Zella Montez Busby

Zella Montez Busby, lovingly known as “Monty”, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 9th, 2025. Visitation will be, Tuesday, May 20th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco. Graveside service will be Wednesday, May 21st, at 10:00 a.m. at Lorena Cemetery.

Monty was born August 29th, 1939 in San Antonio, the only child to the late Leslie Morrow and Theta Lela Downey Rucker. After graduating high school and attending business college, she worked for many years as a bookkeeper. Monty married her love, J.C. Busby, July 24, 1976. This marriage made her an instant step-mother to 9 children, that she loved and cared for as if they were her own. The family lived in the Bruceville-Eddy area for many years. Monty was a long-time active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, #1124 Lorena Chapter. J.C. preceded her in death in August of 1997. After his death, Monty made the conscious decision to turn her soul and life over to Christ. She was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church and lived the rest of her life here on earth a devote Christian. Monty made a vow to read the bible from cover to cover once a year, she took notes each time and wrote scriptures multiple times over to remind herself of the life she wanted to live.

Monty was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Theta Rucker; her beloved husband of over 21 years, J. C. Busby; and a couple of her step-children.

Monty is survived by her dear friends and care giver, Idena Fay Naud and her husband, Royce; her family in Christ and her remaining step-children and their families.

You are invited to share a memory or a message online in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.