John J. Montgomery, 78, of Ligonier, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Avalon Village.

He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania to the late John and Freida (Fuchs) Montgomery.

On June 5, 1971, in Warsaw, Indiana, he married the love of his life, Carol Rufenearger. She survives in Ligonier.

Mr. Montgomery retired as a 6th Grade Teacher from West Noble Middle School. John had also owned and operated Ligonier Asphalt Sealing, where he spent his summers.

In his free time, John enjoyed fishing and hunting, but his pride and joy were his grandchildren. John loved reading to his grandsons and taking them out on the four- wheeler.

He is also survived by his son, Matthew “Matt” Montgomery; grandsons, Hunter and Holden; and sisters, Sandra Ickes and Linda Miller.

Per John’s wishes, there will be no public services. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to the Catherine Peachey Fund (www.peacheyfund.com), whose work supports groundbreaking breast cancer research.