Raye J. Montague

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Monday, October 15, 2018
6-8 pm
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1000 N. Mississippi
Little Rock, AR  72207
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
11:00 AM
Cemetery
Ft. Lincoln Cemetery
3401 Bladensburg Road
Brentwood, MD  
Raye J. Montague

of Little Rock, AR

January 21, 1935 - October 10, 2018

Raye J. Montague, entered this world on January 21, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas and left this world on October 10, 2018. She loved math and science, deciding early on that she wanted to become an engineer. Though public policies like segregation and discriminatory practices against women prevailed at the time, she forged her way to become an internationally registered professional engineer. She earned a BS at the University of Arkansas AM&N (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) and began a career in Washington, DC with the United States Navy in 1956, retiring in 1990 after more than 33 years of service in the metropolitan Washington DC area.

Raye was recognized with the U.S. Navy's Meritorious Civilian Service Award for revolutionizing the computer design of all U.S. naval ships and submarines using a computer. Many of her ship designs are still in use today and she was thrilled to meet some of the sailors and marines who have served on those ships. She served in numerous leadership roles during her naval career rising from a clerk typist, to computer programmer, analyst, and eventually a senior management position as program manager of ships (PMS-309) with naval field activities/work sites spanning the United States. She was the first woman to ever serve as a program manager of ships in the history of the U.S. Navy and held a civilian equivalent rank of captain. Raye was the Navy's expert on computer aided design and manufacturing, and often worked with other defense agencies, the private sector, and occasionally lectured on ship hull design at the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as regularly brief the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

After returning to Arkansas in 2006, Raye became active with LifeQuest of Arkansas, The Links Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Arkansas Association of University Women, and the American Contract Bridge League. She also mentored prisoners through a community re-entry program administered by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and the Arkansas Department of Correction. She enjoyed visiting students at schools to encourage them to think beyond any limitations put in front of them, particularly girls and women interested in STEM careers. In recent years, Raye completed an oral history on her career with the Butler Center, was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Academy of Computing. In 2018, she was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The two highlights she enjoyed most, were being featured ABC's Good Morning America in New York and being officially recognized by the U.S. Navy as the their ''hidden figure'' during naval events in Washington, D.C. and Dahlgren, Virginia. Raye was passionate about education and hard work, meaning that she leaves a legacy of many people she has inspired. Now gone from this world, she leaves behind a son, Dr. David Montague, daughter-in-law, Whitney Montague, and beloved granddaughter, Riley Montague; and a host of loving cousins and extended family.

Visitation will be held 6 pm, Monday, October 15, 2018 in the Chapel of Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, with a Celebration of Life starting at 7 pm. A Funeral Service will be held 11 am, Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi Street.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the Raye J. Montague Endowed Scholarship at UA Little Rock.




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21 Condolence(s)
Dr. Peter R. Bono, (LT, USN)
Yarmouthport, MA
Liked
Wednesday, October 31, 2018

I met your mother when I was a 27-year-old Naval Officer (and newly minted PhD in Computer Science) in 1972. I was assigned to the Computer-Aided Ship Design and Construction (CASDAC) office of the Naval Ship Engineering Center in Hyattsville, MD. We worked together in that small department (only about 10 people) for three years. Your mother was unfailingly welcoming and a pleasure to work with. I have very fond memories of those years--and it set my professional course in life. May she Rest in Peace!

Patricia Ward
Stafford, VA
Liked
Thursday, October 25, 2018

I was honored to meet Mrs. Montague at the Naval Sea Systems Command a few years ago. I got the chance to tell her how much I admire her and I had taken a couple of pictures with her. Such a wonderful woman and a life well live. RIP Ms. Montague<3

Brenda Hainey
Mayetta, KS
Liked
Monday, October 22, 2018

Dear David,

I was so shocked when I saw your Mother had passed! It is one of my greatest pleasures that my students were able to honor your Mother with their projects last school year. You both have made a lasting impression on the five students and myself. Our world needs more “Raye Montague’s” for sure!
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Brenda Hainey
Royal Valley Middle School

Jo Summar
Little Rock, AR, AR
Liked
Friday, October 19, 2018

Dear David and Family of Raye Montague,

My sincere condolences to each of you.

I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Raye.
She was a wonderful example and inspiration and was so very proud of her family.

I will miss her.

Mary Jo Summar
Col. (ret), Army Nurse Corps



Courtney Jackson
Rison, AR
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family. May the love and peace of God Keep you.

James Horton
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

Our condolences to Dr. David Montague and Family. May GOD's comfort be upon you and your Family. "A life well lived, will be missed and forever remembered... In HIS infinite wisdom, HE has done so many, many times before, brought comfort to us as we see our love ones make the transition. May that comfort be upon you now!

Janis F. Kearney and Bob J. Nash
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

Janis F. Kearney and Bob J. Nash offer our most sincere condolences to the loving family of the inestimable Mrs. Raye Montague. We admired her immensely, and loved hearing her share her amazing story. She was loved. She was admired. She will be greatly missed.

ROLAND Price & FRANCES BOOTH
Chicago, IL
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

Raye, I know the Gates of Heaven will be Open wide to accept another Angel. Our loss will be Heaven's gain. I know you will serve the Angelic Population with Honor and Distinction. You
have made your Merrill High Classmates SOOO.... PROUD.
REST IN PEACE!

Roland & Frances



Rosie Pettigrew
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

An inspiration to all Merrillians! We were blessed and grateful for your presence at our 2017 Reunion. Condolences extended to the family. Thank you for sharing your life experiences
Rosie Pettigrew and the Merrill All School Reunion Committee

Stephanie Ferguson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

David & Family

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Wishing peace and comfort at this time.

Stephanie
UALR

Albert J. Watson
Dallas, TX
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

During quiet moments, may you feel the presence of your loved one and the healing power of our Creator. Just know that she is now in a better place.


Continue to be strong in the Lord!

Shirley K'Nuckles, Doris Duncan & Family
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 14, 2018

While there are no words that can be said that will ease the pain of your loss; just know that you have our sincere condolences and the assurance that we will be continuously praying that God's loving arms will surround you as He will heals your hearts pain, gives you comfort and builds your strength.
Thank you for sharing your love one with the us. Although she will be missed, her spirit of excellence will live on through in history!

The K'Nuckles & Duncan Family

Juanita Currie
PINE Bluff, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 14, 2018

An inspiration to me and so many others. I was honored to know her and spend many quality hours with her.

Laura Barrio
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 14, 2018

David and family,

My deepest condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending you lots of love.

Laura

Pam Mueller
Little Rock,
Liked
Sunday, October 14, 2018

I was blessed to have known your mother. She was a remarkable lady. Loving thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

William E. Davis
Aberdeen, MD
Liked
Sunday, October 14, 2018

David, Whitney and Riley (Field Marshall),

Memories keep those we love close to us forever.
And although words seem to say so little,
I hope these help in some way
to ease the sense of loss
that you're experiencing today.

Hold fast to your memories,
to all of the cherished moments
of the past,
to the blessings and the laughter,
the joys and the celebrations,
the sorrow and the tears.
They all add up to a treasure
of fond yesterdays
that you shared and spent together,
and they keep the one you loved
close to you in spirit and thought.

The special moments
and memories in your life
will never change.
They will always be in your heart,
today and forevermore.

The memories of the time we spent
as classmates at AM&N after meeting
there in 1952 I shall always remember!
She was a talent and kept that positive
attitude.

William E. Davis
With deepest sympathy !

Cynthia (Cindy) Howell Aiken
Washington, DC, DC
Liked
Friday, October 12, 2018

My other lil' brother! Smile and cherish the wonderful memories of your Mom. Her spirit, warmth and strength will forever be deep in your heart and soul! Praying for you, Whitney and Riley during this difficult time. Celebrate her life because her life was definitely a life to be celebrated!! Our "neighborhood" hidden figure and my debutante sponsor will always be in my heart. Sending you lots of love and hugs! xoxo

Carl Minden
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 12, 2018

Truly an amazing woman who left behind a lasting legacy both professionally and personally. David, Whitney, and Riley you are in my prayers.

Rosalie Otters
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 12, 2018

David, family and all of us,

So very sorry for our loss as well as that of you and your family. Thank you for sharing her life story again. Very inspirational to all.

Shalom/Peace,

Rosalie

Minnie Walker
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 12, 2018

I had the honor to bask in the warmth of Mrs. Raye Montague's very welcoming personality one of which I will never forget. There is a passage in the Holy Writings that declare, "that just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes alive whomever he wants to" (John 5:22-23), therefore, I am looking forward to "the hour in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out", (John 5:28) and meeting Mrs. Raye Montague again in the very near future, "when death will be no more" (Rev 21:1-4)

Braye Brooks
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 11, 2018

Sending out lots of love and prayers for the family