Laura Lonebear, Mo’kemeona’e, was born April 12, 1949 in Lame Deer, MT to Anna Jean and Robert Lonebear. She grew to be a strong Cheyenne woman, always independent, bold, and caring. After a well lived life of purpose and connection, Maheo’ called her home on February 13, 2023.
She attended Lame Deer and St. Labre Schools. After her schooling, she lived with relatives in Oklahoma and Denver, CO. Laura went on to obtain her GED, and in 2014 also received her Associate of Arts Degree from Chief Dull Knife College. Laura was a big advocate for the education of Cheyenne people, and strongly encouraged everyone to finish high school and continue on to college.
The Creator took her down a very interesting path with her professional careers, where she served in diverse capacities to help her Cheyenne people, most importantly the children. She worked in several clerical positions, also as a Forestry Dispatcher, Forestry Camp Crew, Roller Operator for Roads, Council Woman, Medical Transportation Coordinator, Assistant Prosecutor, and her most recent employment was as a Social Worker. She was also a licensed Foster Parent and created special bonds with the children that she kept, to name a few: Donald Bishop, Jaden Seminole, Jeffery Whitewolf, Jessica and Joey Bahr, and Lyle Shaulis.
She called each one of her children and grandchildren by their Cheyenne name and did her best to share the language with them. She was a Super Grandma and shared all the love in her heart with all. She would travel near and far to support her grandchildren in their activities and to visit family. When you would call her, you would never know where she was on the other side of the phone. Laura was an experienced ice road trucker and nothing could stop her from being on the go in MT and elsewhere. There was never hesitation to give solid advice and stern words when the opportunity was presented. She was fierce and loved fiercely.
Survivors include her sons: Benjamin (Rae Dawn) Lonebear, Brian Sanders, and Rich Sanders; her grandchildren: Danny, Tristan (Jacey), Talon (Joree), Torey (Britney), Peter, Payton, Winter, Kierra, McKinley, Naomi, Crystal, Jenna, Moses, Joshua, Jacob, Sadie, Saibryn, and Apple; great grandchildren: Carsyn, Taryn, Trey, Topa, Addison, Dorothea, and Ruby. Uncle: Max Hiwalker; Sisters: Leah Lonebear, Erlyce Littlewhirlwind, Rose LaFranier, Linda Brady, Susie Cain, Georgia Burns. Brother: Myron (Cheryl) Littlebird.
In accordance to traditions she was a mother, grandmother, sister, and auntie to many. She was the second to last survivor of the Lonebear/Scalpcane family, and at the passing of her siblings stepped in to mother/grandmother all their children and grandchildren as is tradition. Her love as a mother and grandmother extended well beyond her immediate family and included the Deloris Littlewhirlwind family, Marie Sanchez family and others whom had adopted her or whom she had adopted in a traditional sense. Special thanks to all her family and friends that came to visit her as she prepared to make her journey home, and to those who served as “runners” throughout her travels. You are all very special to us.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; siblings: Gertrude and Joe Firecrow, Lydia and Louise Lonebear, LaForce and Juanita Lonebear, George Scalpcane; her son: Richard Lonebear; her grandson: Taryn Ryan Lonebear. There are far too many others that left this earth before her. Far too many to name, but she shared her love with all.
Extended families include Hiwalker, Bigman, Woodenlegs, Spang, Robinson, Magpie, Woodenthigh, Shoulderblade. Forgive us if we missed you, Laura’s was always proud of her large extended Cheyenne family.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday February 17, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer , Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday February 18, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday February 18, 2023
Lonebear Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday February 17, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer , Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday February 18, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday February 18, 2023
Lonebear Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Montana 59043
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pat riedel says
TO LAURA’s FAMILY
i am so sorry to hear of Laura’s passing. she was a great lady and friend. she will be missed
pat & george
Shoulderblade Family says
Condolences to the families of auntie Laura lonebear
Sharlene Evans says
From Sharlene, Teague and Jaydon: Sending our sincere condolences to Laura’s family
Rayford Gray says
From Mary Ann, Rayford, and Southern relatives:
Prayers and Condolences go out to our Northern Relatives, the Lonebear Family. Laura was Mary Ann’s good friend and sister. We have fond memories of Laura and rest of Family. Rest in Peace Laura!
Sheri & Jim Bement says
Sending our prayers and condolences. I’m going to miss seeing you and talking to you on the dialysis ride my friend. Journey safe.
Michele Eaglefeathers says
My condolences and prayers are with Laura’s family
Ruth Costilla & family says
My heart is filled with sadness, my Auntie Laura is gone..she treated me n Joe with kindness when we moved here in 1989. Prayers for the family, no more pain…
Dyron Phylliss ShoulderBlade & girls says
Laura,
Condolences and Prayers to your family and especially your grand children.. thankbyou for all you have done for our people and for being an awesome person to visit and laugh with.. your surely missed
Dyron Phylliss ShoulderBlade & girls says
Laura,
Condolences and Prayers to your family and especially your grand children.. thank you for all you have done for our people and for being an awesome person to visit and laugh with.. you will be missed
Lorraine Waters says
I am so sad my friend left us. I will miss her. Sending my condolences to her family.
Roger&Amanda Dillard says
Laura,
Condolences and prayers to your family and grandkids. We sure had some good times going to school, at Labre. alot of laughs and just being friends, Have a beautiful journey home with love and hugs. Your friend Amanda Two
Two Dillard.
Laquita "Keets" Lonebear says
So sad to hear of Laura’s passing. My big sister will be missed. Last time we spoke we laughed and talked catching up. I remember when she came to Oklahoma and stayed with our family many years ago. She will be missed… RIP Laura😢🙏♥️
Llia Yuhas says
I met Laura one time in Lame Deer but spoke to her quite a bit over the phone and in email. She was always in a good mood and always told me something that she had done with her grandkids. She was always thankful, always a kind word, and just an all around wonderful person! She cared so much for the children and families that she worked with. I will truly miss her calls and stories.
Rs says
Damn saddens me another great lady leaves northern cheyenne .to be in heaven forever running with the buffall in piece,in joy …me as a Lakota My prayers and thoughts are with the family… NEVER GIVE UP ,SHES IN HEAVEN WATCHING OVER U ALL FROM HEAVEN!!! NEXT THUNDER STORM ITS NOT THUNDER ITS HER RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALO…IN FOREVER SPACE NO PAIN NO SORROWS …JUST RUNNING WITH THE GREAT TANAKA running free
Shirl Robinson says
Condolences and prayers for family and relatives. She was always a neat and kind lady who loved to laugh. Her smile was always contagious. God bless her family! ❤️
Candace ElkShoulder says
I’m gone miss you so much auntie/mom…you were always there when I needed you. Thank you. I know imma see you again. Keep watching over me please. Nemehotatse! Nestaevahosevoomatse!!!
Patricia Houseman says
Sorry to hear about Laura. Prayers for family and friends. I have known Laura for years. She was a wonderful person. from Patsy Brey
Mary Lou Bahr says
Leah, my condolences to you and your family.
Linda Morrison says
My prayers to you all and my Condolences to her Son’s, who I know are going to miss her immensely. I’m going to miss you and will cherish all the good memories of you. You are in a better place but, will never be forgotten.
Mr. and Mrs. Jat Micheal Red Woman says
My wife and I offer comfort for the sad tears for now, but when we get to see our auntie again, there will be happy tears. The Red Womans
Lori Clubfoote says
I will miss you auntie
Diana McLean says
Condolences to all who loved Laura. She was my childhood playmate and my friend since then. We were close up until our high school days, then we drifted a part. We became close again when we worked together at the tribal office. Her laugh was contagious. I never saw her unhappy. She was always so independent in her life, just like me. Guess that was the era we were raised in. I am so sorry I could not spend more time with her these past years. She always said, she would come up to the house and have lunch or coffee with me. But that never got to happen. I am going to miss our long talks on the phone. No more pain and trips to dialysis, you are now one of our Heavenly Angels. Give my mom a big hug.
Tami Paul says
So sorry for the loss of Laura she was a great friend and will be truly missed
Gordon Hiwalker says
Prayers and Condolences to Auntie Laura and Family. From Gordon Hiwalker and Family. Love You Auntie.
Travis Blackbird says
My condolences and prayers to the family of Laura Lonebear. A very distinct voice that could be heard and one would know that it was her even in a crowded room. After many years I can still here her voice and her laugh. Her generous heart will be missed by many.
Bjornstad Family says
Our condolences to your entire family. We were so sorry to hear of her passing. Our love to all of you as you celebrate her life.
Randy & Terri Anderson says
Our prayers and condolences to Laura’s family and friends. She was a truly remarkable and caring woman, who touched so many lives. Rest in peace Laura.
TW says
Laura was my foster child’s social worker for the last several years, and still was at the time of her passing. I am so grateful for her. She truly advocated for children no matter what the situation was. She did not care about race or religion, she cared about what was best for the children. Her laugh was infectious and I loved it! We were blessed to have Laura in our life. To Laura’s family: My condolences are with you. You have a special angel watching over you now. Thank you for sharing her with us and the world! RIP Laura!
Mattie says
Wuh..love ya ….thank you for all you did for me n I’m going to miss ya…til we meet again….
Christine Valentine says
am so sad to hear of Laura’s passing. She was a strong person and cared about her family and the Cheyenne people.