Lou Ann Montague

Lou Ann Montague, born Lou Ann Shy, passed away on February 14, 2026. She was born on February 20, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, where she was raised with her three sisters. She graduated from Seaman High School in 1973. Lou Ann was a woman of extraordinary talent, creativity, and determination, whose life reflected her many passions and abilities.

She built a diverse and accomplished career, working in technology and job recruitment, as a jeweler, an accomplished florist, and an entrepreneur who owned her own interior design business specializing in custom window treatments. She also worked as a chef and was among the few women of her time to sell cars for a major dealership in Columbia, Missouri. Her professional life reflected her intelligence, adaptability, and fearless willingness to pursue new challenges. She even pursued a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management and Interior design from the University of Missouri later in her adult life.

Her talents extended far beyond her career. Lou Ann was an amazing seamstress who created beautiful dresses for weddings, proms, and First Communions. She lovingly made countless doll clothes for her granddaughters and was an active quilter who created hundreds of quilts over her lifetime. She had an exceptional eye for color and design, which showed in everything she created.

She found joy in working outdoors and was passionate about her yard and gardening. She had a deep knowledge of trees and flowers and took pride in cultivating beauty wherever she lived. At home, she was always working on a project—painting, wallpapering, building bookcases, or even hanging drywall. There was truly nothing she lacked the confidence to take on.

Lou Ann was an avid reader with a personal library that rivaled a small library in size. She also loved the arts and enjoyed painting and creative expression. This extended to her love of music. She played the piano beautifully and our house was always filled with music. She found joy in cooking, especially baking, and was known for her beautiful desserts and thoughtfully set tables. She did everything on a grand scale and had a special gift for making the holidays memorable and meaningful. She was also a devoted football fan who faithfully cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Shy and Agnes Wright; her stepmother, Jane Shy; and her sister, Nancy Shy.

She is survived by her daughters, Kellee Fitzgerald (husband Andrew Fitzgerald) and Jamee Sloan (husband Ryan Schultz); her cherished grandchildren, Kaleb Sloan, Luke Fitzgerald, Lanee Fitzgerald, and Emilee Fitzgerald; her sisters, Jeannie Shy and Carolyn Church; her beloved aunt, Mildred Currence; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lou Ann will be remembered as a woman of many talents, boundless creativity, and unwavering strength. She was full of character, deeply loved, and will be forever missed. There will only ever be one “Nana”.

Graveside memorial service will be private at Rochester Cemetery in Topeka. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:30 pm on Saturday, July, 25, 2026 at the Parker-Price and Davidson Receptions Cremations Funerals, 245 NW Independence, Topeka, Kansas 66608.