Yvonne Lay

Russell's Aunt Vonnie passed away on Monday. She was a dear, sweet lady and adored by her family. There is a picture out there, but I don't have it, of Vonnie holding our baby June in her blessing dress that was given to her from Aunt Vonnie. She will be missed!

Yvonne Marie Lay, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012, at St Peters hospital in Helena, MT, due to heart failure. She was born Adele Rea Finley in St. Ignatius, MT, on September 29, 1966, to her birthmother, Carole Finley. Her father was killed in Vietnam. At the age of 9 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 over sized"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. 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 proceeded 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; adored by all. Sister Dear,oh, how we will miss you!