Funeral service for Mary Smelser will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 19, 2016 at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Dan Holden officiating. Interment to follow at Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Mary Elizabeth (Willard) Smelser of Gillette passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at her home from a battle with cancer. Mary was born November 15, 1939 at a private home in Newcastle, WY to Al and Bessie (Owens) Willard. She grew up on a small ranch southeast of Newcastle, WY. Mary attended a country school called Sweet School; east of Newcastle through the eighth grade.On June 7, 1958 she married Duane Smelser of Gillette, WY. Two children were born to this union. Mary spent most of her life in Wyoming, except for a few years when Duane went to college. Mary worked as a telephone operator when she was young. Duane and Mary pastored several churches in Wyoming, the last being in Wright, WY while Mary also drove school bus for CCSD. Mary was an excellent seamstress, she also loved jigsaw puzzles and travelling in the R.V.Mary is survived by her husband; Duane Smelser of 57 years, daughter; Connie (Rick) McQuin of Gillette, WY, and son; Kevin (Naomi) Smelser of Fort Collins, CO, sister; Bertie Shields of Casper, WY, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special family Roy and Tara Adist and girls; Machiah and Quinlyn who she became Grandma Mary too. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandsons; Ben and Bryan McQuin. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Mary's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716