Mary Geddes Randall died July 7, 2013, in Billings, Montana, of natural causes. “Molly” was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 10, 1921, to William and May (Clayton) Geddes. She graduated from high school in Winnipeg, and attended the University of Manitoba from 1937 to 1939. In 1939 the Geddes family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where her father was a professor at the University of Minnesota. She finished her college degree at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1941. She worked as a chemical researcher at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, from 1941 to 1942, and then as a medical technologist at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. There she met her future husband, Barney, a medical student, whom she married September 4, 1943. They moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she conducted research in juvenile diabetes and Barney completed his internship. In 1945 Barney was deployed to the European Theater of the Second World War, and Molly returned to her parents’ home in St. Paul, where their first child was born. After the war, they lived in Ames, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, before settling in Miles City, Montana, in 1952.
Molly enjoyed life, be it indoors or out. In addition to golfing, skiing, bridge, sewing, and camping, she was an avid tennis player, following televised tournaments closely. She was also a voracious reader. Molly had a deep love of travel, and throughout their marriage Molly and Barney enjoyed many wonderful trips in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Australia, and Turkey. Some of her favorite trips included attending tennis tournaments at Wimbledon and the French Open.
In later years, she and Barney enjoyed spending winters in Green Valley, Arizona, where they shared their home with family and friends. Molly was known to many as a good and kind friend, a gracious hostess, a superb cook, and for being one of many people who made the WibauxPark neighborhood of MilesCity a special place for children. She was an active member of the MilesCity community, serving on the Custer County Heart Association, the Junior College Board, the Girl Scout Council, as a Cub Scout den mother, and as a member of the Miles City Club and the Town and Country Club. Molly will be long remembered for her wonderful laugh, lively sense of humor, patience, tolerance, and positive outlook, as well as for being a loving mother and grandmother.
Molly is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Merrill) Nelson of Glencoe, Minnesota; son Ray (Marilyn) Randall of Bridger, Montana; son James (Laurie) Randall of Missoula, Montana; grandchildren: Eric Nelson, Angela (Chris) Adams, Erin (Joel Chapman) Randall, Matt (Tanya) Randall, Ross Randall, Marilee (Matt) O’Connor, great-grandchildren Sydney and Sierra Adams, Colton Randall and Ivy O’Connor; sister Barbara Hagg; sister-in-law Lucille Randall; brothers-in-law: Douglas Hagg, William Longley and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Warren; brother Richard Geddes; sister Dorothy Longley; sisters-in law: Doris Geddes and Helenray Lydick; and brothers-in-law: Henry Lydick and Douglas Randall.
Her ashes will be interred at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City. Friends are invited to join the family at the Parlor, 1806 Main Street, in Miles City from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 28. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday July 28, 2013
Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday July 28, 2013
Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Kristine & Jeff Harding says
So sorry to hear of Molly passing away! Both Molly & Barney were so welcoming to Jeff & myself when we moved to town. I met them through their granddaughter, Angie. We were in the same sorority in college. Again, my sympathies to the Randall family.
Denise Harvey says
Molly was a delightful woman full of grace and kindness! Thank for sharing her with us.
Rob Shipley says
I have been sitting here…….for now over 45 minutes…..trying to deduce something really really really nice to write about Molly Randall, write for her.
There is no need. She knew she was an angel, every day she lived, she knew it. She loved her husband and sons and daughter with a heavenly love, because……………………she was an angel in flesh and blood her whole life……………married with a saint.
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
Molly was a joy to be around, sharing the same name, we always shared a moment at any function we were at. She was sweet, kind, caring, and a role model of what we should all strive to be. Although my heart is saddened, I am thankful she is in the arms of Jesus, and reunited with Barney they were very much a couple. Our love and prayers to your family as they say “til we meet again”. May time and the love of the Lord ease the ache in your hearts.
Roberta Phair Schulz says
Barbara, Ray, Jim and Families,
My sympathies for your loss. Mollie was the dearest of souls–I remember many years ago of her telling me she felt positively holy when she finally reached the bottom of her ironing basket! I know exactly what she meant and share that same feeling to this day. The world will be a little less joyful with her passing.
Barbara Phair says
To the Randall family: Deepest sympathies and remembering how lucky our family was to live across the street. Lots of great memories, and who could forget the best laugh ever…..
jean and bill sweeney says
please accept our deepest sympathy. molly was such a neat lady and a great tennis player. we all had so much fun on the courts and when molly started to laugh all of us started laughing. we have so many wonderful memories of molly.
Joyce and Bill Ramige says
We shared some fun times with Molly in Green Valley. A real lady and great hostess.
Jim & Kay Merriman says
We had many a fun time playing bridge. Molly was a wonderful lady and great to count as a
friend. We have missed her in Green Valley. A Newcomer friend.
Maxine Nelson says
I want to express my sincere sympathy to all of Molly’s family, Barbara, Ray and Jim and their families in the loss of their mother, grandmother or other. Molly was a wonderful person, who was very much admired and will be missed. I know that I speak also for all of my family.
Georgia Nelson says
My thoughts & sympathy are with all of Molly’s family. I frequently recall—and always with a smile, a wonderful dinner shared by my friends & me with Molly & Barney in Green Valley. They regaled us with many humorous, interesting & touching stories. It was a most delightful evening spent with a very special couple!!
Esther Hurlburt says
Greetings to the Randall Clan. I am sorry to hear of Molly’s death. The word that I believe best described her is “lovely.” No doubt she will be missed. Please know all of you are in my prayers. Best regards, Esther Hurlburt
John Fieselmann says
The Fieselmann family wishes to extend our sympathy to Barbara, Ray, and Jim on learning of Molly’s death. Barney and Molly were such good friends to George and Ruth, a friendship that began during medical school at the University of Iowa. The 60th Class Reunion was a special time for these old friends. Molly’s smile and zest for life will always be remembered.
Pauline & Mike Stadick says
Our most sincere sympathy to the Randall family. We have so many fun memories.
Practically every morning we’d get on our bikes and head for the tennis courts. Sometimes
we had to shovel the courts first. Then several years later meeting up in AZ was really
special–golf, bocce ball, MT & WY picnics. wonderful Holiday dinner at their beautiful home.
Both Molly and Barney were so young at heart and always fun –lots of good stories and laughs.
Friends and family will surely miss all the good times.
Carol Jean and Douglas McClelland says
Our family sends most sincere sympathy and condolence to the Randall Family.
May Molly’s love, generosity and compassion forever live in your hearts. We grieve for your loss.
John Munsell says
Kathy & I were in western MT for ten days, and unfortunately were not able to attend Molly’s services at the Parlor. Both Molly and Barnie were favorites of ours, and it’s sad to see them both gone. Molly was always so gracious and friendly with us, and Barney was a top pro in the medical field, as well as being most accomodating. They were both large contributors to Miles City’s quality of life. They are missed.
Margaret Mathers Novak says
Oh, Dear Randalls.
I just learned of Molly’s passing. I am so sorry I didn’t know earlier.
Our lives have been so enriched by our 60-year friendship with the Randall family. I remember a picnic in the badlands once when we were quite young. And Young Republicans with Ray. And family bridge games and potlucks. . . the list goes on. I will be forever grateful for your parents’ kindness to my parents when Aunt Betty and Uncle Frank died. My husband, Mike, enjoyed our friendship with them, as well. Even our son Bill remembers fondly golfing with Barney. I remember being with Mom and Dad when we walked up Merriam to your house to have dinner there one evening in the fall of 1979. I still have a book your mother “loaned” me (The Girl With the Pearl Earring). Does one of you want it???? It was a wonderful privelege to call your mother “friend”. And if there is really a “place”called heaven, I sincerely hope our folks are enjoying dinner bridge and visiting.
Mimi Meredith says
Hello Randalls,
I second everything Margaret said. I am quite confident that Molly’s delightful laugh will echo through the universe always, lifting your spirits at just the time you need it most. I am grateful for the love of Molly, Barney and my other “adult friends” that surrounded me from my birth and is part of the fiber of all I am.
Here is to Merriam Street. To Miles City. And to the goodness that grew there and which will shore up your hearts as you move through these sad times.
Much love to all of you.
Libby Mathers Gardner says
My daughters have the best memories of meeting Molly and Barney in the alley and having a good visit. I think, while we lived in Miles City, our home was always known as “The Lemires” but the blessing was the adult relationship with your parents. As others have said, Molly’s laughter rings in my ears. What a gift she gave to all of us. Libby