Mary Miles Gay, 99, of Broadus, Montana, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Mary was born in Helena, Montana, the first of three children of Mildred Burgess Miles and Charles Miles. She grew up on the family sheep ranches in Powder River County, graduating from Powder River County District High School and Montana State University Bozeman with a BS in Home Economics in 1946 where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She taught for a year in Miles City before marrying Hubert H. Gay in 1947 and moving to the Gay Ranch on the Powder River where she spent the rest of her years.
She enjoyed quilting, knitting, gardening, playing her piano, volunteering in the community, singing in the Powder River Congregational Church choir, and was an avid reader. Her father told her that if she did her best, she could accomplish anything. In a quiet tenacious way, she lived his words raising her family and feeding ranch crews.
Mary is survived by sons Dr. John (Anne) Gay of Pullman, Washington, Bill (Dina) Gay of Broadus, Glenn Gay of the family ranch, daughter Marianna (Carl) Hansen of Billings. Grandchildren Jody (Mike) Wendt of Denver, CO, Matt (Jessica Coil) Gay of Kirkland, WA, Christopher Gay of Hillsboro, OR, Dr. Elizabeth Gay of Boston, MA, Hannah Hansen of Billings, Miles Hansen of the family ranch, and great grandchild Charlotte Wendt of Colorado, three nieces and four nephews.
No memorial service will be held per Mary’s request. The family will gather later to honor her life.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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The Stoddard Family says
A good friend who will be missed.
Carol Schneidt says
Thoughts and prayers to the Gay family! Mary was a great lady!
Curt and Kate Terrett says
Bill and Glen, so sorry for your loss.
Pam Nisley says
Delightful memories I have, sharing with Mary and others in community choir! Praying for comfort for all of her loved ones!
Janet Rice says
Families of Mary. I have known and liked Mary for years.visited with her many times when i worked at the store. She was a lovely lady. Condolences to you all.
Robbin Stoddard says
John, Bill, Glenn, and Marianna, please know my thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with you. During childhood I thought of Mary as a second mom, and loved her so much. She was one of the most gentle, gracious, kind people I have ever had the privilege of being loved by. Rest in peace, Mary. You left an impression on my life that I will always treasure.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Oh my sweet Mary!! Rest in peace.. Glenn and Bill and family my heart is with you. What a legend your Mother was..
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Our deepest sympathy to John,Bill and Dina, Glenn and Marianna and families. I am so sad to hear of Mary’s passing. I admired her since I was a little girl. She packed a lot of living into her 99 1/2 years. We had good visits at the Manor when I did church or brought her Holy Communion. Her legacy shines bright in her wonderful children. Rest In Peace dear lady.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Sympathy to all the Gay family. Was always so pleasant to get to visit with her at church. What a wonderful lady she was to all that knew her. Always had a smile on her face. May she rest in peace now.
Darwin and Julie Schaaf says
Our sympathy to Mary’s family and friends. ♥
Even though I only met Mary a few times, thru my long friendship with Marianna, I heard numerous stories of what a wonderful, smart, practical, and beautiful person she was… Heaven, no doubt, has welcomed her with open arms.
Sending hugs and love from Billings… ♥♥♥
Meredith Blankenship Tuttle says
Deepest sympathy to the Gay family. Thoughts and prayers.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Mary’s family. Mary was such a kind lady, full of grace. She always had a smile and so nice to visit with. Her son, John, was a classmate of mine.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Norm and Julie Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She was a special lady.
Wayne Jr. And Serena Wetherelt says
Thoughts and prayers for the family of Mary Gay. May your cherished memories hold a special place for all of you. She was a very kind and gentle woman. Prayers.
Jane Thompson says
Dear Family;
What a special kind gentle Lady! So many memories from our childhood school day together. Sending my sympathies and love to all.
Cheryle Pittack says
So sorry for the loss of your Mother and Grandmother!
Never easy to say goodbye. May she be joined with her family and Saints oh God. She sounded like a great lady !
Warm regards and sincere sympathy to Marianne H and family.
Cheryle Pittack
Liz and Jim Hansen says
Loved reading all about your Mom, Marianna. She was a beautiful woman. I remember meeting her at your wedding Our thoughts are with you at this time. Love. Liz and Jim
Connie and Jesse Barnhart says
Our deepest sympathy for the Gay family. Mary was such a kind and beautiful woman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen says
My prayers are for her family I have know Mary since a young girl what a wonderful person she was I know you will all have many memory’s of her as I will
Doug Benge says
Glenn and all of Mary’s family:
Condolences on Mary’s passing. She was a very gracious lady and you were loyal, very knowledgeable clients for many years. I very much appreciated that and more importantly your friendship. Best wishes.
Janice & Mike Grinyer says
The first time I met Mary, her infectious smile lit up the room; so I sat next to her, laughing with her at all her wonderful tales and insight. The second time I met Mary, she patted the seat next to her and commanded me to “come sit right over here.” I did, and made a great friend that day. Glenn and family, your mom was as beautiful as they come out here in Montana, and she will be sorely missed- our most sincere condolences