Charles Sooktis, Jr. Vohke’sehemeo’o “Cliff Road” passed away onFebruary 9, 2021 at his home in Hardin, Montana. He was born on August 2, 1943 in Lame Deer, Mt to Charles Sooktis Sr. and Margaret Seminole Sooktis in their log home.
Charles had many children who took his Indian name after him: Ryan Kennedy, Aiden Spang, Riley James Dreamer and Charles Butch Bundt
He spent a majority of his younger years at the home of his aunt Beatric and Tuck Small. There is a lot of stories that he mentioned regarding his uncle Tuck and Beatrice. Especially riding horses with his uncle Tuck. He attended schools in St Labre, as well as many schools in Denver Colorado. Charles joined the US Army in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1972.
He met the love of his life, Lena White Sooktis. They later married on April 2, 1969. To this marriage they had five children: Tamera, Pamela, Jennifer, Kristen, and Marcus. He also took, Bonnie Littlesun, Elrena Whitedirt, Lucille Lafrance as his own children and raised, Courtney Sooktis and Shaden Sooktis and Antone Sooktis. There wasn’t a day that went by, when he would call and check on these ladies and just to say Hi. Elrena was his feisty one. IF we all weren’t able to get him to do things, she was the one that enforced our requests that needed to be made regarding his health.
Our world changed, when our Sooktis Family lost Marcus. He was our world. That’s the day we lost apart of Mom and Dad. Dad tried to keep us together thru prayer. One thing us girls learned thru our mother and father, was to always pray and continue our religion. To always respect other tribes/people’s religion. Never disrespected anyone way of life. We also learned to help each other out.
As a grandson of Chief Morning star aka Dull Knife and American Horse. Butch is a child of the Cheyenne chief’s family. He was also a grandson of Ruben Blackhorse, who was among the first Cheyenne scouts, who served under general nelson miles of Ft Keogh, MT. He grew up in Birney and Lame deer.
Charles worked for IHS Sanitation and also for the Northern Cheyenne Utilities. He participated in following ceremonies: Sundance, received Cheyenne Paint, Fasted at Bear Butte, Cheyenne Gourd Dance, Sweat Lodges, Flag Ceremonies, Peyote Meetings, participated in helping protect and care for our Scared Hat. In 1972 he initiated as Headsman South east side of the Elk Horn Scrapers from Older Cheyenne Elk Horn Scrapers and Charlie Whitedirt generation. One of his greatest moment was when he flew to Mexico to be part of the movie called Last of the Dog men. He came back with stories of his experience.
The best trait that we witness throughout dad life, was when someone was hurting or needed prayer, he always put everything aside, and sat and said a prayer when needed. Good words/story about history was always said before and after prayer.
Steve Littlebird (he made sure anywhere he went, he’d holler, “please make sure someone goes to pick up my juke box”)
He never called his grandchildren/great grandchildren by their first names, he always called them by their Indian names. After he would call them by their Indian names, there was always a little story mentioned behind their Indian names.
His great granddaughter, Akaiah (bumble bee woman, he would call her), he would always say, I have to give this one, candy to get a Hi out of her. She never talks to me she is a quiet young lady.
His wildest moment with his great grandchildren, was when he baby sat his great grandson, Caysen James (White buffalo), who put grandpa on the run. Grandpa found him at his neighbors’ home, sitting on top of a semi-truck. He sure enjoyed his time with Risco and Riley, he would love sitting at his chair by the window, watching them and listening them have their little discussions which would bring a smile to him every time.
He is survived by his 32 Grand Children; 33 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; adopted children, Donald Rapos, Lavonda Hiwalker; adopted grandson, Boozy Walksalong; sisters, Myrna, Carlene, Dorothy, Maryann, Lynda, Vicki, Mina, and Henrietta; brothers, Vernon Sooktis, David Roundstone, Jimmy Mann, Wesley Twins; close friends, Ryan Burnt, and John Prater; Favorite Brother In Laws, Scott Doser and Gilbert Whitedirt; Favorite Granddaughter: Shree Seminole (they shared a special relationship of much laughter and jokes); families, All his friends at Jack rabbit Reds and Red Eagle Bar and Casino. The family of Butch would like to thank all his friends for keeping our dad/grandpa Happy and always making sure he made it home safe.
Dad never forgot about all his sisters. When he would go to Lame Deer, he would stop to say or greet his sisters. He respected and loved each of his sisters. During prayers his sisters were always mentioned. When he would hear of his sisters hurting or happy, he would take time to pray for them or go and seek them down, to see what was going on. He would help them in anyway he could. While he was sick, his sister Henri Mann came to visit him, he didn’t want her to come see him. She said “I am going to come and see you” he smiled and said okay. Even if they didn’t have much to say, she sat with him throughout the day watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren every move with smiles on their faces. Which made him happy.
When Gilbert whitedirt and Dad/grandpa are in the same room, there is always laughter. These two cowboys sure enjoyed each other company. They helped each other out, when It came to ceremonial functions/family gatherings. There are many humorous stories to tell about these two. A story that continues to be funny at family functions is when they talk about Broke Back Mountain.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Marcus; Joann and Ruby Sooktis, Andrew Sooktis and Lucian Twins, etc.
We would like to thank all his grandsons/friend for coming to sing and prayer with dad on his last days. He sure enjoyed the music: Cory Whitedirt, Jeremy Hiwalker, Milen Goudeaux, Cory Killsnight, Robert Simpson, Richard Singer, etc.
Family would like to thank the following individuals for always taking time to check on grandpa through out the years. And just to hear stories about history: Bruce GoesaheadPretty, Brian Redstar, Andy Elkshoulder Jr, Clyde Redwoman, Littlewhiteman Boys, Nigle Stewart, Sonson Twoleggin’, Austin Littlelite, Wade Driftwood and Nickie Bearchum and Larry Brightwings and family, etc.
We would like to thank the whitedirt family, for always including our dad/grandfather for continuing to include our dad/grandfather in family functions.
Sorry if we missed anyone, dad has a huge family. “everyone related to the Seminoles and his Oklahoma Family.
Dad/Grandpa: Were all going to miss you. We love you. I know you always said you’d be here with us till you was 89 years old. And you’d get irritated when Jennifer would say, why couldn’t it be an even number like 90? But we all know, that you was tired and wanted to be with the love of your life “Ms Lena Sooktis and son Marcus. Till we meet again…..
Family Friends far and near, if you have Facebook we will be going live thru: Courtney Sooktis
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Saturday February 13, 2021
Birney Cemetery
Birney, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Saturday February 13, 2021
Birney Cemetery
Birney, MT
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ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF CHARLES SOOKTIS, 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.
Normanda Pretty On Top says
My prayers and condolences to the family me and Cam are are gonna really miss you so much I’m so glad you took me in as one of your granddaughters and I’m sure Good 2 Go store is gonna really miss you as well
James D Jr. & Ann King & family says
Condolences to the family on the loss of your dear father/ grandfather/ uncle. .May you find comfort and solace in the arms of our Lord….
Sheryle mcgurk says
I’m so sorry to hear about Butch. I worked at cenex next to McDonald’s. Butch would come in and eat his hamburger and drink his coffee. He would always wave or speak to me when he would see me. There was one day he came in with his walker I said Butch what are you doing its so hot out. He said I had to come say hi to you. Aw thank him told him to be careful. He always made my day
Justin S LaFever says
Gonna miss you forever brother
Safe travels in the universe
I love you
Sister susan Braine
Clyde Wolfblack says
Butch, gonna miss your welcome and good words of encouragement. Shared some good times w you and your wife and chief. You always made good laughter a part of life. Your example of respect will never be forgotten . Thank you.
Kori says
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family, losing a patriarch is not easy. That’s why we have to carry ourselves in their legacy. We will see them again.
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Rest in Peace Uncle Butch. You’ll be reunited with Auntie Lena & Marcus. Prayers for my sisters. I won’t be able to make it but you are all on prayers.
Stella seminole says
You will be missed my old sweat hog buddy..
Rose Anowlic says
Condolences to all in the loss of a great man, an honored and respected elder, may he have a fitting tribute and beautiful journey to the other side. Prayers.
Norma Fisher says
Condolence to the family have a great lost a great man and honor and respect respectable Elder beautiful journey to the other side
Sally Schmidt says
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He was a gentle, kind, generous man to everyone, including me. Both of us lost our Mothers close in time, and he knew the pain. I will never forget his ability to see my pain and help me by talking about his pain and his Mother. He will always be in my heart.
Pebbles says
Sorry uncle, I’m with you n the family, much prayers for your kids n grandkids
Shawn B says
Condolences to the family
Lost a good peyote brother
It was good to sit up with him in the Teepee
Journey well .
Beatrice R. Black Eagle says
Butch I’m sure going to miss our visits everytime we saw each other u would have the biggest smile I would give u a hug n ask about ur day n what ur up to really gonna miss u journey well my friend watch over all of us
Karen says
So sorry for your loss Tamera. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick LaFever says
It has been many years since I last saw Butch, but I will always remember his calm and peaceful manner. Prayers for all his family. Your life is your testimony and for that many are grateful.
Jon Hauxwell says
Butch, along with Lee Lonebear, introduced me to sweat lodge. Butch was usually pretty quiet when we hung out, but on this day, his opening remarks, before the water hit the rocks, impressed me with their sheer eloquence. Butch was the sanitary engineer for the Clinic at the time. “During the day, I monitor surface water pollution and run-off contamination – but after five o’clock, I drink from the creek.” Indeed, the water in the pail, which we sipped before the steam made it hard to breathe, was tinged reddish, reflecting the soils and rocks through which the creek flowed.
I really enjoyed the times we spent together, and I still miss members of his strong and loving family. My appreciation for the privilege of knowing Butch is too deep to describe. Thanks for the memories, and good wishes to his living friends and kin.
Judith Morrison says
Will miss you my good friend!
Alan and Joleen Spang says
Butch I really enjoyed your wisdom and humor especially with your wife Lena, she was so much fun always laughing. The tribe has really lost someone who knew the ceremonial ways, I have so much to say but I especially appreciated when you helped my son and gave him military honors at the 4th of July Pow-wow you and Ken and Marilyn. I will never forget that he is your grandson through Grandma Maggie. Travel well,
you are at peace now, Your prayers are powerful and I know you will be watching over your daughters, grandkids, and everyone whom was close to you. Please know our family is thinking of your family, I said prayers too going to miss seeing you every now and then, always gretting everyone.
Jay Red Woman and wife Christine Medicine Bull. says
I have always enjoyed sitting up with him in peyote meetings. He takes me back to times that filled my imagination with kindness and respect for all of life. Thank you Butch. Lena is having happy tears for your arrival. Peace.
Earlene Teeth Clown and family says
Travel well Uncle Butch. Thank you for always making me feel special in your life and to know that you have been big part of our lives since my dad passed away. Condolences to your family and siblings. Tell we meet again.
Tamera Faye says
I miss you so much dad…..wishing you was here…this world of mine is so lonesome without you. (Tears)….
Janet M. Lassen says
Sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Milo Colton says
He was my best friend back in the 1950s, back when the Feds were trying to terminate the tribes and push reservation families into the big cities. We both wound up in the housing projects of Denver, Colorado. We attended Horace Mann Junior High School and North High School together, along with his cousin Johnny Whistling Elk. He was one of the greatest basketball players at our schools. Both he and Johnny were sharp dressers. I last saw him, his wife and daughter at Bear Butte in 2010. I’ll never forget him. Much love and condolences to the Sooktis family!