May 23rd, 1955 – September 29, 2025
In loving memory of Ho’étseóó’e (Lightening Woman) Marlene Ann Redneck. Maheo has called one of his beloved children home. Marlene was a loving, caring, patient, generous, and humble woman whose absence will be felt deeply by many.
Marlene was so many things to so many of us: a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and good friend. There is nothing that can ever replace these roles in our lives.
All we can do now is celebrate her memory, cherishing the ways she touched our hearts and shaped our lives. Marlene loved more people than they will ever know. That was her gift, her purpose, and her legacy – One we should carry forward by loving one another as she loved us.
On May 23, 1955, Marlene was born in Watonga, OK to Hubert Belly Mule and Dora Redneck-Belly Mule, of Birney, MT. Marlene was a descendant of Black Kettle thru her mother Dora Redneck-Bellymule family. She was the youngest of 6 children. Marlene graduated from St. Labre Catholic School in 1973 then went on to achieve her Associates of Arts Degree from Chief Dull Knife College. Marlene also had the honor to representing the 4th Miss Northern Cheyenne Princess in 1971-1972. One of Marlene’s greatest work achievements was serving as the Director for the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Board of Health for 27 years and received awards while working for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. She also served on the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council as a Lame Deer District Representative from 2009-2012. Later, Marlene also worked with the Northern Cheyenne LIHEAP Program.
Some of Marlene’s hobbies included traveling with her family and telling spooky stories. She enjoyed going to pow-wows and sewing regalia for everyone. She also enjoyed thrifting and finding deals and goodies for her loved ones. She was a very generous lady who would help anyone in time of need without hesitation because that’s the kind of person she was giving and generous. Marlene also loved to joke with everyone and had an infectious laugh that we will all miss dearly.
Survivors includes her children Blaine Redneck, Margene (Sheldon) Seminole Jeremy Seminole, and Montana Bush Head. An adopted sister Audrey Whiteman and adopted daughters Tara Lynn Beartusk, and Lashawna Beartusk.
Marlene’s grandchildren includes: Ethan Seminole, Abdel (Abby) Whiteshield, Tayshawn Morrison, Amare Seminole, Adriann (Byron) Killsnight, Merilyn Killsnight, Merrill (Kristi) Killsnight Jr, Merlin Killsnight, Charles (Monica) Killsnight, Gernell Killsnight, Va’sean Bush Head, Luke Youngbear, Shireesa, Amber, Mitchell, Chasidy, Shelby, Phillip, Erin, Deana, Waylon, Dana, Maria, Lyndon Roundstone, Harlen, Jordi, Stacibeth, Faith, Dolan, Leslie, Daejae, and Mario Jr.
Marlene has many great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren some of them includes: Jada, Braylin, Liam, Marcellus, Adrien, Emellio, Delorian, Jalen, Jay’lias, Tyson, Laquitta, Shaina, Lucano, Thomas, J’eromani, Merlin Jr. Ardena, April, Xavery, Allyssa, Peyton, Clarence, Evan, Kurrilyn, Heaven, Leraius, Kenyon, Conner, Neveah, Nyla, Norah, Aspen, JoRiah, Cadence, Dominic, Carter, Blake, McKinley, Michaya, Trineta, Trey, Damon, Iianna, Taylor, Aliya Chance, Colton, Dalton, Navelle, Dolan Jr, Devonte, Axle, Camille, Shane, Justin Jr, Leah, Julian, Terrian, Mario, and Maria.
Sister Nellie Red Hat of Oklahoma. Nieces Marion Spang, Marsha Red Hat, Eva Red Hat, Dorthy Red Hat, Minnie Red Hat, and Ona Red Hat. Cousins Susie, Anna Mae, Alvina, and George. Nephews Michael, Loy, Marlin (Sunshine), Darren, Mario, Brian, Rondeau, Clarence (Third), Fred Belly Mule Jr, Rex, and John.
Marlene’s special friends includes: Letha, Clara, Rose, Maggie, Virginia, Shawna, Langdon, Ciera, Jolynn, Eloise, Corinne, Bertha, Dorothy, Linda, and Germaine.
Marlene is proceeded in death by Suzette (Kammie) Bryant, Montoya Bryant, Terri Lynn New Holy, Rodney Little Mouth, Leslie Spotted Elk, Susie Clubfoot, Dorothy Mae Spotted Elk, Delores Spang-Killsnight, Loy Belly Mule, John Belly Mule, Fred Belly Mule, David Spang, Ethelene Killsnight, Elsie Weaselbear, Verna Oldmouse, Ruthie Shoulderblade, Rachael Magpie, Barbara Braided Hair, Nathan Belly Mule, and her parents; Hubert & Dora Belly Mule.
Extended family includes: Redneck, Strangeowl, Pine, Elkshoulders, Red Hat, Belly Mule, Washee, Gonzalez, Nightwalker, and Sandcrane. We apologize in advance if we left anyone out during this difficult time. Marlene has many family and friends.
Pallbearers: Ethan Seminole, Abdel Whiteshield, Tayshawn Morrison, Sheldon Whiteshield, Merlin Killsnight, Delorian Whiteman, and Justin Littlebird, Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers: Gernell Killsnight, Charles Killsnight (Chuck), Merrill Killsnight Jr (Spike), Loy Bryant, Mike Bryant, Mario Spottedelk, Sunshine Spottedelk, Darrin Spotted Elk, and Emellio Brady
Drum Group: Birney Singers, Conrad Fisher.
Service Schedule
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 6, 2025
Birney Cemetery
Birney, Montana 59016
Service Schedule
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 6, 2025
Birney Cemetery
Birney, Montana 59016
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Stephanie Fisher says
Condolences to Marlenes family, especially her children❤️
MAX ELI SMALL says
RIP Marlene..
Candace ElkShoulder says
Blaine, sending ~hugs~ love & prayers. Your mom was one of a kind & i am blessed to have known her. She was always so good to me. She will be missed💞💯
John Ross Bradley says
As the Tribal Health Director, Marlene Redneck was a strong and effective leader.
After the Indian Health Services Clinic burned in 1996, Marlene played a central role in replacing that facility and -in the same time frame- bringing several health care programs under more direct control of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Marlene brought teams together, directed and managed the complex, detailed and lengthy process of planning and then transitioning to a new health care facility. She pushed hard to insure that programs were maintained during the lengthy period of construction of the new clinic. Marlene and those she worked closely with took care to insure that the new facility reflected the beauty and strength of Cheyenne culture. She reinforced several mechanisms to insure the adaptation of programs to meet the specific goals of Northern Cheyenne People.
When pressures arose, as is almost always the case in any public-facing endeavor worth doing, Marlene was a wise and courageous leader who understood the totality of the situation through her own knowledge and by listening carefully to the many stakeholders.
In short, she was a great boss, a strong leader and a wonderful, enlivened Human Being. Like many people, I feel very lucky to have known Marlene Redneck and to have served under her direction as a Tribal employee.
Ann Haley says
What a remarkable lady! I’ve always admired your spirit, Marlene. Always gentle and loving to all.
Sending peace and prayers to the family.
Pamela Sooktis says
Condolences and prayers🙏
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad that Marlene has gone – God speed Marlene. I first knew her as a customer at our Ranch Store and then worked under her Directorship at The NC-BOH. She was intelligent and really understood how important Health Care is to the Northern Cheyenne people. I respected her and enjoyed her friendship – she was in my thoughts just this week. I have a necklace that she beaded and gave to me – it is beautiful – when I wear it I always think of her. I send my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Christine Valentine.