Our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt Margaret Bernadette Russell, Tohovenaa’hehe – “Woman’s Name”, Votona’e -“ Tail Feathers Woman” went to be with Maheo on October 18, 2013. Margie was born on December 24, 1935 to Frank and Alice (Tall Whiteman) Russell in Ashland Mt. She attended school at the St. Labre Mission in Ashland. Margie was raised by her great-grandmother Anna Brown Bird.
Margie married Jerry Ridgebear and from this union four children were born.
Margie worked for the Guild Arts and Crafts, Community Health Representative, Recovery Program and at the Elderly Complex. She enjoyed playing Bingo, the casino machines, making dry meat, delicious fry bread, and oven bread, taking care of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, picking berries, collecting Trolls-bears, angels, crosses rosaries and rings. She also liked to visit with her friends and family.
Margie is survived by her children Samuel (Pat) Ridgebear, Frank John (Lajuana) Ridgebear, Virginia Ridgebear, Lujenia Ridgebear, and adopted children Samantha Ridgebear, Charlene Robinson, Scharlmaine, Charleston and Bobby Yellow Fox & Brian Newman of CA., grandchildren Ariel, Abbigail, Josh, Nate, Aubrey (Jesse), Randolph, Megan, John, Rhonda, Kirby, Angel, Zack, Eugene, Keyjuan, Frank Jr., Randy Sr., and Tiffany Ridgebear, 31 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, many adopted children, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, sisters Rita, Limana, Johanna, Rosie, LaDonna, Vina, Rose, Maggie, Bertha, Arlene, Ruby Blackburn, Frances Dewey,Vicky, Mina, Mildred, brothers Daniel , Donald, Gilbert Dale, Nathaniel, Myron, Winfield Russell, James Crazymule, and Ron Cronick of MN, and her only aunt Susie Wilsey.
Margie is preceded in death by Frank Russell, Alice Tall Whiteman, John Ridgebear, Willis Ridgebear, Kendall Ridgebear, Aubrey babies (1), Angel – (4), and Nate (1).
Extended families include Russell family (Eugene, John Sr., Agnes, Clifford Sr., Elsie & Elva) Littlebird, Bearcomesout, Walkslast, Tall Whiteman, Tall Bull, Elk Shoulder, Ridgebear, Whitehawk, Clubfoot, Medicine Top, Seminole and Sooktis. Our family is large so if we forgot anyone we apologize.
Thank you & appreciation to all nurses and doctors at St. Vincents, HIS and Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, also to all the family and friends who came to visit Margie during the days at the hospital.
Traditional Wake will be Tuesday October 22, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the Baptist Church in Lame Deer. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the St. Labre Mission. Burial will follow in the St. Labre Cemetery in Ashland. A feast will follow graveside services at the St. Labre Catholic Church Social room. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Love you, Bless you
Service Schedule
Interment
Following Services
Wednesday October 23, 2013
St. Labre Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Wednesday October 23, 2013
St. Labre Catholic Church
Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Interment
Following Services
Wednesday October 23, 2013
St. Labre Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Wednesday October 23, 2013
St. Labre Catholic Church
Ashland, MT 59003
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Clayton & Lisa Mason says
Sammie Bear and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Margaret B Russell – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in many beautiful memories of Mrs. Russell at this difficult time. The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matt 6:9, 10). I hope that you are comforted by the many wonderful Bible promises (John 17:3).
Monica and Dominic Norse says
Sam, Aubry, Virginia, Baby Doll, and the rest of the family. I was so saddened to hear about Grandma Margies passing. I am going to miss her a lot as she has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl. I remember the times we traveled to peyote meetings all over the place. I am so greatful for what she has taught me. Know that you all are in my prayers and I will truly miss her. God bless you all in your time of need.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
My sincerest sympathy to all of you. She was such a sweet lady and I remember how she always had a smile and we always had a good laugh over something. Your family will be kept in my prayers. I’m sending my love, and wish I were there to offer whatever comfort I could give. You will all be kept in my prayers. God bless you. Mary and Jolyn Dillon
stoney ridgebear says
I miss my grandma I love her very much she ment the world to me none of us would not be here if it wasn’t for her Rip Margie Russell
Alice Osceola Brady says
Condolences to the family. My prayers are with ya’ll in this tyring time. The smell of cedar in the early mornings always takes me to her house. I remember waiting for my gramma Sarah YellowFox to come out of the peyote meeting…excellent times back then with all the great ones that have gone before us. I wish I could be there….
Alice Osceola Brady & family
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Melissa whitewolf-royston & family says
So sorry to hear of your loss. She touched many lives with her kind words and wisdom. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Glenda Littlebird and Family says
Hugs and Prayers to Samantha and Family.
Troy and Lori Killsontop says
We will always remember Margie and her bright smile, our family will miss her. May the great spirit bless Samantha and the family, our prayers are with you.
Julie J Eagle says
To my dearest relatives, may the lord bless you with healing and prayers. This is never easy but that is where family comes together, may auntie rest in paradise, kingdom of heaven where she is no longer in pain and tears. Love and huggs to all of our ralatives!!
Georgia Ann Burns says
Prayers for all of you, I am very sad and hurt. Because of health issues I will not be able to attend. My heart goes out to all of you! I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend her wake and funeral. May Maheo be with all of you! Sending my Love and prayers to all of you!
William & Clarice Walksalong & Family says
The beautiful and thoughtful lady in our lives as Margie was, will never be forgotten. She always had kind and thoughtful words for me and my family. We will truly miss her. May she carry good words to our relatives that she will see. My prayers are with her children and grandchildren.
Sammi Ridge Bear says
MOM… I WISH U WERE HERE TO MAKE THINGS BETTER… I LOVE AND MISS U ALOT… WISH I COULD SEE AND TALK TO YOU AND TELL YOU EVERYTHING THATS GONE WRONG IN MY LIFE LIKE I ALWAYS DID… I MISS UR GUIDANCE AND COMFORTING VOICE….. LOVE U ALWAYS… 7.24.15
Lost without u in California... says
Happy Birthday in HEAVEN Momma! I miss u and need u soo much!! Not a day goes by without one of us talkin or remembering something about u… mom, u left us way to soon! Alot has changed, we’re falling apart without u ?… Today we cooked, ate, had cake.. u know, all the usual things that we use to do for ur birthday, even when u would tell us not to. We’re not all together at home anymore, all the granndkids have gone their separate ways. But Stoney prayed this evening, and in his prayer, he included everything he could think of.. just like you use to do whenever you prayed. Mom- please watch over us.. the great granbabies especially, we all need ur prayers. I love u mom… Happy Birthday in HEAVEN!! Tell my brothers that I love them and miss them too…. can’t wait for all of us to be together again…. ?
lost in Cali says
Mom… I need you… ?