Wretha was born as a twin with her brother, Walter on April 7, 1949 to James and Sarah (Roundstone) Blackwolf in Crow Agency, Montana. She grew up in the communities of Busby and later at Lame Deer. She attended school at Busby Boarding School. She married Butch Old Rock at the age of 19 in New Town North Dakota. He proceeded her in death.
Ms. Plenty Camps worked as a cook in various places on the Northern Cheyenne reservation throughout her career. She was passionate about the traditional ceremonies of the Northern Cheyenne people by participating in many tribal ceremonies such the annual Sundance´s, she carried the rights to fast and was taught by the late Nancy Sandcrane. She was very passionate about living the "Cheyenne Way." She came from a traditional family which her dad was the keeper of the "Sacred Hat."
She was a highly respected woman among the Cheyenne people because of her knowledge, wisdom, and ceremonial ways. She enjoyed singing and dancing at powwows. She was a women´s cloth traditional dancer. Her favorite past time was being around her grandkids, or watching bull riding. She was never shy with words and always had to have the last word (ornery) As a dialysis patient, she was always teasing and giving the dialysis staff a hard time with her orneriness.
She was known for her humor, and easy going attitude that was very comforting to everyone she met. She was always welcoming everyone she came in contact with. She had many friends, family, and adopted family members that she considered her own. One of the things she was known for was her kindness toward animals, especially dogs and cats. She would never refuse anyone that would bring over a stray or homeless dog or cat even though she had no or little food to offer the animals. That was just her nature. She took into her household any person that needed a place to stay. She was known as "Grandma" or "Hesh'Keht" to everyone. Her giving spirit and readiness to help anyone was immeasurable. She always offered her help to those in need. That is why she was well respected and loved. She was not wealthy, but her immense wealth flowed from the Cheyenne way and came in the form of grandchildren, adopted grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and family members. She was very humble and would listen to all those that came to see her.
Wretha's health failed gradually for the past two months. She was in the hospital, Advance Care Unit, and Aspen Meadows. The family would like to thank her doctor's, nurses and CNA's who took care of her during these last two months. The family would also like to thank Deacon Joe for his prayers and Sherri Ewing & N.C. Ambulance Service for taking the time to drive Wretha home from the hospital.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, James and Sarah of Lame Deer; her brothers Alfred, Donlin, and brother-in-law Melton and one sister, Florence and one nephew Alonzo.
She is survived by one son Robert (Julia) Blackwolf; adopted son Conrad Fisher; and one daughter Priscilla Littlebear, adopted daughter Colleen Fisher, all from Lame Deer; her sister Jamie Whiteman of Lame Deer; her twin brother Walter Blackwolf of Lame Deer; Frederick, Sr.; Oran John; Woodrow; Hubert; all of Lame Deer, James Jr of Ronan, MT and Allen (Becky) of Lame Deer, who is currently the Sacred Hat Keeper. Her grandchildren Dalene, Clevia, Sarah, Cassie, Baby Robert, Alex; Roman, Juliet, and Cazzie Fisher; Rhea Newholy; Elijah Wallowing; Great Grandchildren Darian, Joselyn, Tashaun, Sterling, Deondrey; a very special granddaughter Lori Whiteshield, her relatives and extended families include the following: Blackwolf, Walkslast; Shoulderblade; Wolfname; Roundstone, Bearquiver, Limpy, Kills On Top; her Sioux relatives in Pine Ridge, South Dakota and the Blackwolf family in Thomas, Oklahoma. There are so many friends, family, and extended relatives and if we left anyone out we give our heartfelt apologies.
Traditional family wake services will be held at Wretha's house at Sweet Medicine in Lame Deer at 7 p.m. Monday night. Another wake service will be held on Tuesday at the Catholic Church at 7 p.m. until midnight and then to Wretha's house at midnight. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Church in Lame Deer. Burial will be at BlackWolf/RoundStone cemetery near Busby, Montana. Feast to follow after burial at the Catholic Social Room. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth have been entrusted with the care of Wretha. Thoughts and memories may be shared online by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com .
Maohkeenae says
Hotohpeheeva’e Hevo’estanemo
Ma’heo’o nestsemahenehaenenaene.
Tsemahehova’ahane naestotse,naa
oeometanohtotse,naa mato a’xaamestotse. Naa tsemahehova’ahane
oonesevo’estanehevestotse.
He’konestaha
George Birtic says
So sorry to hear of this untimely loss. My heart goes out to the family. I remember see her alot around Lame Deer. She was such a good role model for young Cheyennes. She kept the Cheyenne customs alive, and that is so good.
Robin tallbull says
Prayers to family .
Lisa Old Mouse says
Praying for the family during this difficult time.
Melissa Royston & Family says
So sorry to hear about Wretha. My prayers of comfort going out to her family.
Diane Spotted Elk says
With deepest sympathy to the family especially the Grandkids. I’ll always remember the way she would correct people if they were doing something wrong during ceremonies. In her stern chenyenne vioce. She’ll surely be missed. R.I.P
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am very sad of hear of my friends passing. We always teased one another. I called her old lady,as she was older by 20 days. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Comfort to all of you and to Walter,Hubert Priscilla, Sarah and Cassie. May the Lord give you strength and peace. God Bless you all!
Bill and Danna Runsabove says
Our hearts are sad today, as we just read about Wretha’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family. Our family always looked forward to seeing her, especially watching her dance at the powwows. She danced with much love and happiness and she brought not only to our family, but to everyone, warmth and sunshine. 4th of July powwow won’t be the same anymore. But she will be forever dancing with the stars.
Willow Wolf Robe says
May the lord (Maheo) bring peace and comfort to your family and relatives.
Willow & Family
cassie littlebear says
Man miss my grandmother so much it still hurts me til this very day