Obituary of Tulip Yvonne Montalbano

Tulip Yvonne Montalbano was born April 16, 1933 in Alexandria, LA to Mildred and Grady Rogers.  Sadly she passed suddenly on April 27, 2020 in Benton, LA.

Tulip was raised by her grandmother, Eva Priest, who taught her strong Christian values.  Mother Priest taught her to be a classic southern lady with proper behavior for a young woman of that time.  It was important to Tulip to carry those lessons to her children.  She attended Fair Park High School where she made many friends through school activities, of which she maintained their friendship.  At a young age, she married her high school sweetheart.  Through this marriage she had four children.  Later in life, she again married and had twins.  In her free time, she loved to sew for her girls and tended to her garden.  In her working years, she worked as an operator for Bell South.

Waiting in Heaven for Tulip are her parents; son, Barney Paul Dowden, Jr, and sister, Ila Matthews.  Left to cherish many memories are husband, Tony Montalbano; children, Cynthia Nell Wilson and husband Steven, Eva Beth Taylor and husband Mike, Stephen Guy Dowden and wife Paula, Melinda Gail Reyenga and fiancé Heath Vining, Melissa Jean Carlisle and husband Cody, Susan Hellman and husband Don, Donna Goodeaux and husband Danny, Teresa Ballinger and husband Mike; grandchildren, Paul, Kristie, Michael, Brian, Evan, Amanda, Laura, Eric, Makayla, Mikah, Haley, Jordan, Courtney, Danyelle Haley and Parker; 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; brother, John Edward Dove; and many other family members and friends.

Tulip enjoyed life to the fullest.  She loved spoiling her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren who will continue her legacy for generations.  The family would like to express their appreciation to the Bossier Parish EMS and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department for their care and compassion during this difficult time.