Dolores Montana Aldridge Houchins, 90, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2021.

Montana was born on December 30, 1930, to Maynard and Dora Aldridge in Roanoke, VA.

Montana is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Charles Jackson Houchins, Jr., her brother William Charles Aldridge, Sr. and her sister Patricia Ann Wirt, all of Roanoke, VA.

Surviving are her daughter, Mickey Ruth Bryarly of Ormond Beach, FL, sister, Janet Romana Taylor of Roanoke, VA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Montana was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who knew her and a faithful Christian.

She graduated from The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton where she became head cheerleader, the first homecoming queen in the school's history, a star basketball player, and valedictorian of her graduating class.

Montana, also known as Virginia Deaf Mother of the Year, was involved in volunteer work on behalf of the deaf community and in improving relations between the deaf and the hearing. As a member of the Roanoke Valley Club for the Deaf, she served on various committees, organizing social events and raising money for the annual basketball and softball tournaments.

Montana had a sweet spot for chocolate and ice cream but found her sweetest spot spending time with her husband and family. She was exceedingly generous with her time and resources and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, Staunton, VA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Valley Funeral Home, 1609 Peters Creek Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.

Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. Funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Tim Martin. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.valleyfuneralservice.com .