Lesley "Lynn" Montagne (neé Larson), 74, of Dover, died peacefully in her home with her family on Dec 23, 2023. She was born on August 13, 1949, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. After graduating from Arlington High School, Lynn earned a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Colorado State University.

After many years of working at Conoco Oil Company in Casper, Wyoming, Lynn decided it was time to chase her professional dream. She and her daughter moved to Aurora, Colorado, spent her life savings to go back to school, and became a paralegal. She set the example for her daughter that you can accomplish anything with enough dedication and perseverance.

In 1991, she met and married the love of her life, Terry Montagne. Throughout their years of marriage, they lived in Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, and then back to Colorado before retiring in Russellville.

Lynn was a woman of devout faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Best said by her granddaughter, "Grandma was an avid member of the Jesus Fan Club!" Lynn demonstrated her love for Christ through her actions every day. From singing in the choir at First Methodist Church to volunteering regularly at Manna House, Lynn gave selflessly to positively impact the lives of others.

She was far busier and harder to get on the phone in retirement than she ever was when she was working. Lynn's daughter knew she had to call before 7:30 am if she expected her mom to answer. After that, Lynn was out the door. As a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church, she deepened her understanding and faith through multiple bible study groups. She also sang in the church choir and served those less fortunate at Manna House. She participated in a church group, crocheting prayer shawls and she volunteered at the Russellville Senior Center, crocheting hats for newborns. Lynn was also a lay minister and spent many hours visiting and delivering the word of the Lord to people in nursing facilities and those who were homebound.

When at home, Lynn could be found enjoying a football game, always yelling at the refs for a bad call. She also loved drag racing. She followed the NHRA Drag Racing Series and made the trip to Colorado almost every year for the Mile High Nationals, which she cleverly disguised as a "trip to see her daughter". As a Master Gardener, Lynn spent hours tending to her flower beds. She was so proud of her compost pile, which she used to fertilize her garden. She found peace and comfort in the outdoors and loved hiking and camping.

Never one to waste anything, Lynn found ways to create useful products out of things most would throw away. One of her greatest creations was made by cutting plastic bags into strips, gluing them together, and crocheted the strips into strong, flexible, reusable shopping bags. Another creation that she often gifted to family and friends was mirror frames and magnets made from pinecones and yucca pods she collected on her property or during her travels.

Lynn was a frugal woman who couldn't resist a bargain. She loved shopping at A-Z and Price Break, but of course, only on Friday when the prices were the lowest.

Lynn enjoyed throwing pottery and was quite talented. She spent several days a week at a local pottery studio where she made beautiful mugs and bowls. She passed her love of pottery on to her granddaughter who is also a talented potter.

Not only was Lynn loving, giving, and talented, she was very intelligent. She never talked about it and not many people know she was a member of Mensa, the High IQ Society.

Lynn leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Terry Montagne; a daughter, Ellery Reed (Casey) of Parker, Colorado; a stepson, Mike Montagne (Amy), of New Braunfels, Texas; a stepdaughter, Yvette Hug (David) of Tavira, Portugal; three granddaughters, Lyndsey, Madison and Brynna (Tyler); and four grandsons, Zane, Noah, Cassidy and Heston. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Louise Cahill; and her father, Ellis Raymond Larson, both of Arlington Heights, Illinois.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Russellville, with the Rev. Atticus O'Brien officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. All who knew and loved Lynn are invited to attend and are encouraged to share stories and experiences in fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American

Cancer Society, c/o Judy Murphy, 126 Lakeview Circle, Russellville, AR  72802.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .