On the beautiful, spring morning of March 12th, so full of promise, God fulfilled His promise to Mary and brought her home to Him. She was released from an earthly body that no longer allowed her to be free. Mary was 64 years old.
Mary was born on October 12, 1950 the oldest daughter and second child of Rose and Gale Youngbauer. She grew up in the community of Forsyth during the best time in the world to be a child. Mary grew up exploring Forsyth and its surrounding area, spending lazy days in the warm sun and running through the cold, snowy streets on her way home from school. During all this time she was surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Mary participated eagerly in the activities that Forsyth had to offer. She was active in Girl Scouts, 4H, marching band, and the theater club at the School. In 1968, she graduated from Forsyth High School and left Forsyth to begin her life. That life started at Eastern Montana College where she graduated in 1972 with a degree in Elementary Education. Being a small town girl, she was excited when she was offered a position in the remote, small community of Colstrip. Little did she know how much that small community would change during her time living there. She embraced her new home town, giving tours and being a cheer leading coach. She taught for more than twenty-five years until illness forced her to retire.
During the summers, Mary would pack her things and hit the road. She traveled extensively spending time in Europe and the Holy Land, as well as traveling to many areas of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. She was happiest when traveling with her friends.
In July 1981, she married James Wagner of Colstrip. Their marriage endured until November 2014 when he passed away.
For the last ten years Mary was cared for by the amazing staffs of Friendship Villa in Miles City and Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth. Through all the trials of her later life, Mary tried to remain as active as possible, participating in as many activities as her declining health would allow. She loved to play bingo and always said that she had won. In the end she was even robbed of this simple joy and died of complications of Spino-Cerebella Ataxia. Though small in stature, she was a giant in her courageous battle.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Gale Youngbauer and her sister Carol Youngbauer, all of Forsyth, and her husband Jim Wagner of Colstrip. She is survived by her brother Don (Mary) Youngbauer of Forsyth and two nieces Laura (Philip) Keating of Missoula and Sarah Youngbauer of Austin, TX.
Donations may be made to the Rosebud Foundation at the Rosebud Health Care Center, P.O. Box 268, Forsyth, MT 59327.
Mary’s family will receive friends on Thursday, March 19, from 5-6pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth with a Rosary immediately following. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 20, 2015 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A Rite of Committal will be held following the Mass at the Forsyth Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5 pm to 6 pm
Thursday March 19, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rosary Service
6:00 pm
Thursday March 19, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Friday March 20, 2015
Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Friday March 20, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Following the Rite of Committal
Friday March 20, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5 pm to 6 pm
Thursday March 19, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rosary Service
6:00 pm
Thursday March 19, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Friday March 20, 2015
Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Friday March 20, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Following the Rite of Committal
Friday March 20, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Our prayers are with your family. I remember Mary fondly; especially during Coal & Cattle Country Players theatre productions. We had fun! She’s now at peace with her heavenly Father.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
Earl joins me in extending heartfelt sympathy to you in Mary’s passing. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of and praying for you at this difficult time. During this time of loss may God’s promise of eternal life bring you hope…may His ever present love bring you peace… and may the loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers of others bring you comfort.
cathi and mitch Robbins says
you will be missed Mary, but I know no more pain or sorrow. Rest in Peace dear sweet one, praying for the family to find comfort knowing shes is with Jesus and happy and at peace, hugs from all of us,,,
clara ames says
Rest in peace dear Mary!
Leona Mayo says
Oh the memories! Mary and I were traveling partners during our single years and had so many fantastic trips. She was a special friend to the end. Rest in peace Mary!
Deb Peters says
I have many fond memories of Mary when she was teaching in Colstrip and of taking water aerobics with her for many years. I am saddened by her passing, but comforted that she is now resting in peace. My sympathies to all of her family.
Lorna DeSocio says
Mary was my first teaching partner when I started teaching in Colstrip. Oh, the memories! I remember her in water aerobics class, also. I know that she is now at peace. Thoughts and prayers for her family.
Randy Durr says
The Good Lord received an awesome gift! Mary was a wonderful person.
Karen Woods says
Mary was always so sweet. So sorry for the family. She will be missed.
Russ Davidson says
Mary was a special friend and well as colleague! Many hours we played pinochle and I will never forget Mary playing softball for me. She was my son Josh’s godmother and now they are reunited where neither of them suffers any more.
MIke and Mary Siewert says
We have so many fond memories of Mary. We spent many hours fishing late into the night, trying to catch catfish. The fun times we had at the cabin. We loved her sense of humor and laugh! She was always willing to spend time in the car with Keri while we were out hunting. They had so much fun. You were a very special loving lady! Rest in peace dear Mary!
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jo Ann Dassinger Ferguson says
Many fond memories of Mary from Eastern Montana College. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My memories of the time I was able to be a part of Mary’s life are good. I know that you, as a family, have those wonderful memories as well. Sorry for the loss of this amazing woman, although I am celebrating that she is not in pain and is with the Lord.
Cathy Byron says
Mary was always a smiling and bubbly presence at one of our teachers’ organizations. She planted many good seeds in those she taught over the years. Though she will be missed, it is a blessing that she is at peace and has found her rest in His arms. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Deb Dumler says
I have many fond memories of Mary from first grade through graduation. When the Lord comes in the clouds we will meet in the sky my friend.
Queeda J Ferguson says
I’ll always remember her as the teacher
That could tell if we were chewing gum
Even if she was standing behind us!!!
She can now be free and happy!
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all your family. I recall memories of school days in
Colstrip where Dennis had her for a teacher. May you find comfort knowing that we will see our loved ones again. You will be kept in prayer,
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
brigitte harms says
R I P Mary you where a gread friend to me allways full of smilles. you will be missed.