On the 17th of November Heaven accepted a master quilter into the ultimate quilt shop.
(Sis) Frances Elliott stitched her last stich on a beautiful early November morning following a short hard fought battle with health problems.
Sis was born in Lame Deer, Mt on November 13, 1935 to Floyd and Fern Orelup, joining her older sister Barbara and Lyle (Buddy). She grew up and attended grade school in Lame Deer, MT. She attended and graduated from Colstrip High School.
Shortly after graduation on a bright sunny Lame Deer afternoon, she watched the love of her life walking down the dusty street and proudly stated, “I’m going to marry that guy someday.” That guy was Ervin (Doc) Elliott who at the time was on his way to Korea to serve his country. He returned to Lame Deer in 1952 and a short couple years later in 1954 Doc and Sis were married.
They started their life together in a small trailer house (much smaller than most of today’s RV trailers). They made their home in Busby for a short time before moving to Muddy Creek where they started their ranching operation.
In 1959 they welcomed their son Bart into the family.
Sis worked a job in town as well as helping on the ranch.
She worked at St Labre in the mail room until the start of the Indian Action Program where she felt she was needed more. She spent many years at IAP which later became Chief Dull Knife College where she retired.
Sis was an exceptional quilter and has blessed many people with her gifts of beauty and spent hours in the quilt shop. If she wasn’t there she was supporting her two special grandkids, Randy and Samantha in any endeavor they were involved in.
Sis is survived by her husband Doc of 63 years, her son Bart (Tammy), grandchildren Randy (Kasey) and Sam. Great grandchildren, Delany, Ervin, Jace and Becca.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to a charity of your choice in Sis’s name.
Vance Trube says
Sorry to read that Sissy has passed away. She was part of some very fond memories.
Doug Parker and Family says
Doc, Bart and the rest of the family,
My prayers have been with you my entire life and more so today.
Kim knobloch says
Doc, Bart and Randy,
Sure hated to hear this she was a great person and my amazing godmother to me. We are sending you all lots of prayers as you face the next few days. Love ya guys!
Clyde Joel Brady III says
Doc, Bart and Randy,
I always enjoyed coming up to visit with Doc and Sis over the last couple of years. I also enjoyed the visits in my office here when I helped Doc. I’ll miss her smile and her cookies! My family is praying for you. Our condolences from the Busby Brady’s.
Vangie Solis says
I am so Heartbroken with the news of Sis passing over to the Other Camp. I Loved Her Hugs every time I went home. The stops at the Flower Grinder and getting them big hugs and smiles. Hugs and Prayers to You Bart, Doc and her Grandchildren. I Love Sis Very Much. Until We meet again my Dear Friend. My Granddaughter will cherish the Star Quilt that she had made. Rest Now Gentle Soul.
Cheryl Klemp says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Sis.I knew her and her family when I worked at the IGA in Lame Deer. Also know her from quilting my sisters quilts. Prayers are with the family. May she rest in peace. God bless the whole family. She surely be missed.
Kelly Stevenson-Sargent & Family says
Bart and family. I’m sorry for your loss. May God place hi arms around your family.
Andrita Harris says
Doc, Bart, Randy and Sami
Sorry to hear of aunt Sis passing. Our condolences to your family. It’s painful. Prayers to you all.
Andrita, Dorothy, Dylan, Yegan, Billy and Late Lee Harris
Barbara Bement says
Doc,Bart,Tammy,Randy,Sami
So sorry ..Sis was a very special lady..prayers and hugs to the family
Harlan,Barbara,Tivia,Taylyn,
Deb McClaren says
Doc, Bart &Famy, I’m so sorry to hear about Sis. I sure enjoyed quilting with her. She will be missed. Prayers to all.
Lori Killsontop says
I will miss this lady tremendously, she was a good friend to our family and I had the pleasure to have gotten to know her. Sis I’m gonna miss our talks. May you rest in peace my friend.
Brooke Gondara says
I’m deeply saddened to hear of dear Sis passing. What a legacy of a strong woman. I worked with her at CDKC and we were soulmates in our love of our Rez dogs and work with the Critter Comittee. You’ll be missed dear lady. Rest in love.
Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Deepest Condolences, Sis was an awesome lady
Karl Hossner says
So sorry to hear of her passing. Loved her dry sense of humor when I used to go to the bookstore for supplies at Lame Deer School.
Dennis and Bonnie BearDon'tWalk says
A Beautiful written obituary for a Beautiful Woman. Thanks for everything Sis!! Prayers to her family, for comfort and Strength as you grieve for your loss…
Pam Kania says
Please accept my condolences on your loss of Sis. In the years of my living Lame Deer, I loved visiting with Sis and Doc. Thanks Sis for all you have done! I will forever be grateful.
Pam Kania
Bonnie W. Bigback says
Sis’s passing leaves a very wide, gaping hole in all of our hearts. Her work as a quilter, a great resource person at CDKC, a friend and that wry sense of humor of hers made our world just a bit nicer to be in. We all wish you and yours in your family our deepest condolences and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cindy Stanton says
Bart & family,
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your mother. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Irene Nelson says
So sorry to hear of Sis’s passing. I got to know her when Randy was a student and I was one of his teachers. She loved her family deeply but also gave a part of herself to so many. I used her as a resource during American Indian Week and she would come and share her beautiful quilts. She was so good with the students and I know she got many a student excited about seeing and star quilts. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
irvin farr says
Condolences to sis”s entire family and friend base. Got to have a last talk with her about 3 wks ago, while she was on her 4×4 and with her mini pack of dogs.
Kathleen Beartusk says
I love this woman. Prayers for family.
Denise Roth (Mercurio) says
The Elliot Family,
My heart felt condolences for you. She was a beautiful lady that enjoyed life and loved what she did.
May your cherished memories of her carry you through this difficult time.
She will forever be in my heart.
Denise Merucurio (Roth)
Donaleen Rogers says
Dear Doc, Bart, Randy,and Sami,
We are so sorry to hear of Sis’s passing. She loved you with all her heart. I loved seeing her at Dull Knife, she always had a kind word Nd a good story to share. May your memories sustain you in these coming days.
Peace and blessings,
Jim and Donaleen Rogers
Daniel & Lillian Big Man says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Bart Bailey says
Bart I have had a flood of memories going up muddy in you ford and on snowmobiles. You are your family were a big part of my youth. So sorry to hear about Sis. My daughter Kinzie has a quilt that sis made from when she was in Colstrip. Prayers to you, Randy, Sami and Doc!
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Prayers for all the family, cherish the memories!
Neil Diane and Araya Beartusk says
My deepest condolences to her family. She was a very kind soul and I will always cherish the baby quilt she made for Araya. Peace and prayers to you all in the days ahead.
Michele Eaglefeathers says
My condolences and prayers are with the family. R.I.P. Sis
Bertie Brown says
Doc, Bart, Randy & Sam
I extend my sincerest condolences at the loss of Sis. I was one of her Work Study students at the college. I will miss her extensively, she had a generous nature and big heart. I am fortunate to have known her. I will never forget her. Heaven truly has another Angel quilting away already. Prayers to the whole family during their time of sorrow.
Love you all,
From, as Sis would call me
“Bert”
Rynalea Whiteman Pena says
Sis was a strong women who stood up for what she believed! She lived life to the fullest. My condolences go out to the family & I ask God to send comfort & peace during this time.
Much love from Rennie & family
Niki says
Doc, Bart, Randy and Sami,
I am so Sorry to hear of Aunt Sis passing. Our Sincere Condolences,to the Family. You are all in Our Thoughts and Prayers in this Most difficult time.
Niki and Jared Stewart
Samantha Killsnight & Family says
Our thoughts and Prayers to the family
Dee Macdonald says
So sorry for your loss.Prayers for the Elliot family.?
Gaynell Realbird says
My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family Doc, Randy, & Bart.
Teri and Dennis Dahle says
Sorry to hear… prayers for the family..Sis took me under wing when I got my first job at Dull Knife…rest easy..
Gail Kinzel Johnson says
Sorry to hear about Sis. Comfort & prayers sent to the Elliot family. I have a beautiful quilt she made. When I look at it I will think of Sis.
Melissa Whitewolf - Royston says
My deepest condolences to the Elliott family. Sis was one of a kind! RIP SIS.
Fr. Paschal Siler says
Doc and Bart,
My condolences and prayers go out to you. I enjoyed visits with you and Sis Doc at your home . Peace and Goodness to you and family.
Fr.Paschal
Carrie Braine says
Doc, Bart, Randy and Sam,
My prayers are with each of you during this emotional and trying time. Sis is a part of so many memories since childhood. So happy I got to stop in and visit recently. She will be greatly missed! Travel well dear friend…. until the next camp
Ruth Costilla & Family says
Sis was a very talented woman and she will be greatly missed. Prayers for her family, may God bless you all in this very trying time of your lives.
RIP Sis
Laveta Old Bear says
Prayers and Hugs to the Elliott Family
such a heartfelt loss to hear of SIs passing – May God sent his comforting angels to comfort your hearts
May Sis fly high with the angels and we shall meet again some day in paradise
Carole and Larry Kreiger says
Sad to hear of Sis passing. I am honored to have one of her beautiful quilts. We Farrs grew up next to each other along side the highway in Lame Deer. She was a special gal.
Jeremiah Woodenlegs SR. says
My condolences to the family, RIP SIS, nice to know such a great powerful loving lady. started Attending CDKC IN the 90s, the first semester I remember her telling her grandkids I was one of her many adopted Children, good guidance, motivated mentoring an support, played a big part in my Education. inspired.
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Sorry for your loss.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
BART and family,
So sorry for the loss of your Mom and sincere sympathy to all of you.
Mike and Patsy Davis
Candace ElkShoulder says
Doc, Bart, Randy & Sam,
My sincerest condolences & prayers to you. Sis will be sorely missed. She was an exceptional lady & no matter where I would see her, she would always take the time to give me a hug and chat with me. I’ve known her since I was a teenager and Mom ran the Dull Knife Cafe. Heaven gained the best quilting Angel. Hugs…
ROBERT J. LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF SIS ELLIOT, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS TIME OF MOST SAD AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A LOVED ONE
Debra (Bixby) & Rand Young says
Aunt Sissy, I hurts to have to say goodbye to you. I would rather say I will see you later. I thought and loved you and Uncle Doc as my parents. I stayed with you so much growing up and I will always be grateful for the time you took to raise me. I will miss you. Thank you for always being there for me when things got rough. You helped me threw the deaths of mom, Ken and David and I will never forget how much you and Uncle Doc where there for me. Rest in peace my dearest Aunt and I will see you again.