, and visits brightened Tella’s final years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spanish Fork, Utah, later in the spring. Date and time yet to be determined.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.