Mary Yvonne (“Y-vonne”) Lancaster passed away in the early morning on Monday, May 13, 2019, after fighting lung cancer first diagnosed in July of 2016. Mary was born December 26, 1935, in Broadus, Montana. She was the fourth child of Walter Wesley and Vanna Lavina Letricia (Boner) Embrey.
Her birth is especially notable because Walter, without vehicle transportation at the time, walked the 17 miles from the family homestead to Broadus to see Vanna and the new baby girl. Family memory does not recall how they all got home, but it was likely a more comfortable trip.
The Embrey homestead was located on Burdette Creek, east of Broadus. Life included all of the joys of playing with her two older sisters, Bert and Lula May, older brother, Bill and later, younger brother, Gene. Photographs of those days show horses, dogs and family as the priorities (we’re not sure in what order) and adventuring, chores and occasional trips “to town” filling in the years. Card playing was a staple – then and throughout life. Mary was also a voracious reader of western and romance novels.
In a school assignment her junior year of high school, she wrote her “life story” to that date. She described herself as “terribly shy”, “never got into very much mischief at home” and was taught to “be seen and not heard when out in public.” While shy her whole life, it is likely that many friends (and even some family) did not know it. She never pretended to be anything she wasn’t.
She continued, “honesty, kindness, loyalty, friendship, family love, health, good morals, obedience, and democracy are the most important things in life.” There you go! We laugh when we read her next paragraph: “If I’m not married by the time I’m 21, I will never get married… every family should have a maiden aunt, and I think I’d fit that job real well.” The next page of the story was penciled in later, “Well, I did not become an old maid, instead I married a wonderful red-headed man by the name of Grant Lancaster”. The wedding was August 4, 1954. They were in love and stayed there forever.
After Grant’s passing in 1983, also of lung cancer, Mary took on a variety of jobs. She served a short stint covering Justice of the Peace duties formerly held by Grant (a job she did not like), school bus driver for Ken Jesse, hotel maid for Jean Hough and Steve Held, and a dishwasher at the Cashway Truck Stop for Eunice Hereford. However, when her kids were asked what Mom did, the immediate answer was “be a Mom,” a calling she took up in 1955 and never stopped.
Mary was preceded in death by Grant, her parents, her older brothers William “Bill” Embrey and Baby Boy Embrey (stillborn), and very close friend Eunice Hereford.
She is survived by her children, Bradley (Barbara), Vanna (Harvey, deceased) Byrd, Randy (Lisa), Donald (Melody), Ronald, and William (Ranae), as well as her older sisters, Roberta (Harold, deceased) Farnes and Lula May (Norman, deceased) Bruce, younger brother Gene (Barbara) Embrey, and very close friend Pat Sturdevant. She also leaves grandchildren Mark, Kyle, Leonard, Jennifer, Josh, Nick, Troy, Jared, and Tonia, as well as spouses, numerous nieces and nephews, and a next generation of great-grandchildren. She dearly loved every member of her family.
The family would like to thank the caring staff of the Powder River Clinic and that of the Powder River Manor where, although her stay was only a few hours, she received extraordinary and compassionate care. The “Boys” add a special thank-you to sister Van, who has been there for Mom through thick and thin.
Memorials may be given to the Powder River Manor, Powder River Senior Center, or to a beneficiary that any donor believes would honor her memory.
The family has scheduled a Celebration of Life for Mary on Saturday, June 15, 2019, with a short service graveside at Valley View Cemetery in Broadus, Montana with a gathering of friends and family to follow at the Powder River County Community Center.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bob and Carolyn Traub says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. What a sweet lady she was. She will be deeply missed. Hugs and Prayers for all the family.
SALLY A. BORLA says
SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF A VERY WONDERFUL AND KIND LADY. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE. LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL HER FAMILY-CHERISH YOUR MEMORIES.
Cory Hopkins says
Terribly sorry to hear this news. What an amazing lady she was. Thankful got to spend lots of time with her from hours worked at the cashway and other hours spent at Montana bar when work was done. Thinking of you all
Sharon Noble says
So sorry for your loss. Mary was a wonderful woman. I enjoyed working with her at cashway. Vanna Your family is in our thoughts and prayers .
Vonnie Shannon says
Vanna, Sending my sympathy.
Mary says
Very sorry for your loss I enjoyed her company when I was a cook part-time at the Cashway,she was a very sweet lady and I am glad I got to meet her.
Karen Pino says
Rest in peace Mary. You were one amazing woman. We made a lot of beds together! My heart goes out to your family. I will never forget you and your beautiful smile.
Roberts Family says
Vanna and family, we are very sorry to hear about Mary. We always enjoyed her company. And enjoyed working with her. Your family is in our prayers.
Judi and Danny Wambles says
So sorry for your loss. Ms. Mary was such a sweet lady and a valued friend. She will be greatly missed.
Dave and Cindy Carter Burris says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Grant and Mary Olson and family says
So sorry for your loss Mary was a grand lady and will be missed dearly. Hugs and Prayers to the family
Robert FRANK-PLUMLEE says
Embrace the wonderful memories of her and share them. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Bob and Karen Frank-Plumlee
Roberta Rickman says
Vanna and family,
Hugs to you. Your mom was always so nice and such a pleasure to visit with when I would see her. My son still talks about her and the school bus at Boyes. She made him feel pretty important when he was just a little guy. My condolences to your family.
Stephanie Bowers says
Vanna, I am so terribly sorry to hear about Mary. I dearly loved seeing her! She always had a smile for me. The world is a darker place without her. Love and prayers!!
Carmen Knutson says
Our tears, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will miss seeing Mary. She always had a smile and gave the best hugs!! Another treasure gone, may she rest in Peace. Hugs and love to all of you.
Rev. Gene Hill says
Please know of my prayers, Brad, and from your Helena church family. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
Connie (Earley) Watts says
Brad,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says
Brad, Bill and Vanna and families:
I am so very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was indeed a very caring and kind woman. She and your Dad both raised fine kids who grew to be exceptional adults (their greatest legacy). I am lifting your whole family up in prayer and also hoping that your wonderful memories of your mom will help make this pain easier to endure. God Bless you all.
Dallas and Karen says
Dear Lancaster Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful, sweet lady. She certainly did live by these words “honesty, kindness, loyalty, friendship, family love, health, good morals, obedience, and democracy are the most important things in life.” And I am sure she taught all of children the same principals! You were blessed to have such a wonderful mother.
Bill and Dina Gay says
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Racine says
On my visits to see Pat Sturdevant, seeing Mary was always a highlight of my trip. Her and Her sisters are a joy to be around. Mary’s smile was infectious! My heart extends to her family and friends. SurShe will be missed!
Amber & Josh Nielson says
Randy & Lisa, so sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time.
Tom & Ann Emmons says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. We are thinking of all of you.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Vanna and all of Mary’s family. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We always loved visiting with her every time we ran across her. Such a wonderful kind woman. Will be missed by so many people. Hugs and thoughts of you all at this difficult time.
Tim & Maretta Freshour says
sorry we saw this late Randy. we send our love to you & your family. A life long &well lived leave us all with a lot of amazing memories.
Carol Schneidt says
Lancaster family, know that my thoughts, prayers and love are with you! Mary was a great lady!
Ed and Bev Schaffer says
We were so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing, such a kind gentle soul. Know that we are thinking of you all and praying for Gods comfort and peace of mind.
Leona Neate says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She will be deeply missed. Prayers and hugs sent.
Jane & Les Thompson says
To all of Mary’s family we send our heartfelt sympathy and love…. Such a sweet and gentle lady.
Lin says
To Mary’s family and friends,
I want to give you my deepest sympathy for your lost. I would like to share a scripture in the bible that has proved to be of comfort for many, and it is in John 5:28,29. It mentions how soon all those in the memorial tomb will hear God’s voice and come out. Not only will they be resurrected, but Revelation 21:3 promises that death will be no more. Soon we will all be able to see our loved ones again. Meanwhile as we await, Jehovah God exhorts us to turn to him in prayer, because he will comfort us in difficult times (2 Corinthians 1:3). I hope these scriptures will be of comfort for you.
Veda says
Oh Mary, Broadus will not be the same. RIP sweet lady, you are going to be so missed. My thoughts to her family.
Bruce Klapmeier says
Brad, Bill and the rest, so sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad were some of the finest Broadus folks I got to know! They raised a fine family too. Glad I was able to have the pleasure of knowing them.