A loving mother, daughter, aunt, niece, grandmother and granddaughter, Fern Helen Standing Water, Ma’evehpota’e “Red Leaf Woman”, 38, of Lame Deer, MT went home to be with Ma’heo’e following a lengthy illness on May 8, 2021. She traveled peacefully, with her family present, at her home in Muddy Cluster.
Fern was born on September 14, 1982 in Crow Agency, MT to Annette Standing Water and Denny Standing Water, Sr. She attended schools in Colstrip, MT, Hammon and Elk City, OK and later received her General Education Diploma from Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer.
She worked in various positions throughout the years that included the Charging Horse Casino, Cheyenne Depot I & II, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority and the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Program. She really enjoyed working with the elders of the Tribe and would go out of her way to help them in any way.
Fern had a kind and loving heart, always more than happy to help loved ones in their times of need. She was generous to many people and her door was always open, welcoming you with a warm smile and greeting. She had an infectious spirit of humor that always made you laugh and brightened your day. Her children were the lights of her life and she loved each and every one of them dearly and unconditionally.
She was raised in a traditional family and had respect for the Cheyenne culture and traditional ways. She strived to keep a positive outlook on life and connected with many family and friends, always with a friendly and joking demeanor. We’re going to miss her dearly, she was a beacon of light to all and her beautiful smile and contagious laughter will not be forgotten.
Fern was preceded in death by her grandparents: Fern Shoulderblade, Raymond Brady, Sr, Woodrow and Helen Standing Water. Sister Tana Renee Brady Teeth, Brother Russell Standing Water, Uncle Raymond Brady, Jr, Aunties Leona Step and Sharon Bird, Nephews William “Bill” and Benjamin Bahr.
Survived by her mother Annette Standing Water, father Denny Standing Water, Sr., brother Denny Standing Water, Jr., Children- Haden Standing Water, Tana Stump, Aubrey, Blake and Gemma Strange Owl. Aunties: Shirley & Esther Brady, Irene Flying, her favorite auntie/mom Serena (Wayne) Wetherelt, Ruby Standing Water. Uncles: Calvin Brady, Sr, Leland Standing Water, Nathan “Nick” Standing Water. Niece: Rainstorm Standing Water, Nephew: Dakota Bahr. Godparents: Eric (Brenda) Timber and Serena (Wayne) Wetherelt. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers too numerous to mention; you all know who you are, she loved each and every one of you.
Related families: Brady, Bearchum, Shoulderblade, Woodenlegs, Seminole, Bearcomesout, Blackwolf, Youngbear, Hardground, Standing Water and Whiteman families from Oklahoma and South Dakota relatives. Our apologies if we have omitted any family in our time of grief.
The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support during this difficult time.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Fern's Residence
Muddy Cluster, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday May 13, 2021
Fern's Residence
Muddy Cluster, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 13, 2021
Brady Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Fern's Residence
Muddy Cluster, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday May 13, 2021
Fern's Residence
Muddy Cluster, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 13, 2021
Brady Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Carrie Littlebird says
My Condolences n Prayers
Daisy says
Please accept my sincere heartfelt condolences.
Miss Daisy
Lynette Spang & Family says
RIP Fern so glad I had the oppurtunity to work with you at NCTHA and will cherish all the memories we had. We sure had fun that one year when we traveled to Florida for training. You will dearly be missed my friend continued prayers for your beautiful children, mother, and the rest of your family.
Linda says
You will be missed dearly, I’m gonna miss hearing ur voice and ur laugh but I send prayers to your family and my niece and nephew I know you told me this before that you were gonna be going home but I didn’t wanna believe it and now your in no more pain, no more worry just rest in piece sis, I love u always.
Michael S Speelman says
Prayers for all of the family.
Gonna miss you Fern “Gulley”.RIP 🙏 😢
Eugene Hart says
Eugene Hart
Prayers for the family.
Jobyna Stump and the family. says
Prayers to my granddaughter, Tana Stump, family. May Jesus hold you all in the palm of his hand. Condolences to all.
Virginia Pewo- Heimer says
I’m so so sorry for your loss, May Ma’heo bless each of you with strength, comfort, and peace at this time and days to come. My condolences and prayers.
Clayton &Lisa Pretty On Top-Mason says
Gonna miss ur smile and laugh. Stopping by to visit and joke around. Prayers for her children and family. ♥️
Sandra Hinshaw and Family says
Our condolences, prayers and ((hugs)) for Denny, Dana and all of Ferns family.
Sarah Orange says
Fern Helen, we are going to miss seeing your smile and your nurturing hugs..
Thank you for opening your home to us. Thankful for all times we played together as kids.. Love, Thoughts, Prayers for your parents and your children as I know you loved them dearly!
Forever in our Hearts……
From your Orange-Byrd Bunch from Oklahoma..
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF FERN STANDING WATER, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE 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.
L. BRIEN says
I didn’t know she passed. I have no words. I am heartbroken.
Eugene Blackbear says
Condolences from S. Cheyenne relatives, safe Journey home, Fern!! Cedar and Prayers, for family!!!
Sandra (Orange says
So sorry for your loss, may Maheo bring the families peace and comfort of your loved one.