BERTHA ELIZABETH BEARTUSK FREEMAN (HE O’VE’E-Yellow Woman), was born on March 3, 1923. Bertha was the oldest living elder of the Northern Cheyenne Nation at the time of her passing, she was 97 years old. Bertha passed peacefully to the other side and did NOT have COVID-19. She lived a full, long and blessed life. Bertha was the youngest daughter of 10 children to Jerome and Lucy (Eastman) Beartusk, Sr.
Bertha was raised in the younger part of her life in Lodge Grass, MT with Robbie Yellowtail & his family. She often swam in the Little Bighorn River with her Lodge Grass family and friends. Bertha was a student and boarded at the Busby Boarding school and also at the Pierre, SD boarding school. Bertha received her GED from Chief Dull Knife Memorial College in 1989. She received an honorary degree from the same college.
Bertha was a beautiful, loving and nurturing mother to ten children. She married Peter Medicine Elk Freeman in 1947. Bertha was a cook at the Lame Deer School alongside her mother Lucy and her three sisters, Alice, Gladys and Myrtle. Bertha also was the Head Cook at the BIA Busby Boarding School for over 30 years.
Bertha loved playing cards, dolphins, chocolate and most of all, her “little” Pepsis. She loved watching the Atlanta Braves and all her grandchildren playing sports. She loved singing her favorite Cheyenne songs. Bertha could play the piano by ear, yodel and she also played the harmonica. She was a very talented woman.
Bertha is preceded in death by her husband, Peter Medicine Elk Freeman, her sons Bernard and Darrell, her daughters Evalee, Caroline and Nadine, her grandchildren Francine, Larry, Brandon and Patrick. She was also preceded in death by Leonard Elk Shoulder, Sr. whom she took as a son.
Bertha is survived by her daughters, Merecedes, Linda, Diana(Robert, Jr.), Priscilla and Christine(Alfred, Jr.). She is also survived by Steve Solis whom she took as a son. Bertha is survived by her grandchildren Sherri(Meko), Robert, Jr., Bernadette(Billy), Bernard, Jr., Ruben(Matilda), Chad(Anita), Tonia(Darrell), Anthony(Sheri Ann), Bernice(Kendall), Darrell, Jr., Dara Jean, Valerie, Grant, Dale, Melanie, Dexter, Desiree, Princess, Renee(Josh), Robert(Leslie), Olivia, Michelle, Jim, Jr.(Dawn), Jerry, Katalin, Ryan(Aryn), Essence(Anna), AJ and TJ and numerous great grandchildren, spanning through 6 generations.
Bertha’s relatives are the descendants of the Eastmans, Beartusks, Bearquivers, Roundstones, LaFraniers, Medicine Elks, Briens, Parkers, Storms, Maas, Bixbys, Livingstons, White Wolfs, Shermans, Aldermans, Pittmans, LittleHeads, Red Cherries, Three Fingers, Hamiltons, Doyles, WalksAlongs, Bearcomesouts, Red Stars and many many more. If we missed any family, we apologize, our hearts are heavy. Thank you for all your prayers and condolences.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Thursday October 29, 2020
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Friday October 30, 2020
Custer National Cemetery
Crow Agency, Montana 59022
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ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF BERTHA BEARTUSK FREEMAN, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Bonnie Bigback says
A life well lived and loved by not only her family but by those of us who worked and learned from her. Bertha was cafeteria supervisor for many years at Busby School. It was my pleasure to learn so much and be assisted in our home ec. endeavors, for her watchful, knowledgeable input was an education in itself for this young, green teacher. 1972 was my 1st year of teaching and I consider Bertha to be one of my best teachers.
contessa shoulderblade says
You’ll be missed grandma Bertha…thank you for being such an awesome Grandma and great grandma 🙏❤️ love you forever ❤️
Dee Batey says
Prayers to the family on the loss of Bertha, she was quite a lady. Loved doing her hair and learning so much from her through the years. Bertha will always be in my heart and Oh how I will miss our visits.
Dolores Shoulderblade says
for the children of Bertha,
I feel so blessed to have known your mom for many years, an aunt to my late husband, Vincent (Buffalo),
she was always concerned about him and my children, She was a lady with a great generous heart, Going to miss seeing her around, RIP Bertha, Journey home on Angels wings.
Dorothy says
You were a awesome great grandmother to my children, I enjoyed our visits and the wonderful words of wisedom you gave me, you are and will be greatly missed!
fly high the heavens gained another angel <3
patsy houseman says
For all of Bertha’s family sorry for your loss. She was a great lady. You are in my prayers. Patsy Brey
Diane White and Family says
We send our sincere condolences and your families will be in our prayers. Our Cheyenne nation has lost someone very special and a true gentle Cheyenne woman. Please take care of each other during this sad time. Although our loss is great Maheo has gained a special angel.
Jim, Rita, Kyle and Family says
So much loss to absorb and Aunt Bertha is a big one. She was the gateway in memory I had to my Grandma Letha and I was just looking at a picture sent last week and one was of Aunt Bertha Mercedes, Grandma Letha, and Aunt Rosie. I and we all are grateful to be a part of this wonderful family.
Thomas Real Bird says
I will always remember the times we spent together and the times me you and my brother ate pizza together, I love you so much and I’m glad ur in a better place and with family and I want you to that I will always miss you and love you, I have great stories to tell your great great grandson’s, farewell and maheo bless your journey home•••••••••••••³
Andrita Harris says
Our Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Freeman Family. Bertha will be missed by all. Diana you are a great wonderful daughter, thanks for taking good care of your mother she was a gem and treasure.
God Bless Prayers to the family
Karen R. Stone says
I loved your eggs at the Busby Boarding School, and your presence dressed in cook whites was reassurance to us kids that we would eat good those days from a motherly smiling face. You were “mum” to many of us students seeing you at the cafeteria in the bustling happy lunch hour. Happy journey to Maheo and heaven, and my condolences to your family, you are loved & missed by all us students from the Busby boarding school era–Ha-ho.
Merrilee RedRobe says
My deepest condolences to the Freeman family. Such a magnificent woman will surely be missed.