August 6, 1943 – August 8, 2022
Pastor Betty M. Blair of Lexington passed away peacefully on August 8, 2022 surrounded by family. Betty was born August 6, 1943 in Fairgrove, MI to JD and Gladys (Kidd) Montei. She married Coulson Blair on July 2, 1965 in Owendale, MI. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, her children David (Mary Graminski) Blair of Plant City, FL and Rev. Carol (Allen) Bouse of Flushing, MI (Millington UMC); five grandchildren Daniel and James Blair, Jacob and Andrew Bouse, and Emily Conrad; a brother Larry Montei, a sister Mary (Stewart) Clark, a foster brother Larry (Sharon) Hess, and a brother-in-law John Blair; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. JD and Gladys Montei.
Throughout her life Betty fulfilled her call to ministry in many different ways. In 1957, as a teenager, she and her family left Fairgrove, MI for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, KY. Her father, JD Montei had become the new agricultural missionary; she proudly graduated from the Red Bird Mission High School in 1961. She was always active in her church family and community no matter where she lived, Michigan, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York, Michigan again or Florida. When her two children headed to school, so did Betty. After graduating from Saginaw Valley State University focused on Education, she served as Director of Christian Education in the local church and beyond. She also worked for many years for Mitten Bay Girl Scout Council. She finally answered her lifelong call to pastoral ministry in 2002 becoming the pastor of Lexington United Methodist Church until 2009. Her deep faith directed her life, always serving where needed in her community and church until the end.
A time of visitation will take place on Saturday, August 13 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm and from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the Lexington United Methodist Church, 5597 Main St, Lexington, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Lexington United Methodist Church, 5597 Main St, Lexington, MI. Rev. Susan Youmans presiding.
Memorial Gifts may be made to the Lexington United Methodist Church or Faith United Methodist Church, in Bradenton Florida.
Arrangements are in the care of Pomeroy Funeral Home
Condolences can be sent to:
Rev. Carol Blair Bouse (Daughter)
601 Leland St
Flushing, MI 48433
Coulson Blair (Husband)
5674 Gov. Sleeper Ct.
Lexington, MI 48450
Blair, Betty Montel (Coulson) – [(RL) FL 2002] Lexington 2002; Retired 6/30/2009
Last Updated on October 13, 2022