Memorial service for Betty Jo Montgomery Briley, 89, formerly of 115 S. Rutter, Chanute, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 at the First United Methodist Church, 202 S. Lincoln, Chanute. A private burial of the cremains will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.

Mrs. Briley died Sunday, Aug. 15, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.

She was born to Charles Ray Montgomery and Sarah Edna Fadler Montgomery in Pittsburg on April 12, 1921. She graduated from Pittsburg High School and earned a BA in Music from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg. She married Robert L. Briley on Dec. 25, 1942 in Little Rock, Ark., and following the war, moved with her husband to Lawrence, where he attended the University of Kansas Law School and she taught school. When Bob received his law degree, they moved to Bob’s hometown of Chanute where Bob practiced law for more than 40 years. Bob preceded Betty in death on Jan. 30, 1998.

Betty was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother and was a wonderful, giving person. She was an avid reader, accomplished seamstress, and loved music. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for more than 60 years and for most of those years served in the choir. She was a talented vocal soloist and was highly requested to sing at weddings, funerals and other functions. She was for several years a member of the Library board of directors.

Survivors include her daughter, Bobbie J. Gish and husband, Steve, Lawrence; her son, R. Montgomery Briley and wife, Kathy, Wichita; sisters Cora Fuller, Austin, Texas, Mary Cooprider, Highlands Ranch, Colo.; brother-in-law Paul Briley and wife, Lois, Burlingame, Calif.; grandchildren Matthew Gish, Kristen Gish, Caroline Gish, Michael Gish, Sarah Briley, Larissa Briley, and many cherished nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Bonnie Kungle.

Memorial contributions can be sent in her name to the First United Methodist Church of Chanute and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.