Linda Kay Montelbano, 71, of Marshall, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 7, 1953, in Marshall, Texas, she was the cherished daughter of Jack Leon Jones and Mabel 'Loraine' Jones.

Kay began her professional journey as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell Telephone before discovering her true calling in healthcare. With determination and compassion, she became a registered nurse. Her passion for nursing was most evident in the operating room, where she found both purpose and joy. She was proud to serve alongside her beloved OR family, a group of colleagues who affectionately joked, "If you're working with Kay today, you better have your skates on!" Her energy, kindness, and infectious smile left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

On January 28, 1984, she married the love of her life, Veto Montelbano. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and deep faith.

She was the beloved sister of Sue Ann Perkins and a treasured aunt to Robert Marshall Perkins, Jr. and his wife Melanie (Marshall, Tx), Christopher Michael Perkins and his wife Stephanie (Prosper, Tx), Jason Montelbano and his wife Belinda (Georgia), Joseph Montelbano (Haughton, La), Justin Montelbano (Bossier, La) as well as Tobie Montelbano and his wife Alex (Gilmer, Tx)

She was a proud great-aunt to Megan (Tyler) Lamm, Malory Perkins, Katelyn (Wade) Burchfield, Hunter Perkins, Christian Perkins, Brody Perkins. She was a doting great-great-aunt to Clair Lamm, William and Jaxon Burchfield, Sage Montelbano, as well as Merrit, Banks and Sloane Montelbano. Her family was her heart, and she found great joy in being part of their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mabel 'Loraine' Jones; her brother-in-law, Robert Perkins Sr.; and her great-great-niece, Scarlet Lamm.

Throughout her life, she was blessed with the enduring friendships of Deborah Phillips and Vicki Solomon. These lifelong friends stood beside her through every season, offering laughter, support, and unconditional love. Their bond was a beautiful reflection of Kay's warmth and loyalty.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to June Newsom and all of the wonderful ladies with Barbara Gould Sitter Service. Your care, compassion, and unwavering devotion brought peace and comfort to Kay in her final days. We will always be thankful for the love you showed her.

Linda Kay Montelbano will be remembered as a spirited, joyful, and deeply caring woman whose legacy of love, service, and friendship lives on in all those she touched.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Crossroads Baptist Church in Marshall.