Mabel Woodenlegs Small, Vé’kêséhá’e (Bird Woman), journeyed on to the Next Camp to be with Creator God Ma’heo’o on November 30, 2013. She was born in Lame Deer, Montana to Tom Woodenlegs and Jessie Spotted Elk on March 31, 1927. Her mother passed on very shortly after Mabel was born and Alice Whistling Elk Red Cloud took her in and cared for her as her own daughter. She became the special child for whom extended family all provided love and nourishment so that she would live.
Her father and grandparents, Charles Spotted Elk and Richard and Sophie Wooden Legs, raised her between their homes in Lame Deer and along the Tongue River. Her grandfather Richard Wooden Legs, a warrior in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, enrolled her in school at St. Labre and he would ride his horse to check on her every week while she was in school there. She often told stories about her grandfather Charles Spotted Elk who would let her order beautiful clothes and western boots from catalogs. Mabel was one of the last of the Cheyenne’s among her generation who were raised in the old Cheyenne way: riding team and wagon, picking up supplies in Miles City, and hunting for food along the way.
Mabel would tell the story of how she saw the most handsome man dressed in his Army uniform at the Lame Deer Post Office one day and she knew right then and there that she would marry him. Horace Small Sr. and Mabel were married in 1948 and shared a life together for 65 years. Together they were blessed with a family of four sons and five daughters, and Mabel had another daughter, Georgianne, from a previous union. Horace and Mabel worked hard to raise their family on a ranch along the Lame Deer Creek. Mabel often said that some of the best times in her life were picking berries, branding calves, helping her husband put rodeos on, and having picnics with her family. They raised their children with a love of the land and animals, which has been passed on to their grandchildren. She loved all her dogs and horses including Tinker Bell, Buddy, Spikey, Suzie, and many others too numerous to name.
A large part of Mabel’s life and heart was shared with the Lame Deer Public School. She was a dedicated worker at Lame Deer School for over 40 years. The people she worked with at the school became her family. She would cook big meals for all the staff during the holidays and her dry meat soup was a specialty. She loved working with the school children and would take extra socks and jackets to work with her during the winter months for the children that needed them. Mabel was well loved by generations of students and co-workers at Lame Deer School. She was every student’s Grandma.
She never wanted to leave her job working at Lame Deer School, but she caught West Nile Virus and it forced her into retirement. It did not, however, slow her down much. She was a strong-willed person who continued to drive into “town” on weekends to shop, wash her car, and go out to eat. Horace never liked “town” so Mabel would pick up her sisters Inez and Fern or one of the grandkids and head out for a wonderful day together. In her retirement, Mabel remained active in the community serving on the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Commission and participating in cultural ceremonies and celebrations. One of her most coveted roles was as the Water Woman for Native American Church ceremonies, a right she passed down to her daughter Gail.
Mabel lived a life that seamlessly blended the Cheyenne Culture and the Catholic Church. She found the balance that allowed her to appreciate our Creator in all parts of her life. One of her favorite places was Bear Butte and she taught all of her children and grandchildren to understand its significance and power in our lives. Mabel would lead a family caravan from Lame Deer to Bear Butte nearly every summer to camp and support whomever was fasting at that time. She was very proud that many of her children and grandchildren participated in ceremonies at Bear Butte and on our homeland. She was a firm believer in the Native American Church and she was the primary teacher of Cheyenne culture to her family. She was a fluent speaker of the Cheyenne language and prayed that the language would survive. Mabel made sure all of her grandchildren had Cheyenne names and she would often quiz them so they would never forget the name by which the ancestors and Creator knew them.
Mabel was a very prayerful person and loved the Blessed Sacrament Church in Lame Deer and all her church friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Father Pascal, Sister Jean, and Deacon Joe and his family for their prayers and support of Mabel. She had a special relationship with the Virgin Mary and she dressed the large statue of the Virgin Mary in shawls and beaded crowns on important occasions. She often said that after Church, she felt so good and that prayer was the most important thing in life. She prayed the Our Father and Hail Mary daily.
Mabel passed all these good things down to her family and her reach extended far beyond. She was one of the matriarchs of the community and the Cheyenne people. When Mabel spoke in either Cheyenne or English, people listened. Her message was never about what she might want or need; rather, it was about her desire to find a better way of life for her Tribe and her community. She inspired people by her example of working hard, helping people, and changing for the better.
It is from a place of beauty and peace that Mabel, Vé’kêséhá’e, travels onto the Next Camp. Her strong faith in the Creator enables us to take joy in her freedom from pain and the excitement she must feel in seeing her parents, grandparents, four brothers, her son Cordell, her beloved grandson Shawn Del, and all her loved ones who preceded her in death.
Mabel is survived by a large family including: her loving husband, Horace “Huray” Small Sr.; sons Clifford (Octa), Clayton (Maha), and Horace Jr. (Ava Lee); adopted sons Vance and Tweety Littlebird, Max Highwalker, and Carlos Solis; daughters Jennie Lou, Wanda, Carla, Gail (Joe), Geri, and Georgianne (Bruce); adopted daughters DeWanda Littlecoyote, Carrie Braine, Clarice Walksalong, and Thomasine Woodenlegs; sisters Inez, Fern, Lydia, Adeline, and Rhoda; brothers Wesley and Navitt; nieces Teresa, Rosie, Addie, Mardell, Diane, Lorraine, Jolene, Charlene, Ursula, and Rachel; and nephews Johnny Joe, Ray, Marvin, Matthew, Jeff, Darrel, Joe, Arvey, and Dukey. Mabel had a tremendous love for her over 60 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren that are too numerous to name. She was their teacher, mentor, and source of unconditional love, support, security, and encouragement. Mabel had a big heart and opened her home to many friends of her children and grandchildren. Further, she served as God Mother to many in the church. She passed on her Cheyenne Name, Vé’kêséhá’e, to her granddaughters Lisa Basila, Jamie Spang, and niece Charlene Alden. She passed on her English name and Cheyenne name to her granddaughter little Mabel Small. The family would like to thank her kind caregivers Lorraine Waters, Kaydell Small, Hilda Moss, Jackie Dreamer, Mary Oldbear, Davetta Archambeau, Martha Burton, Joanne Becker, all the employees of Heritage Acres in Hardin, and the Northern Cheyenne CHRs and PHNs. Mabel was dearly loved and respected by many and our family is very large. We would like to acknowledge her Woodenlegs, Spotted Elk, Seminole, and Small Families. We apologize we were not able to list everyone by name who was dear to her. Stähuhose voomätse Vé’kêséhá’e. We will see you again Bird Woman.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday December 4, 2013
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday December 5, 2013
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Interment
Following Services
Thursday December 5, 2013
Small Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Thursday December 5, 2013
Boys & Girls Club
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday December 4, 2013
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday December 5, 2013
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Interment
Following Services
Thursday December 5, 2013
Small Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Thursday December 5, 2013
Boys & Girls Club
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Share
Vangie & Gilbert Solis says
Oh! My Gosh!! I just don’t know what to say Mabel I Love you. Have a Safe Journey Home. Hugs & Prayers to your Children. Thank you for all the Hugs You gave us the best Hugs..Going to Miss You Lots..
George Birtic says
What a shock to hear about this. I am so saddened. Mabel and I were probably the longest employees at the school. She may have put in more years there than me, but not too many more. I will miss her. Sympathy to all the family including all the kids of Mabels. I wish I could be at the services.
Janice Good Luck says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Mabel was such strong dedicated woman and I too enjoyed working with her at Lame Deer School. She will truly be missed by many people, not only family. God Bless all of you and again we will pray for you all. Janice Good Luck and Amanda Old Crow.
Walter C. Fleming says
Our thoughts and prayers to the Small family. I have fond memories of Mabel at Lame Deer School and the many fine meals offered by her hands. God speed.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Condolences to your entire family!
Willam&BobbiAnn WilsonJr. says
we send our condolences to mabel’s family.sorry we can’t make it to the service Jr.is working out here doing his logging contrats. Jr.and Bobbi Ann Wilson
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. Mabel is another one of the special people from LameDeer that was special to us as she was to many. She was a lady with strong faith and lady who was looked up to and respected. She always had a smile and time to talk to me. It is comforting to know that we will see her again. You will all be remembered in my prayers.
Sending love and most sincere sympathy.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Suzanne Billy says
Geri I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, may god bless you and your family during this trying hurtful time. Just know that now you have an angel watching over you.
Ron and Julie (Pitman) Matt says
Our prayers go out to all of you at this time, I have so many good memories of your mother as I was growing up in Lame Deer. I ask our Lord that the angels protect each of you during this time.
Ron and Julie Matt from Albuquerque
Cathy Spang says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Small family. She truly was the matriarch of your family. You have many wonderful memories to help you through this time of grief. May the Creator give you strength during this sorrowful time. I enjoyed working with Mabel at the school. I think her hands have been in more buckets of water and she has mopped more floors than anyone else in Lame Deer.
Dino & Irene Spotted elk says
me and my daughter send our condolences to the family we can not make it home may peace be the journey for aunty
Rose (Brave) Cuny says
My prayers to the family, my dear friend Gail and to all of you. I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful Mother. I hope you can all find peace, knowing she is by your side, guiding you and watching over you. God Bless
Melissa Whitewolf Royston, Taezha & Josiah says
So sorry for the loss of Mabel. She was a strong woman who will be greatly missed by her grandchildren who had the pleasure of taking care of her, in their words “returning the care she gave to them”. Taezha especially enjoyed her stories while she stayed by her grandmothers side when she was hospitalized a couple of years ago & Josiah who also enjoyed her stories and her company when he stayed with her, he enjoyed cooking for his grandma. We send our condolences to the Small family, sorry Taezha & Josiah could not make it. God Bless.
Burt Medicine Bull says
Kali, Kitty, and I send heartfelt condolences to all of you, my relatives, I remember her sitting in the Water Woman’s position praying for ALL of us, she will be missed, sending love and a prayer for strength to all the family. Maheo’o bless us all.
Clarice and Eugene Big Back Sr. says
It was such a privilege working with Mabel. I enjoyed sitting and visiting with Mabel, learning from her and sharing good thoughts. God bless her family.
Susan Braine says
My condolences go out to the entire family. I grew up with all of you and was particularly close to Gail. I’m so sorry, Gail. I know you will miss her sorely. I worked with Mabel years ago when I was a teacher’s aide at Lame Deer Public. She always had a smile and something nice or funny to say and a great big laugh! I can see her laughing with her hand up to her mouth! Maheo bless her journey home and bless the family. I love and miss you all!
Marsha F. Small says
Hi Family,
I wish I could be there. I am with you in heart and prayer. Mere words cannot convey the depth of sadness I feel at Aunt Mabel going to the other side before I could say hello. What a strong Cheyenne Warrior Woman she was, and I thankful for the strong warrior women and men that she helped create for the People.
See you at the next place Aunt Mabel. Thank you for all that you did to keep the Cheyenne traditions alive and for always saying hello to me with heart.
Eleanor Bearchum Parker says
Our heart goes out to you and prayers to help your sadness. Take care, from Eleanor and Doug
Deb (Pitman) Galvan says
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. This was truly a beautiful obituary for a beautiful woman. I have many fond memories of her while I was growing up in Lame Deer. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Langdon Headswift says
My heartfelt condolences go out to Gail, Geri, Wanda, and Jenny for the loss of your mother, she was very special and wonderful and a strong woman!! Am going to miss seeing her around town still cruising and taking care of business. A big hug to all of you during this time, prayers to you and your family!
Keith Beartusk says
Debby and I pass along our condolences and prayers during this difficult time. Your mother and father did a wonderful job of raising their family and contributing to the community. My brothers, sisters and I growing up in Lame Deer were privileged to witness the families many accomplishments. Mabel always greeted me with a smile and kind words. You have much to be proud of. Sorry for you loss.
Maxcene Spotted Elk says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mabel.
She was a fine lady and will be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to the family. Truly nothing hurts as much as losing your Mother.
Love to the family, wish we could attend the services. Sincerely Navitt Spotted Elk family
Diane Spotted Elk says
Sending condolences to the family, Peace and comfort to you all. The memories you’ll share in keeping Mable’s memory alive will bring continued comfort in a long full life lived.
Jeanne Shipstead says
My sincere condolences on the passing of Mabel- she was a dear woman, I had known her while working at LDES years ago. The last time I saw her, she “caught” me picking up pine needles downtown Colstrip and stopped to ask what in the world I was doing that for! I know her family will truly miss her leadership and wisdom.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Mabel Woodenlegs Small, – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Small. It was not God’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Our loving Creator has promised that soon even the prospect of pain and death will be eliminated (Revelation 21:4). The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind in the Garden of Eden will include God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matthew 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).