Roberta “Bert” Farnes was born August 28, 1929 to Walter and Vanna (Boner) Embrey on the family ranch near Boyes, Montana. She joined her older brother Bill and was later joined by Lula May, Mary and Gene Embrey. She grew up on the family ranch going to Osgood Country School, then graduating from Broadus High School in 1946.
She met Harold Farnes at a country dance in the Hay Creek School north of Boyes, and the two were married January 4, 1948. When asked about Harold, she said he was a cowboy through and through, and the two were married for 53 years until Harold’s passing on August 27, 2001. Amazingly, even at 95 years of age, Bert could rattle off her marriage date, and Harold’s death date, from memory.
Bert and Harold worked primarily on two ranches during their lives, the Horton Ranch near Custer, MT and the Grierson Ranch near Hysham, MT. Over 10 years of their time on the Grierson Ranch was spent at the “Horse Camp”, which was 30 miles from the ranch headquarters, and their only ability to communicate with “the outside world” was a 2-way radio that reached to the ranch headquarters. Once they moved to the main ranch, Harold continued to work on the ranch, and Bert cooked lunch meals for 10-12 ranch hands daily. She enjoyed living on the ranches and cooking for the hands. Bert and Harold enjoyed rodeos, dancing and square dancing.
Bert continued to live in Broadus after Harold passed away, playing cards with friends and family, gardening, completing jigsaw puzzles, sewing, and making gifts for family members. Asked about memories she mentioned getting married, graduating from high school, and seeing her Grandpa Boner holding her little sister Lula May when she was born. Bert met each day, and everyone around her, with a smile. She was blessed to live on her own until a fall in February 2023 shattered her elbow and broke her hip. She worked through physical therapy until she could walk alone with a walker and spent the afternoon before her passing playing cards with friends.
Bert is survived by her sister Lula May Bruce, and brother Gene Embrey. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter Embrey and Vanna Embrey, brother Bill Embrey, and sister Mary Lancaster. Though Bert and Harold had no children of their own, they had many nieces and nephews, and extended family that loved them dearly.
No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
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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Ella Mae Drane. says
Gone but not forgotten,loved to play cards with Bert.
Veda says
Oh Bert, what a little spitfire, weather you were headed for the senior meal, or to play cards or for so many years to work. You put the peddle to the metal and got there fast. You made the world a better place. You are so missed. R.I.P. my friend.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Oh I am so sorry to read of Bert’s passing. She seemed great a week ago. She was a spunky gal and I always enjoyed visiting with her, either at church or later at the manor. You will always be in my fond memories. Rest in peace Bert.
Morgan says
Bert will be greatly missed. Wishing friends and family lots of love and strength in the days ahead.
Dixie Schaffer says
I always enjoyed visiting with Bert. I knew her and Harold growing up in Hysham, they always came to Myers roping. She was a bight spot in my day when I saw her, she will be missed.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to Roberta’s family. Roberta was my mother’s roommate at the Manor and the last couple of times I went to visit my mother, I also enjoyed visiting with Roberta and getting to know her. The last time I visited my Mom, as I was getting ready to go, I picked up my phone by the key ring which gave away and my phone goes clattering to the floor. Roberta said “Whoops, I hope you didn’t break your phone!” I reassured her that my phone is well protected by the case. I was able to super glue the key ring back on. I was going to show my ‘repair job’ when I go to see Mom later on this month. 😉 RIP ROBERTA!
Pam Nisley says
So thankful for the visits we had! You were easy to love, Bert!
Praying for all your loved ones ❤️! You are missed!!!
Sue Gallo says
I’ve been lucky enough to know Bert my whole life. As a kid, she and Harold were our closest neighbors (They lived at Horse Camp and we lived at Butte Camp on the PV ranch). She served as my first babysitter and they enjoyed getting together with mom and dad for a card game when time allowed. During my high school years, they had moved down to ranch headquarters and Bert was the ranch cook. She always had a garden and made a habit of slicing up fresh cucumbers to send with me on basketball trips. After I moved to Miles City I did an outreach clinic in Broadus for a while. Bert made sure we ate lunch together whenever we could make it work. She always sent a handwritten Christmas card and was eager to catch up on the latest happenings with my family. She was a special lady. Hugs to her family and friends. She will be missed.
Belva Arvik says
Bert was such a hard worker and knew how to do so many things. We were friends, neighbors, and co-workers for many years. She was like a beloved auntie to our kids. She always enjoyed time spent with her family playing cards and cooking for them. She was an amazing cook. Bert could turn anything into a nice, comfortable home with a pretty yard! For many years she was the cook for J. B. Grierson Co. (now PV Ranch) and she and Harold lived in the cookhouse. They were just across the yard from us and we did so many things together. We love you, Bert. Rest in peace. Hugs to the family.
Talana Klungland says
Rest in peace Bert. Such a lovely friend and neighbor. Always loved our visits and letters. Hugs to her family, whom she talked of frequently and loved dearly.
Mary Smith Roig says
I’m so sorry for the loss of Bert. She was a good friend of my mom and Dad. My prayers and love go out to the family and to the community.
Barbara Lancaster says
Aunt Bert was one of the most positive, kind and enthusiastic people I had the joy of spending time with. Brad I loved traveling with her and Mary. She found the good in life and lived each day with a smile. My life is better because she was a part of it!