Mary Montgomery Holbrook, age 79 of Rousseau, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard, Kentucky.
Born on February 7, 1946 on a farm in Fritz, Kentucky, Mary was the daughter of the late Kennie and Ressie Back Montgomery. After graduating high school, she pursued Business studies at Mayo Vocational School laying the foundation for a dedicated career. Mary worked for many years as a payroll clerk for Falcon Coal Company ad Arch Mineral Corporation where her strong work ethic and commitment were evident in everything she did.
Mary was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy in tending to her flower beds - especially her beloved irises - and was a gifted seamstress creating curtains, pillows and clothing with care and creativity. She loved creating things with her hands be it woodworking or crafting and each piece reflected her warmth and creativity. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and celebration where she lovingly prepared meals for family and friends. Her Chicken and Dumplings were legendary and she always made sure everyone's favorite dish was on the table.
Later in life Mary's greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them and embraced her role as grandmother with love and devotion.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Adrian Montgomery and Glenn Wood Montgomery.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Carl J. Holbrook; her son, Erik Holbrook (Amy); her daughter, Adriann Edwards (Brent); her stepson, Jason Holbrook; her treasured grandchildren, Levi Holbrook, Camden Edwards, Lilly Edwards and Luke Holbrook. She also leaves behind her loving sisters, Alice Arnett and Lila Gibbbs.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 9, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services to take place on Friday, October 10, at 1:00 PM with Carl McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow at the Holbrook Family Cemetery at Rousseau with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Wells Hospice Care Center, 101 Dennis Sandlin MD Cove, Hazard, KY 41701.
"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.
