Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Fern Shoulderblade, Áméóhné’e (Walks Along Woman), was called home to heaven by Ma’heo’e to be with Him and all of her relatives on June 4, 2016. Under hospice care in her house at Lame Deer, she journeyed peacefully and was surrounded by all of her children and loved ones.
Born on February 23, 1928 in Lame Deer, MT, Fern lived a long, fulfilling life of 88 years. An elder of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, she was cherished by her family, friends and loved ones. She was always active in any kind of family or community doings. As matriarch of the Shoulderblade family, she loved her family unconditionally and could always be counted on to be there for special family events.
She enjoyed playing handgame, cards, bingo, machines and attending basketball games to cheer on her grandkids. Before being hospitalized, her last wish was to go to the handgame and watch her family play.
Born and raised in a different era, she came from the “old days” when life was slower paced and things were different. She would often reminisce about those days and recalled the names and stories of many of her relatives.
Fern had a quiet strength and showed her love through her ready smile, hugs and laughter. She always put herself second with her family, choosing to eat last at meals and making sure everyone was comfortable and full. A strong, independent woman, she was the rock of our family and a comfort when in time of need.
She was a loving and friendly person by nature and was “grandma” to everyone. She welcomed her home to many and left a lasting impression of hospitality, generosity and love to many.
Fern worked for the Northern Cheyenne Headstart Program as a cook for 29 years and retired in 1997. She enjoyed cooking and being around all of the many headstart kids who affectionately called her “kee’eeh”. After retirement, she returned back to the workforce under the AARP program and cooked part time for 4 more years.
We will all miss her dearly; Heaven truly gained an angel to watch down upon us. It’s difficult to let her go, but the many memories, good times and legacy of genuine love will live on in each and every one of us touched by her gentle soul. The void left in our lives and hearts is heavy, however we find solace knowing you’re in a good place, free of pain or suffering and your great love and the wonderful memories we had with you will live on in all of us. We know you are rejoicing in heaven.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents: Pius and Ethel Woodenlegs Shoulderblade; her brothers and sisters: Carl, Francis, Wendelle, Thomas, Bernadine, Claudia, Al, and Carrie; grandchildren: Vince, Ashton, Tana, Russell, Norene, Danielle, Lance, Vance, Frankie Jo and Zion.
Surviving family includes her children: Raymond Jr, Calvin Sr, Shirley (Dan), Annette Standing Water, Esther Brady, Irene Flying, Serena (Wayne) Wetherelt and Larry Sioux. Nieces and nephews: Donald (Ruth), Mary and Marceline Shoulderblade, Wilma Two Moons and the children of Bernadine Fisher. Also, she is survived by 24 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and many extended families too numerous to list. Other relatives include: Shoulderblade, Woodenlegs, Seminole, Spotted Wolf, Calls First and the families of the late Edith Birdinground and Mary Bright Wings. Our family is very large; we sincerely apologize if we have missed listing anyone during this difficult time.
The family would like to thank the 3rd floor hospital staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, especially Tessa, Donna, Diane and Nicole, all of whom adored her and cared for her lovingly.
You will greatly be missed beyond words, we will see you again one day and thank you for being such a loving mother, grandmother and aunt to us…Stavasavoomse!
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Tuesday June 7, 2016
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 North Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
12:30 PM
Wednesday June 8, 2016
Brady Family Cemetery
8 Miles South of Lame Deer
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Tuesday June 7, 2016
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 North Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
12:30 PM
Wednesday June 8, 2016
Brady Family Cemetery
8 Miles South of Lame Deer
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Glenda Littlebird and Family says
Prayers!
Diane Woodenlegs says
Prayers for Fern’s family. I will miss visiting with her at the Casino. She was always happy to see me. RIP Auntie Fern.
Julianne & Elijah Bearing says
Rest in Peace Gramma Fern…..hugs and prayers sent to her family as well. You are gone but not forgotten :'(
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am sorry for your loss. Grandma Fern, was certainly “one of a kind”. She will be missed, by everyone.Prayers of comfort and healing!!
RBERT LITTLE WOLF says
ON BEHALF OF THE CHIEF COUNCIL, WE SENT OUR MOST DEEPEST AND MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. FERN WAS WELL LIKED. REST IN PEACE FEERN.
Two Moons Family says
we will miss u grama fernny …? more then words can say…. forever in our hearts ……
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Our thoughts & prayers, with sincere sympathy.
So sorry to hear this, Serena. Love ya.
Esther Littlewolf says
My sincere condolences to Fern’s loved ones.
Samantha Killsnight and Family says
Our Thoughts and Prayers to Fern’s Family and friends she was one of a kind woman, I will sure miss seeing her when I come back for a visit, I have always made it a point to see her and give her a hug
Clayton Small Sr says
Fern was a wonderful sister to our mother, Mabel Woodenlegs Small. They are together again with their family and friends where everything is peaceful, calm and filled with happiness! I’m thankful she lived a long happy life. Auntie Fern, I will miss you and remember your love and kindness to me and my sisters and brothers and our families. I pray your loved ones will in time work through their grief and loss of their family matriarch. You are among the last of your generation who witnessed so many changes in the world and used your strengths to overcome these challenges…Your strength continues on in our families!
All our love,
Clayton Sr
LISA BIGHEADMAN says
GO REST HIGH GMA FERN, WE WILL TRULY MISS UR SMILE, UR COURAGEOUS, STRENGTH N ATTITUDE. YELL BINGO LOUD UP THERE IN HEAVEN!!!! TELL MY GMA FANNIE HI!!!
Melissa Royston Whitewolf & Family says
My sincere condolences to Ferns Family. Special Hugs to my sisters Bev, Monica, and Sereda.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences to the entire family especially her children, grandchildren and to her Bingo & Handgame buddies. Nothing but respect in her memory, very sad to lose an Elder of our community. In our thoughts and prayers Derek KHG
Mrs. Eva Bear Chum & family says
To the Family of Fern, we send our condolences, prayers for the family for your loss of the family Matriach.
Reginald Killsnight Family says
Condolences and Prayers to the family of Fern
Dolores Shoulderblade and family says
Sincere sympathy to your families, Fern will be greatly missed by my children, she always had a smile and kind words for them, Journey well Grandma. Fern, A golden soul and a gentle heart and your love will be missed.
Clementine Seminole says
I will miss your smile and the gentle touch you had when we would see each wither it was during lunch at the complex or passing one another at the casino,your gentle voice I will surely miss .rest in peace Grandma Fern.
mark and adah wiltse says
we send our thoughts, prayers, and love to ferns family. miss you wayne and serena!
Reida Whiteshield says
Grandma Fern was always giving hugs when I seen her. Rest in Peace .
Dawn & Arley Ketchum says
Always enjoyed Grandma Fern’s sense of humor, her kindness, her joy of life & love of family. She will be missed…condolences to her family.
Deidhra Hill says
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences my dear friend Derek.
Donna (Roundstone) Spotted Eagle says
Sending my deepest condolences to Fern’s family. my prayers are with Ferns family. May Maheo’ Bless you all!
Bonnie W. Bigback says
She will be sorely missed. My prayers and thoughts are to you all.
Lynda Locher says
Prayers for Fern’s family she will be missed. I enjoyed knowing Fern while we both worked for the Head Start Program. She greeted everyone with a smile and the children truly loved her.
May the Lord bless her and welcome her home.
Diane White and Family says
Auntie Fern I will truly miss u here and I kno Maheo needed another special angel. U lived a good fulfilling life n set an example for how to be a respectable, strong Northern Cheyenne woman. I will miss ur hugs and greetings when I wuld come home and no matter how long I had been away. U always made me feel special. You rest now auntie, I love u and Will miss u. Till we meet again.
Loreen Walks Over Ice says
I am going to miss see her at the Handgames. R.I.P!