Mark Rich Montague, age 47, passed away on January 27, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 14, 1978, in Caldwell, Idaho, Mark spent his life building deep roots through family, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to showing up for the people he loved.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Shelly, and daughters Kate, Abby, and Grace (affectionately known as “Little G”), who were the absolute center of his world. He is also survived by his mother, Verla Montague, and siblings: Tiffany Kjar and her son William; Duke Montague, his wife Roxann, and their sons Blake, Carter, and Dane; Elizabeth Allen, her husband Sam, and their daughters Alexis and Jessica; and Becky Payne, her husband Steve, and their children Jaxton, Makaelyn, Tyden, Gunner, and Jett. Mark’s family was his pride, his purpose, and his greatest joy.

Mark worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer, a role he approached with honesty, confidence, and balance, building lasting relationships through trust and authenticity. Though highly skilled at his work, he firmly believed in working to live, not living to work. And while he had every reason to be proud of his success in sales, he was more likely to tell you he was most proud of something else entirely: the pizza-making skills he’d been perfecting since one of his very first jobs at a local parlor.

Outside of work, Mark lived fully and spontaneously. He loved travel, especially anywhere near a beach, and was the king of “no-plan planning,” turning last-minute road trips or casual house-viewing drives into memorable adventures. He wasn’t afraid to make fun of himself, as his daughters will remember from an overconfident paddleboarding episode. He loved food, especially hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and was rarely seen without his signature 44-ounce soda, so much so that he knew the Circle K cashier by name (shout-out to Kim for the occasional free drink).

Mark could talk for hours about sports and politics, always with a light touch and a clear instinct for keeping relationships more important than being right. He teased nearly everyone he loved, but always in a way that made people feel included, safe, and cared for. He had a rare gift for humor, optimism, and steadiness, even in the hardest moments.

Those who knew Mark describe him as strong, loyal, reliable, and deeply competent. The person you called when you needed help moving, fixing something, or simply feeling steadied. He was a fierce protector of his family and a father whose calm reassurance made everything feel manageable. Mark was the living definition of “it’s gonna be fine,” and he meant it.

One story Mark often shared captured who he became. As a frightened 13-year-old who had damaged the family car, he expected anger from his father, Paul, but instead was met with grace. That moment stayed with him for life, shaping his belief in forgiveness, compassion, and leading with love.

Mark’s legacy is one of light. He will be remembered for the way he made people feel: safe, comforted, and at home. His greatest lesson was simple and enduring: no matter what, everything will be okay.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 422 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203.