Elizabeth Emma Monta
February 17, 1940 - September 20, 2009
Obituary
Elizabeth Emma Michalsen-Monta
Elizabeth passed away peacefully in her home on September 20, 2009 with her husband and a nurse by her side, after a brave battle with cancer. Elizabeth Liz and/or Betty was born in Queens, New York on February 17, 1940 to her mother Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, and father Frank Michaelsen. Liz was raised by her grandmother, Emma Michaelsen, in Richmond Hills, NY and Franklin Square – Long Island, NY. Her father moved her in with his girlfriend in Kansas for a short period of time. Her father then moved her to Long Beach, California where she graduated in June 1957 from Polytechnic High School. Soon after graduation Liz better known as Betty in the old days moved back to Franklin Square with her grandmother. Liz worked for a short period of time at a bail bonds office in Queens NY. Her soon-to-be husband, Howard A. Monta was in the Air Force and stationed at Mitchell Air Force Base known as General Billy Mitchell Field in Hempstead, Long Island, just after serving two years in the Far East. Howard’s best friend was going out with a beautiful girl Howard met while roller skating. Luckily, Liz happened to be that girl’s best friend, and Howard was asked to join them on a double date. Howard had plenty of girlfriends during his youth, but Liz was his love at first sight. He bugged her and bugged her until she finally agreed to marry him. They were married in Queens, NY on February 7, 1959. Their only child, Howard F. Monta, was born on Mitchell AFB before Howard was discharged. The two lovers and their child moved to Seattle, where they both helped Howard’s parents manage his roller skating and teen dance-concert business in Bellevue, Washington through the 60s and most of the 70s. Lake Hills Skating Rink Liz went to North Seattle Community College for 2 years in the mid-80s, receiving an Associate Degree in Medical Transcriptions. She was on the Dean’s list and Phi Beta Kappa. A genius She worked for a short period of time in that field, but realized that it was not as interesting as she had imagined. She went back to concentrating on family and home life. Losing Liz is devastating for Howard, but he is thankful for the 50+ years of their loving relationship.
This description of Elizabeth E. Michaelsen-Monta only touches the tip of how beautiful and precious that she was to those who know her.
Howard,
My belated but heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beautiful wife, Liz. I know how much she meant to you and can only imagine the deep loss you’re feeling. Please know I’m keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts and in my heart.
Thank all of you who vistit this obituary for my beloved Liz. My heart is broken, but I will forever cherish the 50 plus years she graciously allowed me to be with her. Info on the obit photos:
Liz was 10 years old and living with her grandma in the photo with the dog.
The photo where we were wearing roller skates was our 2nd aniversary.
The last photo was Liz at the front ticket counter of the Lake Hills Roller Rink. She was in charge.
Howard A. Monta
howard
im so sad about your loss of liz. let me know if their is anything you need, im close by
god bless liz and take good care of her
Howard,
Words can not convey my sympathy for the loss of your life partner and wife. Please reach out to your many, many friends as you need to in the coming months.
Howard,
We are saddened to hear of your loss of Liz. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Howard,
I was extremely surprised and saddened when I learned that Liz was ill and passed away. You have both been a great source of inspiration and support throughout the years. I fondly remember the roller rink days when Richard would take me to his bouncing job. I remember how handsome you were in uniform, and how nice Liz was. I’m sure you know that we never really die….the soul is eternal. She will always be with you, and you will be united again. My sincere condolences….love Dana
Dear Howard:
I am devastated to hear of Liz’s passing. She did not share with me about the cancer. I would have loved to see her again had I known. My heart, prayers and love are coming to you now.
God Bless you Always,
Martha
Betty,
Dennis and I loved you more than you could have ever imagined. You and Howard have always been true friends and I’ve often said there is no one who could have treated us better or loved us more.
I miss you so much and will continue to love you even while you’re watching down on all of us.
Dennis and Nancy
Howard, I’m shocked and saddened by Betty’s passing. Our group in the ‘old days’ had so much fun and great memories, Vasa, Lk Hills, Ballard and the Beautiful Betty,always the center of attention, always as you said ‘in charge’. My thoughts are with you, she will surely be missed, may she rest in peace. With love to you and Family, Steve
Thank you, Howard, for your beautiful tribute to your beautiful Liz. She was an absolute delight. I loved her sense of humor and the way she viewed the world. I will miss her forever. What a terrible loss her passing is.
Howard, Although I never met you or Liz I felt as though I knew both of you. Liz & Ellen grew up in Richmond Hill, N.Y. years ago and through their e-mails in recent years I got to know you. My thoughts & prayers are with you. It was 5 months yesterday since Ellen died and there is not a day I don’t think of her. I’m sure you will experience similar feelings. It’s a different world without them, but hopefully we will survive. Keep in touch and God Bless!
Bill Keiger
Howard; Kathy and I are so sorry for your loss. We hope that we can be together as long as you and Liz have been. We can’t imagine how hard it would be to loose your spouse and best companion after that meany years.
Howard, Liz sent me the sweetest things by email. I felt close to her and will miss her. The obituary was beautifully written and told me lots of things about Liz and you I didn’t know. Keep in touch, please. Love
George
Knowing Howard since he was four years old I know how much he loved Liz and how compatible they were. She will missed . I shared e-mails with her daily in which she demonstrated a neat sense of humor and a commitment as a proud US citizen. My only regret is that I wish I knew her better.
My deepest condolences to Howard, May she rest in eternal peace. Nick
Howard,
My most heartfelt condolences to you in your loss- Liz was such a sweet and gentle person- I feel priveleged to have known her.
David Lord.
Howard: We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The loss of a spouse is one of life’s devasting experiences, and one that will remain with you forever. My prayers are with you at this time. You will find comfort remembering all the good years you and Liz spent together. Your many friends will be there for you, and you will find peace through them.
I am Very Stunned and Saddened by the loss of my Aunt Betty, Who for many years I called Mom. Both Howard & Betty welcomed my older sibling and myself into their home to live in the late 1960’s, and since the age of 9 yrs old raised me, We lived right up the street from Lake Hills Roller Rink in Bellevue,Wa. Having your family own a Roller Skating Rink in the 1960’s and 70’s was a little like having Disneyland within walking distance of your front door, with Skating,Hockey, and Live Dances as great memories, I know Betty was especially fond of the Saturday Night Dances, Selling Tickets at the front window allowed her to keep up with the latest teenage fashion’s, and she enjoyed the Music and Watching the Kids Dance. Howard always said the Skating along with playing Competitive Roller Hockey was like his Second Childhood, Well, It was my first, And if not for the Kindness of my Uncle Howard and Aunt Betty to give me a home to Live in,and Guidelines to Live my Life by, My Childhood would surely not have been so Memorable & Bright. My Thoughts and Prayers are with You and Howie. I Love You, I Thank You, And I will Miss my Aunt Betty Very Much. God Bless……
I went to NSCC with Liz and enjoyed every minute of it. My two girls would go to Howard and Liz’s house and would love to go swimming in the pool. I remember going to Godfather Pizza after graduation for a party. Liz was a good person and friend and will be missed greatly..My thoughts and prayers are with your family..Cindy
Liz and Howard were wonderful neighbors at Windward in Des Moines for a number of years. When you moved we both were sad as we enjoyed your company and friendship. We enjoyed hearing from you through Email as to what you were doing. Howard, take care and Bev and I will have you in our prays. Call anytime if we can help in anyway. Your friends Al and Bev.
Liz, Rest In Peace!
We love you and miss you tremendously. We’ll help you watch over your “Howie!”
Love, John and Judie
Howard,
I am so saddened to hear about your terrible loss of Liz. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family and, of course , for liz. Take solice that she is terribly happy and pain free in Heaven.
Sincerely
JackTuna Meduna
Retired SPD
Liz was 10 years old and living with her grandma in the photo with the dog.
The photo where we were wearing roller skates was our 2nd aniversary.
The last photo was Liz at the front ticket counter of the Lake Hills Roller Rink. She was in charge.
My memories of Betty are so great. She was such a individual of her own kind and such a person I have not met the likes of since. I will always miss my friend and I hope she will rest in peace.
My love,
Carol
May Liz rest in Peace. May the Lord’s grace be upon Sarge and shine upon him!
Dear Howard,
I was sad to hear about the loss of your dear wife. I feel that I knew both of you through stories and pictures of life at the skating rink. Your 2nd wedding anniversary on “skates” photo is priceless.
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts today and I hope that you will find comfort in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Estela Marroquin
Son Howard passed Sept. 2015.
Husband Howard suffered a stroke March 2015 and is at Cristwood in Shoreline, WA
Close friends Judie and Nancy have both passed with cancer Feb. 2014. End of an era of good close friends.
May they all Rest in Peace!
John
guichj@comcast.net