Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Auntie went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2017. Leola Lee Whiteman was born on August 29, 1945 in Lame Deer, MT, to the late John and Regina (Spang) Whiteman. She spent a lot of her childhood with her Grandma Emma (Lightning) Whiteman. She grew up behind the Mennonite Church in Lame Deer, spending a lot of her time attending church with her mother. Leola was a born again believer and loved serving the Lord. Leola attended St. Labre Elementary, Freeman High School, and graduated from Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma in 1963. When she returned home she attended Dull Knife Memorial College where she received her AA degree in Education. She started employment with the Lame Deer School for about 5 years, then held various jobs with the N.C. Tribe as a secretary and CHR worker until late 1997. Due to health reasons, and being diagnosed as a Diabetic, she was placed on dialysis. Leola was on dialysis for 19 years, then recently chose not to go to dialysis anymore, she stated “She was tired now.” She fought till the end because of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Leola loved teaching her children, grandchildren, and anyone who would listen about the bible and the Lord. Leola’s hobbies were going to church, revivals, and helping people out. Leola and her daughter Joni loved to drive around and sing gospel songs. She tried to teach Joni to sing Cheyenne Hymns. She loved taking milk shakes to and spending time with her friend Lavern (Vicki W.) “Lavern & Shirley will be reunited again to enjoy eternal life.” She was preceded in death by her parents; son Mervin; paternal grandparents Frank & Emma Whiteman; sister Lerena Rowland; brothers: Realand & John Jr. Whiteman, and Windy Shoulderblade; nephews: Jace Whiteman, Larold Sr. & Jr. Littlebird, Leo Not Afraid, Romeo Rowland, and Larrol James; niece Merika Willard; adopted dad Rev, Harry Turner; adopted sisters Vicki Wounded and Delores Littlewhirlwind.
Her survivors include: Carmie (Scott) Williams, Kim and Joni Whiteman, Tami (James) Goldsmith, and Andrew Christensen; adopted sons: Lonnie Littlebird, Galen Gondara-Whiteman, and Dwight Harding; grandchildren: Micaiah, Isaiah, Ronald Jr., Krista, John, Rusty, Sophi, Cleve, JoAnna, Francis, Davin, Jacelynn, Aron, Jalen, Michael, Shawnae, Shaciah, Lauryn, Cody, Ava’Lee, Elcha, and Myron Joel (MJ); great grankids: Kalen, Kalia, Shakina, Rony, Exdious, Jonathan, Naomi, Baby John, Genie, Kayla, Karaya, Sharayla, Akoda, DeMarco, Omerion, Kyson, Miley, Aurora, Titen, Roanon, Zeke, and Donte’; siblings: Lloyd, Jason (Carolyn), Charlotte, RoGene, and Ardena Whiteman; adopted sisters: Patsey Tallbull, Josephine Firecrow, Clara Harris, and Erlyss Littlewhirlwind; adopted brother Beaver Tallbull; a very special brother-in-law Teddy Rowland; her name sake Loylene Little Bird; one special niece who took really good care of her, Elcha Adams; numerous nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, but she loved them all. She comes from a large family that include: Whiteman, Spang, Harris, Fisher, Robinson, Foote, Killsnight, Red Cherries, and Seminole. Our family is large, please accept our apology if we have forgotten to list you.
The family would like to thank the following individuals for providing excellent care for our beloved mother, doctors: Knostman, McGuire, and DuCheck, Dialysis Staff, Tre Williams and staff from Valley Health Care, and her Home Care Providers: Adrianna, Sara, Doreen, Caitlin, Myrna, Micah, and Rhea, Indian Health Service Transportation Drivers: Hank, Jody, Mario, and Lawrence.
Thank you mom for all the sacrifices you have made for us, and showing us how to serve the Lord.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
8:00 PM
Sunday January 29, 2017
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Melissa Whitewolf Royston & Family says
Carmie,Kim, Tammy & Jonie, So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was an awesome, kind, god fearing lady. Sending my condolences and prayers.
Andrita Harris says
Carmie,Rogina, Kim and Tammy
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences.. Your mother was a great Lady.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF LEOLA WHITEMAN, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH ON THIS MOST SAD AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVED ONE.
Beaver Tallbull says
Sis, I hope your journey through the Milky Way to the other side is a good one. Love Beaver
irvin farr says
Condolences to the family..
Geri Small says
Rest in Paradise Beautiful Lady♡♡
Susan Vassau Tall Bull says
Sending love and prayers to Sister RoGene and all of Leola’s family. Dear Cousin Leola may your journey to the other side be swift and may you always Rest In Peace with your people.
Williamette Rising Sun says
Condolences to Leola’s family. Your mother was a beautiful soul. I shall cherish the time n memories I had with her! RIP my dear friend!!
Tarrie Christensen Darwood "Turner" says
Joni, kim, tammy, and all others. I will never forget your mom taking me under her wing and letti nv me stay with her and treating me like her own. She will be greatly missed. My prayer for comfort to all of you. I wish I could make it to her funeral.
Carrie Littlebird Small says
Dear Relatives, my prayers n condolences for the loss of ur loved one.
Judy Ross says
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you with you all.
Joleen and Alan Spang says
We love you Carmie, sorry for your loss at this time, heaven has gained an angle to watch over everyone.
Bonnie W. Bigback says
Dear Ones, Our Lord has gotten a good champion both down here during her life with her loved ones and now with Him for all eternity. Please know that we keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Shirl Robinson says
Hugs and prayers to the family.
Samantha Killsnight and Family says
Prayers to Leola’s family
Billie Kay Vassau says
Lol was a wonderful woman with a delightful sense of humor. Many blessings to you all. I spent the summer of 66 hanging with her and we had a grand time laughing around.
Karen says
I am so sorry for your loss.I am daughter of Lyman B.Spang,brother to Regina,I wish we all could of gotten know my other side of my family better,my history is very important to me.love you all,Karen
Frank H Vassau says
To Family of Sister Leola, a Great Warrior for our LORD GOD Father of ALL has now joined HIS Divine Gathering of Warriors. May we ALL b Blessed and of Good cheer for Sister is now with our Ancestors n w/o any pain n suffering. May we ALL have comfort through the GREAT COMFORTOR so to continue our Faith as Sister held onto. I pray that U All will be strong and rejoice unto the LORD.
Libby Bearchum Webster says
Carmie, Kim, and family. So sorry for your loss, sending prayers of love and strength for you and family.
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am so sorry for your loss!! My prayers are with all of you. Leola, you are now with the Lord Jesus. You are singing with the angels, no more pain or sickness!!!
Until, we see you again!!❤
Catlin Iron says
Sorry for the loss of your mother. I enjoyed working with her, she was a wonderful lady and always knew the right things to say. I grew close to her in that small amount of time I had worked with her. It was a pleasure.. Thank you all for letting me work with her. We shared stories, told each other things, she is like a good friend with a listening ear. This is a sad day but then a happy day she always talked about being with her husband (the Lord) how she couldn’t wait to be with her loved ones even tho she was surrounded with loved ones she was just getting old and tired as she would always tell me.. I’m gonna miss her and our wonderful visits..
Ruth Costilla says
Sorry for your loss…Leola was a very special lady, I always enjoyed talking with her when I drove sometimes for transportation….she always had kind words…Prayers for the family…
Olivia & Diana Mclean says
Jonie, Carmie, Kim, Tammy and your families may the Lord be with you in your time sorrow. Your mom was and is a child of the Lord. Your mom always had a big smile whenever I saw her and talked to her. I don’t wish anyone to have to be on dialysis. Know that both Olivia and I are praying for you to be strong for your mom.
Dorcas Kent says
My dearest Chilocco sister, remembering all are crazy times At Chilocco. Couldn’t made it without you and the many we would be so lonesome for home. Wished l could have visited with you one more time. If heaven has address l will look for you. Dorcas Kent Ponca City Oklahoma