Yvonne Marie Lay, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT, due to heart failure. She was born Adele Rea Finley, in St. Ignatius, MT, on September 29, 1966 to her birth mother, Carole Finley. Her father was killed in Vietnam. At the age of nine months, she came to Helena to be our little sister, and as soon as the law allowed, was adopted by her parents, Raymond and Esther Lay.
Yvonne attended Kessler Elementary, C.R. Anderson Middle School, and graduated from Capital High School. She pursued a higher education at Rick’s College and BYU-Hawaii before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Houston, Texas. She was a life-long member of the LDS Church. After completing her mission, she returned to Helena to care for her aging parents.
She attended the University of Montana briefly, but soon returned to BYU- Hawaii to earn her B.A. in social work.
Vonnie made her living in the banking industry both in Helena and Salt Lake City. She held various positions at American Federal Savings, Helena Community Credit Union, and Zion’s Bank. Her latest position was at the Student Assistance Foundation where she worked in customer service.
She enjoyed all kinds of music from rap to beautiful hymns. But as much as she loved listening to music, she enjoyed making it even more. She was a talented pianist, and had the voice of an angel. She shared her talents at weddings, funerals, and church services, and any other opportunity. Yvonne had an eye for the sparkly, a beautiful purse, new shoes, or an oversized “diamond” key-ring. Growing up, she learned to camp and fish from her dad, and how to cook over a fire from her mom. Even so, she still preferred the comforts of home.
Vonnie had the best sense of humor. She loved to joke, please, and tease, no matter how serious the situation. Vonnie could always find some levity and make everyone feel at ease. She’s been described as “the essence of what a friend should be,” and leaves a legacy of love and happiness to her many friends and family.
Her nieces and nephews, and then their children, were among Vonnie’s greatest joys, as she often loved, taught, and played with them. Aunt Vonnie was undeniably “The Very Favorite Aunt,” and was well-worthy of the title.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Esther Lay; brother, Randy; sister, Ramona; two nephews, two nieces, and one great-nephew.
She is survived by her brother, Herb (Linda) Lay, of Thompson Falls; brothers, Dave (Marlene) Lay, Dennis (JeNae) Lay; and her sister, Vicki (Tom) Sanburg, all of Helena; as well as 24 nieces and nephews and 54 great-nieces and nephews; and was adored by all.
Sister Dear, oh, how we will miss you!
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 3rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. The family will also receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 4th in the Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1610 6th Avenue. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Christine Armstrong says
Dear Lay Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Yvonne was a roomate of mine and dear friend up at Rick’s College. I will miss her smile and laugh and her outlook on life. I’m sorry I can’t make it during the week for her funeral.
I hope you will find peace and comfort at this time. I’m sure if she could, she’d tell a joke or two at her funeral to make it as fun as possible. 🙂
Love, Christine Matthews Armstrong
Heidi Buchi says
Dear Vicki, I was so sorry to hear of Vonnie’s passing. My thoughts are with you. Love you.
John Ross says
We love you Von. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Busby says
My heart goes out to all those who cherished Yvonne. As the Bible says, death is an enemy. 1 Corinthians 15:24,25 But the Bible gives us hope as that verse also speaks of the time when death will be gone.
“If a man die, shall he live again?” asked the man Job long ago. (Job 14:14, King James Version) Perhaps you, too, have wondered about this. How would you feel if you knew that a reunion with your loved ones was possible right here one earth under the best of conditions?
Well, the Bible makes the promise: “Your dead oes will live…They will rise up.” And the Bible also says: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, ad they will reside forever upon it.” Isaiah 2619; Psalm 37:29
Please feel free to respond.
Joyce Busby says
My heart goes out to all those who cherished Yvonne. As the Bible says, death is an enemy. 1 Corinthians 15:24,25 But the Bible gives us hope as that verse also speaks of the time when death will be gone.
“If a man die, shall he live again?” asked the man Job long ago. (Job 14:14, King James Version) Perhaps you, too, have wondered about this. How would you feel if you knew that a reunion with your loved ones was possible right here one earth under the best of conditions?
Well, the Bible makes the promise: “Your dead oes will live…They will rise up.” And the Bible also says: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, ad they will reside forever upon it.” Isaiah 2619; Psalm 37:29
Please feel free to respond.
Julie Massaro says
Yvonne, the world is a better place because of you. Heaven now has a lovely angel with a vibrant personality! You will be missed.
Lina Millar says
I enjoyed Yvonne very much. It was a delight working with her everyday. She always had a song on her lips and a happy heart. My husband Wayne loved to tease her and she gave it right back to him. We will miss her. Our prayers are with all of her family and friends.
Lolita Carter says
Vicki, I am so sad to hear of Yvonne’s passing. I know how close the two of you were and what a special part of your childrens life she was. Your famiy is in my prayers. Lolita
Mae Schwartz says
Vonnie was very special to me. She never failed to make me smile whenever I was around her. She had a kind heart and a loving soul. I was truly blessed to have known Vonnie. I miss her desperately. It has been said many times already that Vonnie loved her music. When she was around me it was almost always a Disney tune. She would sing a few bars just to have me join in and we would laugh together. During this time a different song comes to mind when I think of her passing. “Earth’s Loss Is Heavens Gain”, to quote a few lines…
“Look what’s happening in heaven
A cheer went up, as she walked through the gate
And the change in her, what a difference
Why she’s as young, and beautiful, as a babe
Guess who’s got His arms around her
And He just wiped, the last tear from her eyes
He said child welcome home forever
Come and rest by the river of life.”
I find comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of God. She was my friend and I loved her. I will never forget her.
Ockey Family says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you all are in our prayers.
Stephanie Allen Graham says
Vonnie posseses a true gift of love and character that have touched the lives of all whom she has been around. She exemplified this early on during her childhood and youth; through her interactions with church and school friends and leaders, and has left an indelible impression on our hearts.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dennis, JeNae and the entire Lay family. How very sorry we are to learn of Vonnie’s passing. She was a lovely lady who loved the Lord, so we know she is now well, and whole and happy in the presence of Jesus! We are thinking of you at this very difficult time, you are in our hearts and prayers. We send our Love and sincere Sympathy.