ELKHART -- Elizabeth Ann Montagano, wife, mother, sister, aunt, godmother and friend to many died at home on her 86th birthday, after an extended illness.

She was born June 2, 1920, in Elkhart to Julius and Teresina Campanello, Italian immigrants who owned a grocery store at Wolf and 10th streets. Elizabeth was among eight daughters and one son in the family, who lived across the street from the grocery store. It was working in the store with her older sister, Violet, where she picked up her diligent work ethic and people skills.

Elizabeth married Ralph A. Montagano Sr. on June 23, 1949 at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church. He passed away Jan. 30, 2005.

She is survived by her three children, Cindy (Bob) Crothers and Ralph Montagano Jr., both of Elkhart; and David Montagano of Riverside, Ill.

Throughout her years, Mrs. Montagano was known as an excellent cook and gracious host. For years she made the cheese spread and spaghetti sauce for Flytrap's restaurant.

"Elizabeth never failed to offer me something to eat of drink anytime I visited her home," said George Thomas Sr., a longtime friend. "She was a gracious host who always made her guest feel welcome."

She also was known for the beautiful holiday lighting display that for years adorned a tree near her house in Elkhart. "Mrs. Montagano had the most beautiful tree on Greenleaf," said Kelly Lipps of Bristol. "I looked forward to seeing it every year."

Throughout her life, Mrs. Montagano served as a Cub Scout den mother and Four Arts Club member, delivered for the Meals on Wheels program, cleaned the altar at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and pitched in whenever she could for her children, friends, numerous godchildren or her 27 nieces and nephews and their extended families.

Mrs. Montagano received the nickname "Auntie Bee" from her nephew, Merlin Eby, who count not pronounce "Aunt Elizabeth." Many of her nieces, nephews and their children still refer to her as Auntie Bee.

"Auntie Bee was a saint, she would do anything for you," said her nephew, Michael P. Ronzone of Elkhart.

Mrs. Montagano is survived by her sisters, Yolanda "Violet" Campanella of Westlake, Ohio, Juliette Ronzone, Ann Spencer, Sandy (Bob) Richardson and her sisters-in-law, Patty Campanello, Muff (Ed) Klose, all of Elkhart, and Josephine (Joseph) DuBois of Blue Island, Ill.

Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Friends may also call a half-hour before the 10 a.m. funeral Mass on Tuesday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., where the Rev. William Sullivan will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Southern Care Hospice, 310 W. McKinley Ave., Suite 340, Mishawaka, IN 46545, or to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Memories or condolences may be sent online at www.billingfuneralhome.com.