George Patrick Bement, 73, of Ashland, Montana, passed away peacefully in his home on February 25, 2024.
George Patrick Bement was born on October 19, 1950 to Jesse and Eldora Bement in Crow Agency, Montana. George met the love of his life, Georgia Lee Hoffman in 1966 at the St. Labre football field. After graduating from St. Labre Indian Catholic School in 1969, George and Georgia were married in 1969 by Rosebud County Justice of Peace, Faye Christopherson, in Ashland, Montana. George and Georgia went on to have three daughters Kimberli Sue, Joni Jo, and Pattee Jene.
George’s work career is very extensive and across many different fields expanding over four decades including the BIA Roads Department, BIA Law Enforcement Police Officer, Follow Through Director at Lame Deer Public Schools, Montana Power Company, and St. Labre Print Shop where he retired at the age of 65. George never missed a day of work. He encouraged hard work, and set an example for his family regardless of challenges or obstacles.
George was a proven leader in his community, where his longevity on organizational leadership boards span across three decades. George served on the Endowment Board, Range Telephone Board of Directors, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, Steve Zimmerman Memorial Board, Lame Public School Board, and Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Board.
In a few words, George was an exceptional athlete, and his determination and physical ability drove all of his pursuits. His passion was basketball, where he was a member of the 1967 Montana High School Basketball State Championship team for St. Labre Indian Catholic School. George is still one of the few high school students to be a successful Pole Vaulter, which is considered to be one of the most technically difficult sports in the world. George was inducted in the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. As a member of the Morning Star Independent Basketball team his two brothers and friends, they were well known champions throughout the northwest. George was an avid golfer who always won the money. George played softball for many years. For the early part of his adulthood, you could find George at the local rodeo where he rode Saddle Broncs and Bulls. George was also a member of the Montana Officials Association for many years where he officiated interscholastic basketball, football, and volleyball.
George loved the great outdoors. He was a hunter, you could find him
chasing coyotes on his snowmobile, tracking beavers in his canoe with
his daughters, taking a trophy elk from the crows, and catching and breaking wild horses on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
George was an artist, he carved pipestone, elk, dear, and moose antlers. And in a word, George was curious and his inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all these pursuits, including putting his skills to work as a mechanic, and carpenter always working to maintaining, building, and restoring whatever his next project was. Whatever he did he was all in!
Of all these great accomplishments, George was the best husband, father, and grandpa to his loving family. George had an immense passion for his family and his nineteen grandkids. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them – and if you knew him, you knew it. George carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love until his last day. He will be missed dearly.
Preceded in Death by parents Jesse and Eldora, 2 sisters, granddaughter Jordynn Rayne, grandson Keyshawn Jesse, nephew Clayton Small, Jr.
Survived by wife Georgia, daughters: Kim (Jack) Knobloch, Joni Jo Bement Spotted Wolf, Pattee (Frank), NoRunner, Joanne (Shawn) Nedens, Aryn (Ryan) Bement-Kaline Ronnette Glenmore. Grandchildren: Kevin (Rhonda) Mason, Shilo (Nick) Atkins, Lane (Alex) KnowsHisGun, CJ Cryar, Kylee Knobloch, Kyle Nedens, Maleeya KnowsHisGun, Nicole Nedens, Jacob Knobloch, Dalton Nedens, Jaren KnowsHisGun, Patrick NoRunner, Annie, Conner, Colton, Dalton, McCade, Shayla, Maggie, Randilynn, Michael NoRunner, and Sione StrangeOwl. Brothers: Robert L Bement, James Bement, Sr. (Annie), Bobby Burns and the late Mickey Burns and Sister Darlene Bement-Small, (the late Jerry Small). Aunts: Aladine Spottedwolf-Spang, Lazonna Harris, Susie Wilsey. Brother-in-law: Jim Hoffman. Sister-in-law Marla Hoffman, special son in law Jack Knobloch Jr. Blood brother John Klein. Special nephews Lil’ Jim Bement and Skeeter Conner and Special friends-too many to list.
Extended families: Spotted Wolfs, Burns, Spangs, Coopers, Real Birds, Whites, Fitzpatricks, Hoffmans, Seminoles, Harris, Kinzels, Flyings, Hurffs, Webers Edwards, Otts, Glenmores, Fishers, Rowlands, Robinsons, Dahles, Beartusks, Mcleans, Eaglefeathers.
Special Thanks to Dr. Portafield, Intermountain Health St. Vincents Cancer Center Nurses and doctors, Northern Cheyenne Service Unit-Lame Deer, MT staff. BIA Officers: K. Brady and M. Deela. Lil’ Jim and Leric Eaton. Kim Studiner-PA. JC and Annie Bement.
Service Schedule
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Joe Larimore says
So sorry to here about the loss of George. Knew George when I delivered laundry to Saint Labre printing shop.Great guy.
Marilyn Mader says
Georgia, Kim, Joni Jo, Patti and families,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for all of you to draw closer to the Lord and find comfort and peace from him.
Gail M Ivester says
My condolences to your family. So sorry to hear about George. I always enjoyed him. Had several laughs with him and what a teaser he was. Had a heart of gold . Prayers to all. Will be greatly missed.
Tracy and Todd Heberle says
So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to the Bement Family.
Christina Thompson says
Thinking of all of you!
Robert McLean says
George and made a ton of memories together. I will miss him greatly. He was a true and loyal friend of mine and my family.
Beverly Shelley says
So sorry for your loss sending hugs and prayers to the Bement Family🙏🏼❤️
kitte Coffin says
Georgia, Kim, Joni Jo & Pattee: I was so sorry to hear of George’s passing. May GOD comfort you and all those who were close to George in Jesus’ name.
Lucy Stilson says
So sorry to hear of George passing.
McMakin Family says
Sending our prayers and condolences to the family. May god hold you all very close in this most difficult time. Oly & Teresa McMakin Family
Clementine Seminole seminole,sr. says
Sending condolences, I enjoyed working with George when we was working on the birney Road ,The forever road,lol.always enjoyed his stories when he was on his down time on his machine.you will be missed by all.all of us on the BIA construction road we’re family til the end.
Heather Desatoff says
I’m so sorry for all of your loss! Prayers and hugs!
Mom (Connie) said to tell you she is so sorry for your loss also!
Bon Archambeau says
So sorry for your loss I’m sure he’s smiling down on each and everyone of you all George was a good man my prayers are with your whole family
Jason Standing Elk says
Prayers and condolences to family.
Kimberly Spang says
Georgia, Joni, Kim and Pattee…I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I’ve known George my whole life, he was my dads very good friend.Rest in Peace George and we will all see you again one day..Prayers and hugs to you all.
Keith Beartusk says
To Georgia and family, so sorry for your loss. I have so many good memories of George and the whole Bement family. George was a true and loyal friend and a solid family man who will be missed greatly by all. To the family, hold tight to one another during this difficult time. RIP George
Beverly Limpy says
Sending condolences to the family. Hugs to Kim, Joni Jo,and Patty. Special hugs to Georgia. I’ve known all of you throughout my school years. I was always grateful for the love and kindness given to my daughter Sancha. George was a great man, a very loving father and husband. He was very proud of his family. May he have a good journey. May Maheo always watch over your family.
Woody Brien says
St. John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Praying for the family. May God give you grace and peace.
michael a cooper says
cousin and friend. swam in the tongue river as kids, and played basketball and rode horses. blood brothers…
Arnie & Debby Bends says
We send our condolences to the Bement family. We didn’t see Georgie often but it was always an enjoyable visit when we did. He will be remembered as a tough competitor, loving father, grandfather, and husband. RIP Georgie.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
James A. says
I never met George, His brother-in-law law Lewis Hoffman was my brother-in-law and he spoke highly of George. Lewis said he was a very respected man in his town and loved by many. Lewis told me about some of George’s hunting adventures, from chasing coyotes with his snowmobile to his bear hunt. With them wonderful words and stories a man felt as of he had met him. My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Jim- Miles City Mt
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
So sorry for your loss, George was a great guy who I enjoyed visiting with when our paths crossed. He was one of the very best councilmen I ever worked for, best and fearless. He was honest and direct and this I appreciated very very much. So sorry for your loss, sending our condolences.
Patricia Houseman says
So sorry Georgia for the loss of George. My prayers for all the family.
Patsy Brey
Bill& Denice Hedges says
So sorry to hear of George passing. God grant you peace as you go through the difficult days ahead.
Bob parker says
my prayes are with you. remebering the good ole days playing golf with George. rest in peace my friend
Ron and Kathy Hirst says
Sending our condolences to you, Georgia and your family. George was a great man and will be missed. I remember him when he was Jesse’s coach in Middle School. He did such an awesome job. My prayers are with you.
Nellie Speelman says
Prayers and hugs to all of the family.
Kathy Nance Dietz says
I’m lifting all of you up in prayer and sending my condolences.
Theda Foote says
Sending my dearest condolences to you and yours, my friend Georgia, love and hugs to you
Carey Ziler says
My heartfelt condolences to you Georgia and family. George was a great fellow. May God bless you in the coming days. RIP George
Tanya Camacho says
Georgia, Pattee, Joni, and Kim
Our most deepest condolences. George was always good to us both. Always had a good joke to share. God Bless and comfort you all!!
Renee (McLean-Jensen) says
Uncle Goergie was always there especially in my younger years when things didn’t go as they should. I’ve always known I could count on him no matter what. I have so many great memories with him & the family, especially the “Crazy Heads Pinics”! Condolences to you Aunt Georgia, Kim, Joni & Pitter. Let me know if we can help in anyway. Love you guys!
Edna Morey says
Georgia. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Stay strong and know he is with God now. Charlie worked with George for many years.
Shirley A Skinner says
Georgia, my heart breaks for you at the news of George’s passing. Sending you condolences, prayers and lots of love.
Tracy Bertrand says
RIP George, a great man that will be missed!
Rosemarie Nickel says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Stay strong for each other. Love Mimi
Sylvester Knows His Gun says
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was not a friend in word only, but he was a friend in deed. He served as a Board member at Northern Cheyenne Housing when I worked there in the early 90’s, and I’ve told people I considered him to be the best Board member I ever worked with on both the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Reservations. His business minded focus, integrity, and backbone of steel earned my respect, and I appreciated him greatly, even years after we both no longer worked at Housing. Praying for the Lord Jesus’ help for George’s loved ones during this time.
Alberta Nightwalker and family. says
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY. PRAYERS.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
I am so very sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was a mountain of a man who was so highly respected by all who knew him! He drew the best out of life, and with Georgia, raised an amazing family. May God carry you until somehow you can stand on your own again. Prayer and hugs for all of you.
Cheryl M Klemp says
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the whole family while growing up in Ashland.
Georgia and family my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
George will surely be missed.
Lari says
I sure was grateful to be apart of bement family as they took me in when Kim knobloch was head coach & playing with pattee bement..my heart goes out to his wife, girls, along with grandkids..George & Georgia thank u for taking me in & opening your door..prayers, strength, & love for the bement family always ❤️
Rob Stephens says
I was sorry to hear of George’s passing. I worked with him when he was a valuable member of the Board of Directors of Range Telephone Cooperative. I always valued his input and when he had an idea it was usually a very good one. He was well respected for sure. My thought and prayers are with his family and friends.
Debbie (Bixby) Young says
I send my prayers and condolences to Georgia and the girls. I always knew George as “Cotton “ when we were young. To a great person, cousin, you will be missed.
Teresa Geib Klein Bacon says
Georgia and Family, i am so sorry to hear of Georges passing. I remember him very well in HS, when i worked at the MIssion and lived in Ashland. My Condolences and Prayers to you all. What a beautiful Tribute written
Marty Wilbur Stover says
Georgia, Girls and Families,
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all at this time of sadness. I know George will be greatly missed by many.
pat riedel says
Georgia & family
sorry to hear that you lost your George. i’m sure that my George is talking sports with yours. he was a good man and will be missed.
thinking of you,
George Birtic says
So sorry for the entire family. A very good Cheyenne family, he raised a good family, all good people.
Am so sorry for the loss.
Carol Hanrahan says
Georgia and family, I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through the difficult days ahead.🙏🙏
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Janet M Lassen says
Condolences and prayers sent to all of you for your great loss at this time. What a beautiful video and tribute to your Dad, Grandpa, and Husband. Sorry for your loss.
Bob Cook says
Georgia and family, So sad to learn of Georges’ passing. The word that to me best describes George is “competitive. ” He and his brothers were great athletes and people. Having experienced playing against the 67 championship basketball team, I can attest, that the Bements were that good. You will be missed George, and may you RIP.