Mary Ernestine Vandall Anderson, (Wa WoGiya Wiya), was born December, 31, 1934 to Edwin and Ernestine Vandall in Wolf Point, Montana. The children, grand-children, great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews were very fortunate to have had Grandma Mary apart of our lives. She went home to the Lord on December, 31 2014 which also marked her 80 th birthday giving true meaning to the saying, “Angels danced the day you were born.”
Mary began working at the very young age of 14 as a waitress for the Wolf Point “Sweet Shoppe.” She was very proud of the fact that she was able to buy her parents their first refrigerator with her hard earned wages! This was the essence of Mary’s giving spirit! The greatest gift she bestowed to family, friends and those in need was the selfless act of giving herself to others.
Mary raised her family by working many years as a waitress. Often saying, “Make every step count” in whatever you do! She then went on to work in various clerical positions, as a Social Services Representative for Valley County. It was while workings at this position where Mary could not help but once again help those in need. She became a proud foster parent to many children for years to come. Mary returned to Wolf Point to be closer to her parents, taking a position for A&S Industries as a Government Inspector. Mary worked hard in every position she held but was most proud of her full time position as a mother, a grandmother a great-grandmother, sister, aunt, foster-mother and friend.
Upon her retirement from A & S Industries Mary made her home in Billings where she enjoyed being close to her grandchildren and children. In May of 2014 Mary suffered a stroke; she kept her faith and worked hard at staying independent up to the time of her death. The family would like to thank the staff of the St. Vincent Healthcare – New Hope Rehabilitation Center and those at the Valley View Home in Glasgow; all of who made her wish of moving home possible come true. She cherished all of you!
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Pedro, Joey, Johnny and Lyle; her son Michael, daughter Della, great-grand daughters Gracie and Stormy, grandson Russell and very dear friend, Joyce McGeshick. She is survived by her brothers; Edmund Vandall of Lincoln Maine, Gene Vandall of Wales Massachusetts, and sister Delaraine (Bob) Hauss, of Rochester, New York. Mary is also survived by her children; Carolyn Lee, of Glasgow, Linda (Russell) Hansen of Wolf Point, Cyndi (Gene) Stellflug of Kennewick. Washington, David (Lorie) Watters of Billings, Leila Guza of Scottsdale Arizona, and Bruce Appleton of Billings. Mary is also survived by her 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grand children and life-long friend, Roberta Archdale.