1957
John
2015
John F. Montz, Jr
July 21, 1957 — November 12, 2015
JOHN FRANKIN MONTZ, JR.
It is with deep sadness that the siblings of John Franklin Montz Jr., announce the passing of their beloved brother, who entered into the joy of the Lord on November 12, 2015. John was born in Edinburg, Ohio, on July 21, 1957, the son of John Franklin Montz, Sr., and Garnet Zella (Given) Montz. Prior to graduating from Southeast High School, John entered into an apprenticeship under his father, a master builder, and owner of Montz Construction. Examples of his workmanship stand today, showcased in Walden of Aurora. Though John initially excelled in his chosen trade, personal struggles prevented him from sustaining his vocation. For those who knew him during these challenging years, in addition to the difficulties he presented and the exasperation he elicited, you also witnessed his free spirit, unfailing humor, love of nature, and dedication to unconventionality. Eventually, his singularly unique life manifested itself as wanderlust, which inspired him to travel the country. During these journeys, he befriended hundreds of strangers, lent a helping hand to those in need, and imprinted his mark upon their hearts. And now, dear brother, your earthly walk has ended, and though not how we imagined it, our prayers for you have been answered. So, in total peace, we give a sacrifice of praise to God, comforted by the inerrant truth of Isaiah 55:9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than yours.”
Left to continue his legacy of love and laughter are brothers, Terry E. Montz, (William McCluskey) Edinburg, Ohio, Harry E. Montz, Naples, Florida, and sister, Joy L. Montz, Kent, Ohio. Surviving biological children are, Amanda L. Montz, Elizabeth N. and Corey L. Myers, Ravenna, Ohio, and Tiffany Bane, Atwater, Ohio. Also surviving are aunts, Joyce Glover, Girard, Ohio, Violet Smith, Van Nuys, California, Shirley Given, Grapevine, Texas, and uncle, Earl Phile, Edinburg, Ohio. Additionally surviving are many cousins, including honorary aunt, Carolyn Marie Baker, Ravenna, Ohio, and cat, Socks. Immediate family members preceding John in death are his parents, beloved sister, Pamela Ann Montz, grandparents, Edwin and Emma Given, and Harry and Ethel Montz.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the community network of friends and caretakers who provided compassionate support to our brother through the years. Specifically to be mentioned, at John’s request, are Kevin Coleman Counselors, Laura and Cara, his tireless advocates, Attorney, Doug Kehres, who freely gave of his time and resources, Jim Coll, co-owner of Triangle Pharmacy, who welcomed and loved him, and John Spagnuola, former owner of Bar Ten, who gave more than will ever be known. To the remainder, you know who you are, and we thank you. Family and friends will be received at the Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home, 141 N. Meridian St., Ravenna, on Thursday, December 3, 2015, from 4:00 PM until time of memorial services at 5:30 PM ., with Reverend Timothy Paroz of the Edinburg United Church officiating. At the conclusion of services, a Celebration of Life dinner will be held at the Ravenna Elks Club, 776 N. Freedom St., Ravenna, Ohio, for all wishing to attend. Private graveside services will be held at Edinburg Cemetery Edinburg Township, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name, to the Edinburg Park Fund, 6856 Tallmadge Rd, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, or to Coleman Professional Services, Ravenna, Ohio. Condolences and memories of John may be shared with the family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.
It is with deep sadness that the siblings of John Franklin Montz Jr., announce the passing of their beloved brother, who entered into the joy of the Lord on November 12, 2015. John was born in Edinburg, Ohio, on July 21, 1957, the son of John Franklin Montz, Sr., and Garnet Zella (Given) Montz. Prior to graduating from Southeast High School, John entered into an apprenticeship under his father, a master builder, and owner of Montz Construction. Examples of his workmanship stand today, showcased in Walden of Aurora. Though John initially excelled in his chosen trade, personal struggles prevented him from sustaining his vocation. For those who knew him during these challenging years, in addition to the difficulties he presented and the exasperation he elicited, you also witnessed his free spirit, unfailing humor, love of nature, and dedication to unconventionality. Eventually, his singularly unique life manifested itself as wanderlust, which inspired him to travel the country. During these journeys, he befriended hundreds of strangers, lent a helping hand to those in need, and imprinted his mark upon their hearts. And now, dear brother, your earthly walk has ended, and though not how we imagined it, our prayers for you have been answered. So, in total peace, we give a sacrifice of praise to God, comforted by the inerrant truth of Isaiah 55:9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than yours.”
Left to continue his legacy of love and laughter are brothers, Terry E. Montz, (William McCluskey) Edinburg, Ohio, Harry E. Montz, Naples, Florida, and sister, Joy L. Montz, Kent, Ohio. Surviving biological children are, Amanda L. Montz, Elizabeth N. and Corey L. Myers, Ravenna, Ohio, and Tiffany Bane, Atwater, Ohio. Also surviving are aunts, Joyce Glover, Girard, Ohio, Violet Smith, Van Nuys, California, Shirley Given, Grapevine, Texas, and uncle, Earl Phile, Edinburg, Ohio. Additionally surviving are many cousins, including honorary aunt, Carolyn Marie Baker, Ravenna, Ohio, and cat, Socks. Immediate family members preceding John in death are his parents, beloved sister, Pamela Ann Montz, grandparents, Edwin and Emma Given, and Harry and Ethel Montz.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the community network of friends and caretakers who provided compassionate support to our brother through the years. Specifically to be mentioned, at John’s request, are Kevin Coleman Counselors, Laura and Cara, his tireless advocates, Attorney, Doug Kehres, who freely gave of his time and resources, Jim Coll, co-owner of Triangle Pharmacy, who welcomed and loved him, and John Spagnuola, former owner of Bar Ten, who gave more than will ever be known. To the remainder, you know who you are, and we thank you. Family and friends will be received at the Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home, 141 N. Meridian St., Ravenna, on Thursday, December 3, 2015, from 4:00 PM until time of memorial services at 5:30 PM ., with Reverend Timothy Paroz of the Edinburg United Church officiating. At the conclusion of services, a Celebration of Life dinner will be held at the Ravenna Elks Club, 776 N. Freedom St., Ravenna, Ohio, for all wishing to attend. Private graveside services will be held at Edinburg Cemetery Edinburg Township, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name, to the Edinburg Park Fund, 6856 Tallmadge Rd, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, or to Coleman Professional Services, Ravenna, Ohio. Condolences and memories of John may be shared with the family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.
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