Inez Foote, Ma’aKeeNa’e (Eagle Plume Woman), 74, of Ashland, MT, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 20, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. She was born on July 30, 1944, to Albert Matthew James Foote, Sr., and Margaret Josephine Yellownose. She was raised on the Northern Cheyenne reservation and spent most of her life there. She did venture out into the big world a few times to different places, such as Billings, MT, Denver, CO, and Rapid City, SD, but she always returned to her home. She was raised in the traditional Cheyenne way and was fluent in her native language and very knowledgeable about the history and traditions of her people. She often acted as a consultant for the younger generations.
Inez attended grade school and high school at St. Labre Indian School and received an honorary degree from Dull Knife Memorial College in Lame Deer. In 1965, she married George C. Wilson and together they had five children. She worked in various fields during her life, such as cook for the local Head Start and subbed for both the Head Start and St. Labre, but her main job, and one she excelled at, was taking care of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone who needed to be taken care of.
Inez was one of the most wonderful people Ma’heo has ever created. She lived her life with the attitude that there were no strangers, they were just friends she hadn’t met yet. Her home was the gathering place for the local community. Having coffee with Inez, who was affectionately called the Mayor of Rabbittown, was an ongoing event. You could stop by any time and she always had a pot of coffee ready, and usually something to eat with it as well.
She was preceded in death by her parents, most of her siblings, her grandson, Ozzy Wilson, and her good friend, Rita Shoulderblade. She is survived by her sisters, Nellie Speelman and Amy Foote of Ashland; her sons, Eldon (Robin) Foote of East Glacier, MT, and Troy (Teresa) Wilson of Ashland; her daughters Georgia Wilson, Helen Wilson (James Swank), Annie Wilson, and Marie (David) Powell all of Ashland; her grandchildren Jessi, Ethan, Desiree, Deana, Jesse, Snidly, Mason, Burdette, Burdick Jr., Darlynn, Joshua, Chad, Falicia, Skylar, Josaphine, Talera, TroyDee, Emily, Jacob, Leo, Angel, Dusty, and Eldon; great-grandchildren Issiah, Jayce, Max, Shylei, Kayden, Kaylie, Wyatt, and Bady; adopted son, Alan Little Coyote; adopted sisters, Patty Walksalong and Wilma Shoulderblade; her little “Charlies” Lori Jo, CeCe, and Lynn Brady; good friends, Henrietta Bear, Barbara Bement, and Grace Little Crow; her Indian namesakes, Laura Arthur and Marti Fisher; her great-grandson, Hayden, who she raised as her own; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many friends. We apologize to anyone whose name we did not include.
We will love you, Inez, and will miss you forever!
Georgia Wilson says
I love you momma me and Josh are going to miss you something terrible and you looked so beautiful my heart’s broke but I have to let you go till I see you again LOVE YOU SO MUCH Momma
Diane White and Family says
We send our deepest condolences to Inez Foote’s family and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Inez was a strong woman and no matter who you were she always had a good word for you. She will be missed by many in our Ashland community and my heart especially goes out to her daughters you will be in my prayers I know ur loss is great. Inez RIP journey well your sorrows are no more.
Cheyenne Foote says
Auntie Inez was the craziest and loving woman I know. She would always tell you how it is and let you know what you needed to hear. I could always count on her to chew me out, give me love and make me laugh all in one conversation. One thing I always remember she told me was, “ you are smart, don’t let anyone make you stupid.” I will always hear her telling me this throughout my life. I love you always and forever Auntie
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
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.
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Our hearts and prayers are with the Wilson/Foote families in the loss of Mama Inez! She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and all who have heard of her! She was a very special and crazy lady who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is! May she have a safe journey to the other side and may she rest in peace! She will always be watching over all her kids and grandkids until you all meet again! We love you Inez!
Roberta Bement says
Rabbit Town will never be the same without Gramma Nezi….💔☹️😫
#rabbittownog
Carrie Littlebird Small says
My prayers thoughts n sincere Condolences to my Dear Friends in the loss of their beloved Mother. REST IN PARADISE INEZ. 💜
Ann Knowshisgun says
Prayers & Deepest Condolences to Inez family
Weston Little Whiteman says
You will be Greatly missed but never forgotten Inez! Wanted to say thank you for everything u did for me and troyd and especially Hayden! Luv u Grandma!
Edith Nightwalker says
Georgia and family, so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. Your Mom was kind and caring for all.
I remember one Sun Dance when she kept me laughing quietly at the camp, she made my day brighter. Sincerely, Edie Nightwalker and Real Bird/Big Back Girls.
Burdick Seminole Sr. says
My friend and Grandma of my children whom are a blessing to me I’m glad that we had a lot of laughs smoked a lot of bud and other things you left a lot of good memories among our hearts sorry I cry no tears for you because you will always bring a smile to me when I think of you thank you for everything good and bad
Donna says
Gosh so many memories! Lets leave it at thanks for being their for all your grandkids! you is the best grandmother greatgrandmother ever!
R Whiteshield says
Aunty Inez, what can i say, all i can do is smile when i think of all the things i remember of you…lol from stories to the names you came up with for people…lol and you my crazy uncle ike…had the best times and laughs with you all….digging for turnips…swimming in the river with all the kids…rabbittown will miss you aunty…rest in peace. Troy, Georgia, Helen, Annie & marie and extended family she had…im so sorry for your loss of an amazing funny woman. Hugs to you and your family.
Andrita Harris says
Foote/Wilson Family
Sending you our condolences and prayers to all of you. Inez will be missed. My deepest condolences, to Eldon, Maria, Annie, Georgia, troy.
Harris Family
Muddy Creek,Montana
Lil C says
Auntie Inez brought smiles too so many people lives. In times like this her help and kindness will never be forgotten her loved ones and grandkids will carry on what she taught them. I Know what you’re all going through be strong and let the creator humble your loss bcuz he gained one hell of a women RIP INEZ
Patsy Brey Houseman says
Georgia amd Wilson/Foote family, so sorry for the loss of Inez. She is in our prayers.
Patsy, Misty, Donnie and Ezra
LaDonna eagle says
So sorry for your lost , she was one of a kind !!!! I’ll always remember her sweet loving joking personality,. Troy I’ll always remember what you said when we were delivering Xmas box’s..so sorry, I’m glad I got to give her a kiss and hug…
cece says
I will miss you my Big Charlie, rest in peace
CeCe
Samantha Killsnight & Family says
Our Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Dottie Johnstone says
So sorry to hear this, one nice lady that I got know. She was my body guard. I ran the Club Buffet, she made Me laugh all the time. Love that lady.
Jacob says
I love you Grandma you were the one who inspired me to go back Ashland, and I been through the Underworld and the Badlands, you we’re one of the main ones day and night, that I got through this game called Life, rip Grandma I hold you tight in my heart, like always including from the start 😭😭