Connie was born on February 5, 1940, to Helen and Elmer Zahn in Jacksonville, IL. The family later moved to Fort Madison, IA. She graduated from Fort Madison High School in 1958. She was very accomplished, yet a warm, gracious, beautiful soul all her life. In high school she was a member of Citizen of the Month, National Honor Society, cheerleader, Homecoming Queen and President of Student Council. After high school she attended nursing school at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA. She continued to be involved and was elected homecoming queen during her senior year.

Connie married Bradley G. Cuthbert on September 15, 1962, and they had two children; Shannon Michele and Bradley Curtis Cuthbert. Major Cuthbert was a casualty of the VietNam war, serving in the United States Air Force from 1962 – 1968. In 1975, Connie married Harold W. Montover who had four children; Mitchell, Jennifer, Paul and Nathan. Together they owned and operated one of the first retail computer stores in Marshalltown; Micro-Computer Applications.

Upon Harold’s death in 1987, Connie returned to work as a nurse at the Iowa Veteran’s Home. Ironically, she cared for dementia patients. She went on to serve patients through public health and subsequently Iowa River Hospice where she worked tirelessly to promote and raise funds for the Hospice House. She retired from Primary Health after spearheading the Lead Poisoning Prevention program in Marshalltown.

Connie was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown where she sang in the choir, and a 35 year member of Heart of Iowa Sweet Adelines. She loved to garden and spend time with family and friends. She made a difference in every life she touched.

Deeply loved by all, Connie continued to live life as only she could do it; gracefully, elegantly, lovingly, softly, beautifully.

Connie is preceded in death by her husbands, Bradley G. Cuthbert and Harold W. Montover, her parents Helen and Elmer Zahn, her grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles and cousins and granddaughter Ellie Jo Montover.

She is survived by her children Mitch (Suzanne) Montover, Jennifer (Greg) Edel, Shannon (Todd) Cuthbert Sassen, Paul Montover, Curtis (Leanna) Cuthbert and Nathan (Kim) Montover, 19 grandchildren, two great grandchildren (and two more on the way); her sisters Barb Wollam, of Marshalltown, Bonnie Marsh, of Minneapolis, and brother Edward Zahn, of Fairhope, AL.

A final message to Connie from her family: You are finally at peace, our precious one. Your struggle has been epic and we’re so humbled by it. May you carry on joyfully with those who departed before you. Indeed, may you fly unencumbered by earthly cares and woes. We love you dearly.

Memorials in Connie’s name may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice. Fond memories and condolences may be shared for the family at www.mitchellfh.com or phone 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Connie and her family.