The Citizen • October 29

October Citizen of the Month: Natalie Montross

Presented by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Natalie Montross: A Legacy of Service, With an Eye on the Future

When Ben Garrison needs to connect someone with help in Madison County, he knows who to call.

“I lean on Natalie a lot for community resources, both local and on the state level,” he wrote in nominating Natalie Montross for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Month. “If I am looking for resources to help someone, my first call is always Natalie.”

It’s a simple statement, but it speaks to the kind of trust that grows through years of showing up for others. After three decades with the Winterset Community School District and years of involvement with community organizations, Montross has built a deep understanding of the people, programs, and resources that help Madison County families.

For October, the Chamber is recognizing Montross for her years of service and her commitment to a community she has long called home.

A Community That Feels Like Home

Montross has lived in Madison County since she was two years old, with the exception of about ten years in Omaha, Nebraska, where she attended college and worked. After returning, she continued building her life and career here, spending the past 30 years with the Winterset Community School District.

What she appreciates most about Madison County is its rural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. She describes it as a safe place to raise children, where people care about one another. Most importantly, she says, it is home.

That sense of belonging is reflected in how she talks about service. For Montross, community involvement isn’t simply about filling a volunteer position or adding another responsibility to the calendar. It’s about helping people feel supported, valued, and empowered—and making sure families have the resources they need.

Over the years, she has served on several community boards and participated in local programs. Her more recent involvement has included CRISP, the Opiate Task Force, Paw Pantry, and Madison County Partnership. These connections have given her opportunities to support local families and contribute to the well-being of the community she loves.

Garrison’s nomination reflects the reach of that work. He described Montross as someone with connections to nearly every kind of community resource, adding that people who have lived here for any length of time and needed help—or helped someone else—likely know who she is.

Learning What It Means to Serve

Montross credits several people with shaping the way she approaches community service. Her parents, June and Russell Williams, were important influences, as were Pat Sullivan, whom she worked alongside for 18 years, and Jim and Pat Nelson.

She describes them as examples of leadership, service, and encouragement. Through their example, she learned the importance of leading with heart, serving others, and helping people recognize their own potential.

Her faith is another central part of her motivation. Montross believes people are called to use the gifts and talents they have been given to serve and love others. That belief continues to guide her, giving her energy and purpose even when the work is challenging.

She also recognizes that service doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people find joy in working directly with others; others may be better suited to organizing projects, sharing professional skills, or contributing financially to programs that make a difference.

Her advice is to find something that brings you joy and put your talents to use. Rather than feeling pressure to make a major commitment right away, she encourages people to start with something short-term and low-pressure until they find the right fit. And when volunteering becomes difficult, she suggests returning to the reason you started in the first place.

Making Room for the Next Generation

One of Montross’s most important concerns is what happens next. After years of community involvement, she understands that today’s volunteers and leaders won’t be able to carry every responsibility forever. As people begin stepping back from leadership roles, new people will need to be ready to step forward.

For Montross, that means making a deliberate effort to encourage young people to become involved in their communities. If Madison County wants to continue making a difference for youth and families, she believes it must invest in the next generation of volunteers and leaders.

That investment starts with helping young people discover their interests, recognize the gifts they have to offer, and understand that even a small commitment can make a lasting difference. It’s a reminder that community service isn’t reserved for people with decades of experience. There’s room for people at every stage of life to contribute, learn, and find a way to make their community stronger.

A Community Where People Belong

When asked what she hopes to accomplish through her service, Montross returns to a straightforward goal: she wants to leave Madison County better than she found it.

She hopes families feel empowered, supported, and fortunate to live in a place where they are seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. To her, a strong community is one where people feel they belong, families can access the support they need, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

It’s also a community where service continues beyond any one person’s contributions. By encouraging others to get involved—especially those who will carry the work forward—Montross hopes to help build a lasting legacy of care for Madison County.

A special note from Natalie to her husband Steve: “I am very blessed to have a husband who will partner with me whenever I ask.” And if you’ve met Steve, you know he has a heart for service as well. Thank you both for all that you do for your community!

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Natalie Montross as its October Citizen of the Month. Her years of service are a reminder that strengthening a community takes people who care enough to get involved, build connections, and help others find their footing.

And as Montross herself reminds us, everyone has something valuable to offer.