Mary Wolftooth Underwood (Aameohne’e – Walking Woman), of Lame Deer, passed into the arms of Maheo on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. At the age of 98 Mary was the oldest living Northern Cheyenne.
Mary was born on May 10, 1918 to Josephine Wolfrobe and Young Wolftooth in Watonga, Oklahoma. She is a descendant of Wolfrobe, who was a Southern Cheyenne Chief.
At a young age, Mary, along with her parents, moved to Montana and settled in Birney along the Tongue River. This was home to her for a majority of her life. Mary had a very strong belief in the Catholic faith and our sacred Cheyenne ways.
Mary received her education at St. Labre in Ashland and also in Bismarck, North Dakota. She also received an honorary degree from Chief Dull Knife College.
Mary worked as a cook at the Birney Day School for a number of years. She later worked as a nurse’s aide at the old Lame Deer Clinic when it was a hospital, located in the present day Northern Cheyenne Agency.
She later stayed at home and cared for her mother and raised her children. After her mother passed, Mary moved to Lame Deer where she resided with her husband Harold. Until she moved to the nursing home in Forsyth, she spent her time beading, making quilts, dancing outfits for her family and enjoying the company of her grandchildren. Mary looked forward to her and Harold’s yearly trips to the Colony pow wow in Oklahoma, and visiting with her Oklahoma family and friends. She was an avid believer in giveaway’s and she planned and prepared many for her loved ones who preceded her in death.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband Harold; her sons: Rusty Locher, Marvin, and Robert; her grandchildren: J’shon, Leslie, Matthew, Michelle, Melissa, and Reuben. She is also preceded in death by her siblings: Doris, Wayne, Dorothy, and Norman.
Mary is survived by her children: Daniel (Dee), Erma (Wilmer), Josephine, Lynda, Karen, Tim, and Nikki; 39 grandchildren; 88 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great grandchildren, and her little brother Darrell Rice of Oklahoma.
Mary is also survived by the Wolfblack, Blackwolf, Ironhand, Rowland, Medicine Top, Littleoldman, Medicine Bull, Ant, Yellowfox, Whiteman families, and all of her relatives in Oklahoma. She leaves behind her special friends Eva Bearchum, Mae Whitedirt, and Loy & Maurine Bryant. Our family is very large, and we apologize if we forgot anyone.
The family would like to thank the Rosebud Nursing Home and hospital for the love and care they provided to our mom, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma. Last but not least, we would like to thank Deacon Joe for all the comfort and prayers over the years.
Mary Underwood, age 98, of Lame Deer
May 10, 1918 – August 2, 2016
Marina Mitchell says
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Erma (family) Josephine (family). She lived a long fruitful life, and stayed active and alert to the end. She was a good woman, she inducted me into her family when she met me, sharing her relationship with my grandmother. She made me feel welcome, and accepted. I’m honored to be a part of her family.
Marina Mitchell/family
Cathy Byron says
I enjoyed several visits with Mary while she was in the RCHC at Forsyth. I valued her input on the display of the Cheyenne dolls my grandmother made in the 1940s. She was delighted with the detail Granny put into those dolls, and was very stern in telling me they were to be greatly appreciated. Because of Mary’s appreciation for them they are in a display at the Rosebud County Museum in Forsyth. I was hoping to be able to take her to see it, but clearly God had other plans. My condolences and prayers to her family. She was a wonderful and very talented lady.
Rhoda Glenmore (Eseeva'e) says
I was so grateful that Mary got to see and hold Aria Vy; and for given the baby girl her Indian name. This is such an honor for her to bestow such a blessing upon Aria Vy. Mary lived a full and wonderful Life. It is still hard to lose a Mother but you all have beautiful golden memories of her. Gods Blessings and may our Creator wrap his arms around each and everyone of the family during this loss.
Melissa Royston Whitewolf & Family says
To the family of Mary, so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to all of you, you’re in my prayers.
Stanley and LaDonna Eagle and Family says
To the family of Mary Underwood, Sorry to hear of the loss of a truly deeply respected lady that i was blessed with to have known , She will be greatly missed .
Jim&Rita Alderman & Family says
Our sincerest condolences to the family of Mary. She was an extraordinary human being,so talented in her beadwork and making intricate dolls mixed with beadwork, and able to make repairs on damaged beadwork you couldn’t tell. But what stood out the most was her wonderful heart, and her willingness to talk of some history she had experienced and to share some of her knowledge. May God Bless her and her family during this time of loss.
Troy & Lori Killsontop says
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family. You were all blessed to have her in your lives for so long. May the great spirit bless and watch over you during these hard times.
Setovaatse Medicine Bull says
My condolences, I will not be in attendance at the wake/funeral, I will be traveling n could not postpone. I knew my Ke’eehe in Birney. She was a gracious lady. When my Ke’eehe, E’seeva’e went to visit, they had such warming smiles n good food. It is good to remember good times instead of tears.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences to the entire family & grandchildren. Sad we lost our Oldest Elder of our Tribe and Community. Thoughts of you all Erma, Josephine and other children. Thinking of my cousin/brother Les who’ll be waiting for her along with Uncle Marvin. Prayers for all :'(
Erica Maltos says
Mary was a wonderful lady. I had the privilege of meeting her when I worked for the Forsyth nursing home. She will be missed. Her and her family are in my prayers
Denise Swank says
Your mom was very special n knowledgeable. I enjoyed visiting with her. She is now with family members passed on n her two buddies Ruby Flying n Lena Medicine Top Littlesun. They once called themselves Wounded Knee Girls. An inside story. They were always so giggly n had much to laugh about. I will miss her too. Prayers for you all.
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am so sorry for you loss! Your Mom/Grandmother/Great grandmother
was a example of a true Cheyenne woman.
Condolences for Erma, JoJo, Linda and Karen and the rest of her family. You are all in my heart. I will be praying for comfort and strength. God be with you all! ❤
Pam and Joe Ash says
I am sorry for your loss. God bless.
Nikki SpottedEagle says
Nikki SpottedEagle–
Mary you are deeply loved and missed and we are all blessed by having known you!!
Janice Fay Fanman says
My condolences to her family…its always sad to hear of our elders passing, as I have great love n respect of Our Native People…I am Southern Cheyenne from Fonda Oklahoma…She was Blessed with a long life…she was able to share her talent of her beadworking n stories…even though our paths never crossed…but I wanted to send my love ..prayers for the family…n loved ones…May Maheo comfort u at this time…
Bobbie White Thunder Hamilton says
Prayers and Condolences to the family. Mary always acknowledged me when I saw her. She was related to my Grandmother Jane Bigfoot Blackburn. I remember they would visit when we travelled from Oklahoma to Lame Deer during the summers. Mary did very beautiful beadwork. Please remember your family has family here in Oklahoma so that connection isn’t lost. Prayers…