Clifton Paul Sooktis, “Hateaveha” (Young Buffalo), 59, of Birney, MT was called home to by Maheo on Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Ponderosa Pine Nursing Home in Lockwood, where he spent his last months of his life for medical reasons.
Clifton was born September 15, 1955 in Crow Agency, MT to Mable Sooktis Fighting Bear and Oran (Charlie) Wolf Black. His Stepfather Elmer Fighting Bear raised him and taught him all that he knew about our traditional ways. Clifton liked to share that knowledge with all of his nephews.
Clifton attended schools at Birney, St. Labre, and Kicking Horse Job Corp in Ronan, MT. He worked on the oil rigs in Oklahoma and for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe as a fire fighter. Clifton comes from a long line of Chiefs and the Kitfox society. For many years he was a fire keeper for the Sundance.
He liked to spend time with his family, loved all his nieces, nephews, grandkids, extended family, and friends. His favorite past-times were watching T.V., hunting, Pow-Wows. He also liked to Gourd Dance.
He married Leann Star from Oklahoma Tetona Peter. He adopted Gwen Talawyma Bethany Washington, Allan Brady.
He is survived by siblings: Nancy Fighting Bear (Birney), Effie Bear Track (Paul), Perry Fighting Bear (Ella), Silas Biglefthand (Alice), Myrna Burgess, Ruby, Vernon and Butch Sooktis, Mary Grace Medicine Top, Ernie Robinson (Mary Jane, Rita Shoulderblade). He is also survived by Maynard, Buster (Belle), Leta (Utah), Ceceila (Arizona), Ethelene Killsnight, Florene Taylor Leonard (Violet), Royalle Wolf Black.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Mabel, Ember Fighting Bear and Oran (Charlie) Wolf Black; his sisters: Viola Washington, Veta Fighting Bear, Emma Jean Big Left Hand, Joanne Sooktis, Smiley and Rooney, Joanne Polly Wolf Black; his brothers: Duane WolfBlack, Frank Sooktis, Edwin Big Left Hand, Alvin Big Left Hand, and Andy Sooktis.
Some of Clifton’s relatives include the following families: Big Left Hands, Fighting Bear, Sooktis, Mann, Twins, Hart, Strange Owl, Elk Shoulder, American Horse, Medicine Bull, Wolfname, White Wolf, Spotted Elk, Wolftooth, Big Back, Limberhand. He had many relatives and friends too numerous to name, so please forgive us if we left some names out.
The family would like to thank especially to all the staff of D.C.I and Ponderosa Pine Nursing Home, Lame Deer Transportation. Clifton was a dialysis Patient for almost 30 years.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
12:00 Noon
Tuesday September 1, 2015
Birney Cemetery
Birney, Montana 59012
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
12:00 Noon
Tuesday September 1, 2015
Birney Cemetery
Birney, Montana 59012
Share
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Prayers & Condolences to the family of our Elder
Danetta Fisher says
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear uncle. May Maheo comfort you during this time.
Tamera, Pamela, Jennifer and Kristen says
When we think of our Uncle Clifton………
We think of a person very gracious and sweet!
He was always a pleasure to be around!
And brought laughter to his side of town!
From everyone that’s had a chance to meet him.
He was special! We’ll never forget him!
He was very humble, gracious and kind!
People like him are special! And hard to find!
We know now he’s in a better place.
Filled with God’s presence and his grace.
Our lives have been blessed to have him with us!
We’ll miss him! He sure has blessed us!
Donna Wick Brien says
Sorry Nancy, prayers, hugs to you and your family.
Andrita Harris says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.