Arleta Nan Montross

Arleta Nan Knight Montross, 85, of Independence, Kansas, passed away January 4th, 2026. Born January 17, 1940, on a very frigid day when a glass of water sat near frozen on a window sill, to George and Shirley Knight at home. She was the oldest of six siblings, Wayne, Larry, Bruce, Frank, and Alma (a.k.a. Missy) Arleta grew up with a passel of cousins and neighbors accepting responsiblitiy at an early age. Arleta attended Billings School, south of Cherryvale, until her eighth grade year, when she was needed more at home. Arleta worked at home on the farm, later for the porter family. She also was employed later in life at Echlin In Independence, Kansas, until her marriage and becoming a housewife and caregiver for younger in laws. Other employers were ACC in Independence, Bird View in Chanute, and then Emerson back in Independence, Kansas. Arleta also worked for her father at the Blue Top Tavern and Eagles Club. 

Arleta got her generosity of goodwill from her parents when often she shared her home with others while growing up, sometimes for a meal, night, or days. Arleta helped her husband's siblings upon getting married providing a safe and caring home. While raising her children, she would watch the neighborhood's children among her nieces and nephews, treating them as her own. Often the children would call her mom and later grandma as this is what her kids would call her, and she would answer them. Always a good cook and enjoyed cooking and teaching others to find what was missing. Kept pickles in the refrigerator for some special kids. She cared and listened to others giving assistance and opinion as needed. She taught everyone the lessons of generosity that she had learned. 

Arleta met Ernie Montross while working at Echlin. They married August 22, 1959, later divorced. Arleta and Ernie had four children, Louise of the home, Kevin and Jamie of Arimo, ID, Sandy and Clint Willits of Edna, KS, and Danny of Manhattan, KS. 

Arleta enjoyed nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Alicia, Lacy, Bruce and Hailey, Lance, Mallori, Adam Montross from Idaho. Jacob and Tommi, Harley, Lilith Arleta, Remy and Alexander Marchant of Coffeyville, KS. Kolby and Becca, Rex, Emma, and Madilynn Montross of Manhattan, KS. DeAndera and Cody, Kylie, Adin, Howard, and Arleta Lear of Edna, KS. 

Arleta is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Wayne, Frank, and daughter-in-law Christine. Arleta passed after a long battle of cancer. 

The family requests donations be made to the Cancer of America Foundation or to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. The family would also like to take a moment to thank Harry Hynes, Cancer of America, Dr Nabbout, and Dr. Sandhu for all that they have done for Arleta. They each provided great comfort during Arleta's fight and last journey.