Charles Monty 'C.M.' Wooldridge, age 66, passed away January 9, 2012, at his home in Hot Springs, SD.

Monty was born January 24, 1945 in Alameda, CA, to Charles Lawrence and Ruth Lilian (Bond) Wooldridge. He graduated from Mariposa High School in Mariposa, CA. After graduation Monty joined the Army and served in Korea and Vietnam. On April 19, 1985 he married Madeline Eliason in McMinnville, OR. He worked as an independent truck driver for 36 years, also as a welder for 10 years.

Monty was a down to earth, kind, fun loving man who cared about his wife, family and friends. He cared greatly about Veterans rights and the rights of truckers. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He loved fishing, hunting and trap shooting.

Survivors include his wife, Madeline 'Maddie' Wooldridge of Hot Springs; sons, Ray (Crystal) Wooldridge of McMinnville, OR; Larry (Nichole) Wooldridge of LaGrande, OR; Jeff Druery of McMinnville; Tony Druery of McMinnville; foster children, Kristi Wenhoff of Hot Springs; Desrie Nielson of Greenville, OH; brothers, Dale (Jewle) Wooldridge of Coeur D Alene, ID; Wilbert (Michele) Wooldridge of Boise, ID; sisters, Crystal (Jerry) Sparks of Klamath Falls, OR; Joyce Blutharat of Nampa, ID; Linda (LeRoy) Smith of Hot Springs; eight grandchildren; niece, Denny Smith; nephews, LeRoy Smith; Craig Rush and four great nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs with Chaplain Loyd Nielson and Chaplain Linda Smith officiating.

A memorial has been established in Monty's name to benefit the State Home Activities Fund especially for fishing and trap shooting.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.