Mary Lois Sanford, age 90, of Helena graduated from this life on March 4, 2016. Mary was born in Rusk, Texas, to Charley Curtis Moore and Mary Effie Taylor Moore on November 2, 1925. She was the oldest of three children. She graduated N.W. Krozier Technical High School, Dallas, Texas, in 1943 and began working for Republic Bank.
On January 20, 1951 she married B.G. (Billy Gene) Sanford at Northridge Presbyterian Church in Dallas. They quickly started looking for a cooler climate to call home.
Mary and Bill fell in love with Montana and moved to Helena in 1955. Bill worked with the Freight Rate Association and Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation. Mary began working for the First National Bank of Helena where she worked on and off while raising their three children. She worked full time for the bank after Bill’s death in 1981 until the age requirements forced her to retire. She was blessed to work for Lewis and Clark County in the Treasures Office for 18 years and finally retiring when she was 83.
The anchors of Mary’s life were her love of Christ and her love for people. Her favorite scripture was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” She loved on, and prayed for people touching many lives in her 90 years. She saw the beauty in people and told them. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church as well as many bible study and prayer groups, including 30 years with the Helena Koinonea share group.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, James Curtis Moore and Richard “Dicky” Clement Moore, her husband, Bill, and her son, Robert Curtis. She survived by her daughter Sandra (Phil) Kenney, Pocatello, ID, and her son R. Porter (Julie) Sanford, Helena, MT, six grandchildren, David (Kelly) and Andrew Sculthorpe, Joseph, Jessica, and Matthew Sanford, Micah Kenney, two grandchildren of her heart, Lauri (Troy) Hedden, and Tobin (Sarah) Capp and precious nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Memorials in Mary’s name may be sent to God’s Love 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601. Mary’s family would like to thanks Rocky Mountain Hospice and Aspen Gardens Assisted Living for their exceptional care and compassion during the last year of her life.
A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26th at First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing Street.
March Fourth Mary, March Forth.
Jon & Becky Bass says
What a jewel, one very special lady, who I will always cherish. She’s one of those angels you meet in life. I’am so thankful I had the opportunity to have know her and her beautiful family. Praying for each of you. Hugs to you Sandra @ Porter, May Our Lord wrap each of you in his arms and Hold you tight. Love Becky Linton Bass
Tonna Strasko says
Sandra, Porter, Julie, grandchildren, and family,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing your Mom with us. We are all so much better and richer for knowing her. The times your Mom spent caring and praying for you all and us, cannot be numbered. We just know we are better because of her prayers.
Mary, we will miss you so very much.
Love
Tonna, Joe, and Jim
Terri and Bob Kunz says
Porter, Sandra, Julie and family,
I loved working with Mary when she was at the County. I loved working with her when she retired when she came in the bank. I just loved her. I am comforted in knowing that she loved all of you so much (she bragged a bit) and she is happy now watching you from above and free! I loved going to lunch with her…I have missed seeing her and now I know I will see her in heaven.
Love to all and many blessings…great amazing woman your mom is! Prayers, Terri
Pat Johnston Ross says
Mary was a very special lady!! She was a wonderful prayer warrior and a special friend. She will be greatly missed. Blessings
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
Mary was so special to me. I would always search her out when I would go to church with my Mom. What a sweet, sweet lady. I will always have very fond memories of her. She was a blessing to all that knew her. Prayers to all of Mary’s family.
Love, Cathy Schneckloth Dawe
Joni Thrailkill Lutman says
Miss Mary was such a beautiful soul and all who knew her were truly blessed. She was an amazing friend to my beautiful grandmother and an all around inspiration to all who knew her.
flossie shaw says
I can still see her beautiful smile and hear the kind words she always had for the person she was speaking with. It has been mentioned many times in the above words what a special lady Mary was. Mary was the epitome of a “lady”. My thoughts and prayers are with Porter, Julie, Sandra and family at this time.
Ronda Bengtson Ward says
Sandra and Porter, always loved visiting with your mom. She was always so positive! She recognized me as I became an adult and always had kind words. My prayers are with you at this time. Ronda Bengtson Ward
Diann Fradette says
When I went to work at First Bank Helena in 1975, sweet Mary was there and the one that made me feel welcome. She was such a hard worker and such a sweet lady. Every time I make her recipe for lemon bars, I think of her. My prayers are with you all.
Sharon Thrailkill Sargeson says
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mary. She was a very nice lady and a good friend to my mother, Rose Melton. She was a hard worker and enjoyed life. Helena will miss such a nice kind person. My prayers are with her family.
Will Kussman says
My prayers are with you, Sandra and Porter. Your Mom was one of the dearest people I have ever met. I always enjoyed coming to your house because of your mom’s great smile. I will miss her.
Cathy (Pullin) Kovich says
Porter, Sandy and family, your Mom was truly blessed with a long earthly life where many came to know and respect her. And now she has made the journey to her Lord and savior and those who have passed before her. What a rejoiceful reunion. As a young girl I remember her at church in gloves and finely dressed. Until just a few years ago I looked for her each time I attended. She was a lovely, tender and genuine lady. Although you feel her loss, heaven has gained quite an angel.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
What a lovely, quiet spirit she was! Truly a gift to all who knew her. We are better people for having known Mary, she will certainly be missed.
Margie Palmer Booth says
Sandi, it’s been a long time since junior high and high school, but I remember your mom fondly. She was so kind and welcoming to your friends. I especially remember that about 15 of us girls gathered for a fun dinner party at your house on a prom night. I’m sorry we lost touch over the years, but I’d love to have a catch up visit with you sometime! I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Margie Palmer Booth
Angela L, says
My mom and I rented out the apt above her house for several years and we were super lucky to have her as a land lord! She was such a nice lady! I am so glad I had the chance to get to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.