Roberta "Bert" Farnes

Roberta Farnes, age 95, of Broadus.

August 28, 1929 – July 29, 2025

Roberta "Bert" Farnes was born August 28, 1929 to Walter and Vanna (Boner) Embrey on the family ranch near Boyes, Montana. She joined her older brother Bill and was later joined by Lula May, Mary and Gene Embrey. She grew up on the family ranch going to Osgood Country School, then graduating from Broadus High School in 1946.

She met Harold Farnes at a country dance in the Hay Creek School north of Boyes, and the two were married January 4, 1948. When asked about Harold, she said he was a cowboy through and through, and the two were married for 53 years until Harold's passing on August 27, 2001. Amazingly, even at 95 years of age, Bert could rattle off her marriage date, and Harold's death date, from memory.

Bert and Harold worked primarily on two ranches during their lives, the Horton Ranch near Custer, MT and the Grierson Ranch near Hysham, MT. Over 10 years of their time on the Grierson Ranch was spent at the "Horse Camp", which was 30 miles from the ranch headquarters, and their only ability to communicate with "the outside world" was a 2-way radio that reached to the ranch headquarters. Once they moved to the main ranch, Harold continued to work on the ranch, and Bert cooked lunch meals for 10-12 ranch hands daily. She enjoyed living on the ranches and cooking for the hands. Bert and Harold enjoyed rodeos, dancing and square dancing.

Bert continued to live in Broadus after Harold passed away, playing cards with friends and family, gardening, completing jigsaw puzzles, sewing, and making gifts for family members. Asked about memories she mentioned getting married, graduating from high school, and seeing her Grandpa Boner holding her little sister Lula May when she was born. Bert met each day, and everyone around her, with a smile. She was blessed to live on her own until a fall in February 2023 shattered her elbow and broke her hip. She worked through physical therapy until she could walk alone with a walker and spent the afternoon before her passing playing cards with friends.

Bert is survived by her sister Lula May Bruce, and brother Gene Embrey. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter Embrey and Vanna Embrey, brother Bill Embrey, and sister Mary Lancaster. Though Bert and Harold had no children of their own, they had many nieces and nephews, and extended family that loved them dearly.

No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.