Mary "Monty" B. Sowder
Mary “Monty” Butler Sowder was born July 13, 1932 in Giles County, Virginia to William Dowell Butler and Carrie Kelly Butler. She grew up in Narrows, VA, the youngest of seven children, all of whom preceded her in death.
Monty’s life was defined by her relationship with and devotion to the Lord. She was deeply involved with her church family at both West Salem Baptist Church and at CommUnity Church, and taught children’s Sunday school for over 45 years. She generously used her time and talents to serve others, especially as a volunteer at the Salem Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, and in providing meals and visiting those who were home-bound or hospitalized. What her friends and family may most remember and treasure, though, are her many handwritten letters and notes of encouragement and love. She continued writing personal notes even after her eyesight was greatly diminished.
Monty was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she modeled the virtue of always putting others’ needs before her own. As a mother, she believed in firm discipline and in showing up, and she was present at every football and basketball game, choir concert, and any other activity in which her children participated. Her grandchildren remember trips to the park, movies, and above all, the ice cream parlor. She always had homemade chocolate chip cookies ready, and crafts prepared for them to do. She loved nature and gardening, and always kept a beautiful yard and flower garden. She was an avid reader and an excellent cook whose scalloped potatoes were requested at every church potluck and family Easter dinner.
Her presence, words of wisdom, and example of noble character will truly be missed by those who knew and loved her. In addition to her siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Charlie Brown Sowder. She is survived by her son, Jeff Charles Sowder (Marlene) of Roanoke, VA and daughter, Charlene Sowder Gowdey (David) of Dallas, TX; her grandchildren Mary Catherine Sowder Nesaw (Chris) of Lynchburg, Laura Meredith Sowder (fiancé Bryce D’Surney) of Richmond, Mary Margaret Gowdey and Hank Gowdey of Dallas, TX and David Gowdey, Jr. (Lil) of Jackson, MS. She is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Evie Gowdey and Ezekiel “Zeke” Nesaw, as well as a dear sister-in-law, Mary Butler of Pearisburg, VA.
The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to her devoted caretakers Terri, Brenda, and Veda. They were like God’s angels on earth to her and she loved them, her ‘sisters’, dearly. We are also grateful to Ellis Senior Care and Teresa Ellis and her agency for their weekend assistance for the past year, particularly her dedicated weekend overnight caretaker, Rebecca. We were also blessed to have Good Samaritan Hospice provide guidance and assistance during her last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children Hospital (StJude.org).
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 3 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Lotz Chapel in Salem, VA. Funeral services will be held on Monday March 4 at 2:00 pm Lotz Chapel in Salem with Pastor Ken Nienke.
