“Don’t grieve for me, for now, I’m free, I’m following the path God Laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all.”
Estelle M. (Russell) Armentrout “Separated Woman” made her journey to the other side of the camp on March 2, 2022. She was born on March 31, 1952 in Crow Agency, MT. On November 14, 1980 she took a surprise trip to Sheridan, WY where she married a bony but handsome Ben Armentrout. During their 41 years of marriage, they were each others rock solid support through the good times and a few bad times. Together, they raised a family in Busby, MT while earning her associated degree from Chief Dull Knife Community College and then later going on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from SKC in 1998. She devoted her “off” time to working with the Mennonite Church and in her younger years she was a dispatcher for the Northern Cheyenne ambulance service. She also enjoyed beading, cleaning house, and was an avid reader of “romantic novels.” She also loved her music.
One of her highlights in life was Genie Strangeowl took Estelle to her high school graduation ceremony. Also with great fondness the birth of her first grandson, Renzo who she referred to as her greatest gift for graduating SKC in 1998, as well as her first granddaughter Chayla Russell.
Her native name was VOAHEVE`E (Separated Woman) that she received from Marie Littlewolf and later passed down to Rossalynn “Rozz” Russell. She was a child of the Hereditary Chiefs Society and a strong, proud speaker of the “Old” Cheyenne Dialect.
Her family heritage and ancestry includes Russell, Rising Sun, King Fisher, Medicine Bull, Bigfire, StrangeOwl, Kaline, Kills on Top, Braveheart, Big Back, AmericanHorse, LittleBear, LittleWolf, Fisher and Little Sun.
The family would like to give special thanks to the N.C.I.H.S. Transportation, the entire DCI staff, Lorna Oldelk, Ann Bigback, William Littlewolf and to all who knew and were close to Estelle. She will be greatly missed but “Never” forgotten.
She is survived by her husband Ben Armentrout, her one and only daughter Haroldine (Tony) Fisher-Goings; her one and only “Baby Boy” Cliff Jon Russell; 3 grandchildren Renzo Roanbear, Chayla and Cross Russell. She is also survived by her sisters Maria (Hank) Russell-Bigfire, Joyce Threefingers, and Brother Melvin Miller.
Estelle was preceded in death by her brothers Clifford Russell Jr., Ivan “Jon” Russell; sisters Alfretta Russell and her daughter Mandy Russell, Aline Killsontop, and Renita Ogle, Parents Clifford Russell Sr. and Virginia KingFisher; and grandparents John and Alice Russell Sr., nephew Terry Sptottedwolf Jr. and favorite aunt Agnes Russell.
Her special nieces were Diandra LittleWhiteman, Marty Lynn Barrus and the late Allison LittleWhiteman. Her dear friends Myron and Cheryl LittleBird, Christine Yeager and Amelda Wounded Eye Barney.
A wake will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Busby Mennonite Church in Busby, MT. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Busby Mennonite Church. She will be laid to rest at “The Stronghold”, in the Russell Burial grounds alongside loved ones. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 p.m.
Sunday March 6, 2022
Busby Mennonite Church
Busby, Montana 59016
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday March 7, 2022
Busby Mennonite Church
Busby, Montana 59016
Interment
Following the funeral service
Monday March 7, 2022
Russell Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 p.m.
Sunday March 6, 2022
Busby Mennonite Church
Busby, Montana 59016
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday March 7, 2022
Busby Mennonite Church
Busby, Montana 59016
Interment
Following the funeral service
Monday March 7, 2022
Russell Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
Share
rick/janet (spud) wolfname/family says
Condolences to the family
Darlene Hamilton says
Thoughts and prayers to Estelle’s family.
Dolly Rockroads says
Letting go with tears God takes you in his hands no more pain sis.
Earlene Teethclown says
You were always happy to see me, I am going to miss our short visits. Tell we meet again my friend, I’ll always remember you with your kind heart.
Condolences to your family.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF ESTELLE M. ARMENTROUT, THE NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Diana McLean says
Estelle was a kind hearted person. I loved visiting with her when I drove my mom to dialysis in Billings. She was always happy and never complained. May she be at peace knowing she was well loved.
Clarice Big Back says
My condolences to Estelle’s family, Haroldine, Maria all her family and relatives. My prayers are with you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Christine Valentine says
Estelle was a lovely woman and I am sad that she is gone. I feel sad for Ben & Haroldine and all her family at this time. May God give you courage and strength as you go on without her. She will be greatly missed.
Haroldine says
Thank You Family n Friends, My Dad, LaRenzo, Cliff, Tony n Blu Are Sure Going To Miss My Mother, I know she would say ‘ Don’t grieve for me, For now, I’m free, I’m following the path Maheo Laid for me, I took His hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all,
Cindy A Stanton says
I’m behind times but want to give my condolences to Ben & family and to Marty Lynn. I’m so sorry for your loss.