Mary M Steffen

Mary Steffen peacefully passed away July 24, 2022, at her home in Vancouver WA surrounded by her family. She was born January 21, 1934, at her Grandmother’s home in White Sulphur Springs, MT. Dr. J. M. Wolfe and her Grandmother Merle McGrady played cards all night awaiting her arrival. She attended various country schools where her mother Phyllis Johnson Haskins taught. Before entering high school at Clyde Park, MT she was required to take an entrance exam and received the highest scores in the state for country school students.

When she was 17, she married Russell Jay Steffen on August 2, 1951, whom she had met as a child at school where her mother was his teacher. They were blessed with three children whom they raised with love and patience.

On November 16, 1973, Russell unexpectedly passed away. She then went into the work force doing what she loved, working in day care for several years then worked at Park County High School Cafeteria where she loved the kids and coworkers. Continuing with her gift of caring she choose to do in home care for the elderly.

As her Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great Great Grandchildren were born her love expanded beyond measure.

She moved to White Sulphur Springs for several years to spend time and care for her parents Ely and Gladys Johnson.

In 2006 she decided to move to Oregon to have time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Mary Steffen was preceded in death by her husband Russell Steffen, her parents Phyllis and Jack Haskins, Ely and Gladys Johnson, in-law parents Emil and Helen Steffen. Brother Doug Johnson, sister Phoebe Johnson Persons, her beloved cousin Doris McGrady Pedersen, her son-in-law Stanley Gray and brother-in-law Jim Young. After Mary’s passing the family also lost her son Michael Jay Steffen, son-in- law Ronald D. Ebert and sister Rose Haskins Earp.

She is survived by her daughters Vickie Ebert and Phyllis Gray. Her brother Don Johnson, sisters Kathy (Steve) Russell, and Linda Young, sister-in-law Sandy Johnson, brother-in-law Clyde Persons. Ten grandchildren, Gary Michael (Maya Beal) Blakely II, Kristi (Mike) Shaffer, Lance (Tasha) Ebert, Geoffrey Gray, Emily (Kerri Boone) Gray, Elise Gray, Nevaeh Gray, Russell (Lindsey Pennell) Steffen, Addie (Ned) Swofford, Emma (Kyle) Boling. Six Great Grandchildren Tyler Ebert, Corey Shaffer, Jenny Shaffer, Cannon Ebert, Gage Ebert, and Brooks Boling. Two Great Great Grandchildren Olivia Ebert and James Ebert. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends that she dearly loved.

Mary was loved by all who knew her. A memorial will be held July 30, 2023 at the gravesite of her mother Phyllis Haskins in Mountain View Cemetery, Livingston,MT. The memorial for Ron Ebert will be the same day and everyone will be meeting at Franzen Davis Funeral Home, 118 N 3rd Street, Livingston MT by 10:30 am. If you are coming only for Mary’s service, please go to the cemetery about 12:30 pm. Directly following the service there will be a gathering for refreshments and conversation. All are welcome to attend at the Shane Lalani Center, 415 E. Lewis St, Livingston, MT.

In lieu of flowers and gifts the family requests donations be made to Mountain View Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs, MT. 406-547-3321 ask for Jennifer or your local Hospice in her name.