Mary H. Sandefer, age 84, of Miles City, passed away on October 18, 2013 at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City.
Mary was born on June 24, 1929 in Sioux City, IA; the oldest of three children to Ovis E. & Lenora (McKernan) Harrison. She attended grade school and graduated from Central high school in Sioux City, IA. After graduation, she moved to Miles City, MT to be closer to her Aunt Francis. She married Kenneth Sandefer in March 25, 1951. Together, they moved out to their homestead on Pumpkin Creek. They had no running water or electricity at their place on Pumpkin Creek. If you asked Mary, it was the time of her life. On November of 1952, they had their first child, Kent. After three years on the homestead, they bought a place in the valley and made it their home for 59 years. In 1960 they had another child, Kathy. Mary was a wonderful homemaker and loved taking care of her family. When you walked into their household, you always smelled something wonderful baking in the oven. Mary was always eager to try new crafts throughout her lifetime. Her favorite craft was cross stitch. Mary also loved shopping, chocolate, angels and rainbows.
Mary is survived by her loving husband Kenneth of Miles City, and daughter Kathy Walker of Miles City and four grandchildren, Robert, Steven, Daniel, and Shelly. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Son Kent, Sister Jean and Brother Jerry.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Food Bank or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday October 25, 2013
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
3:30
Saturday October 26, 2013
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Carola Moline says
Kathy and Kenny, that was way to fast, I just had talked to you and found out your Mom had
cancer, and boom she is gone. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and also many comforting promises from our Father in Heaven that there will be a resurrection and that it is gauranteed because Jesus opened the door to that. which will take place soon.
in the meantime we pray that our God will give you strength to carry on and make the heavy decisions that need to be made. our sympathy to both of you.
Wayne and Carola Moline
Jeana and Syra Brock says
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you in this very difficult time. You are in our prayers.
patricia christopherson says
Kenny & Kathy….I am so very sorry for your loss of Mary. After I left Miles City, Mary and I were always in touch. She was a great friend for many years of my sister Bette Jones and family, as well as her and I. I had no idea she was ill, and am hopeful that she did not suffer. I will miss her cards and being in touch with her.
Blessings to each of you, and find comfort in the Lord. Patricia Christopherson
Chauncie Parker Kucera says
Dear Kathy and Kenny,
I loved Mary so much! Growing up she was such a big part of my life. I remember one time being home with the stomach flu and Mary coming over with her black and white tv, setting it up in my bedroom and us watching Password and Hollywood Squares together. There are many more fond memories of Mary-too many to share here but I will never forget her ability to remember dates, her instantly recognizable voice voice and her laugh! She and I talked on the phone and through mail..she always remembered me on my birthday. I will miss her so much! My love and prayers are with you. Love Chauncie
Donna Ronning says
Kathy:
I’m so sorry your time with your mother at the end was so short but glad you had those final days with her. We both know she is out of her pain and in a better place, but I know you heart is breaking. Prayers to you and your father.
darlene russell says
Kenny and Kathy,
So sorry about your loss, I really did enjoyed her family, In fact when we moved to the valley,
your family, with other neighbors made us feel so welcome, Kathy, you know you were part of the family, I am in D.C. visiting family, so won’t be home until Nov. 1, If you need me, I will be there, again so sorry,
Darlene Russell
Kathy Wright says
Kathy Mae,
I’ve already been able to express to you my heart-felt thoughts of your mother. The open doors of your home were a picture of her open heart of welcome to me EVERY TIME I was there. For the record, NO ONE could make cream puffs like she could. Period! I am going to miss your mama. Yes, as someone else has already said, her amazing laugh was such a gift in the midst of a whole lot. She made it easier for us all! Much love, dear friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your daddy.
Love,
Kathy Glasscock Wright
Mary (Ottoy) Snell says
Kathy,
My sympathies and prayers to you and your family.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Mary H. Sandefer – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Sandefer. It was not God purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12) and God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Our loving Creator has promised that soon pain and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled. (Psalm 37:29) Please find comfort in Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Amy Moore LaBree says
Kathy – So sorry for the loss of your mother. We are just never ready no matter how much we think we are. I have so many warm & wonderful memories of your mother. We had our 1st TV Dinner at your house. We really thought that was a treat. She was there many times for our family also. God Bless you and your Dad.
Marvin Hulford says
Kathy, I am sorry for the loss of your mom. She was always a special person to me. I remember spending time at your folks house. She was always a special friend to my mom and her family. May the Lord be a comfort to you and your dad at this difficult time. Terry and I are praying for you.
Marvin
Fred & Cindy Himelspach says
Kathy,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother our condolences to you, your family and the extended Sandefer family.
My original contact with Kenneth and Mary goes back to an earlier generation, your Grandfather and Grandmother. We were neighbors of Wesley (Sandy) and Lulu when they lived in the Coalwood community. I remember the suppers and card game nights held by the various families. As kids, we always enjoyed the evenings with Sandy & Lulu. When Wesley and Lulu moved to Miles City we kids missed the social time spend with them.
Of course, when Kenneth brought home his new bride from Sioux City, Iowa, we kids wanted to meet the lady from the big city who was from some place we had never heard of before. During the years, Kenneth and Mary lived on Pumpkin Creek (the Drake place) were hard times for everyone in the community. However, we still had the time and , means to get together with Kenneth and Mary for supper, and cards. The house and barns were nested in a pine tree zone, and many a visit we would come home with venison that would last us another month. Your dad loved to hunt.
In the early 1970’s I went back to school in Bozeman to finish college, and I would often run into Kent and we would visit. He kept me up on the family and what all was happening. My folks, Joe & Opal had a soft spot for Kenneth and Mary and maintained that relationship almost up to their last years.
Shannon Dowse says
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was blessed to have a daughter like you to join her on her final “trip”. Thanks for allowing me to get to know you guys. Take care and know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Shannon Dowse RN
Peggi (Jones) says
To my special friend Mary,
Someday you will hear a call and wake up…not to a world as we now have, but to the one you have longed for. Where loved ones never are separated by the human family’s great enemy, death. No longer will the earth be ruined or in constant turmoil. No one will be sick and have to fall asleep in death ever again. One where we will hear your crazy laugh and see your beautiful face…along with so many other of our dear ones…my buddy Kent will also be there waiting to give us all a big bear hug….thank you for all of my precious childhood memories of you. Thank you to your family for sharing you so generously. One day soon happiness will return. Big hug to you all.
Cora Marie [Leatherberry] Swenson says
My deepest sympathies cousin Kenny and family . You both have been in my thoughts lately. Been wanting to make another trip out west for a visit,, but health issues with my husband happened . Ted lost his right foot nine years ago already . Found out he’s diabetic , lost a lot of eye sight and now doing dialysis , bad kidneys. ~~ Two weeks ago , found out I needs a pace- maker !! BUT,, GOD is good and I trust HIM completely ,, as HE suffered on the CROSS for me . I have been ”blessed” with 3 sons and daughters – in law ‘s and three grand- children ,, so far !! ~~ May you have HIS love and comfort to support you in days ahead. Wished I could be there ,, believe me , under different circumstances ,, I would !! But ,, I’m the only one available to take Ted in for treatments ,, three time’s a week . ~~~ I enjoyed visiting and staying with you guys when my Dad passed away. I really miss him ,, wished I could of spent MORE time with him ,,in my growing – up years. ~~ Keep in touch ,, PLEASE !! GOD’s peace be with you ,,, Love always ,, Cora – Marie
Marie Farnum Kluver says
To The Sandefer Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My family enjoyed many wonderful times with your family. It was a pleasure to visit with Mary.
Dorothy (Glasscock) Greene says
Dear Kathy and Kenneth,
We are far away in miles from you, yet carrying you so close in our hearts, and wishing we could be with you. I think we all felt that we were Mary’s “Favorite”! She had that way of making a person feel so special…and all of those wonderful birthday cards…One day we will have a Heavenly Grand Reunion and we will all be at home with Jesus, together forever. May Father God hold you close and comfort your hearts. May He heal your hurt and give you guidance for the days ahead. Love, Charlie and Dorothy
Cindy Conley says
Kathy, my prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.