Maxine Maxelina Guavera Spang, spent her last days surrounded by her beloved husband Leo, Daughters: Evone, JoHanna, Artie and her grandchildren: Shaydel, Sage, Treavor and Little Leo. Joined by family members at her side, Maxine gave into her valiant fight against cancer early in the morning of Tuesday, December 17, 2013. She remained strong in her faith that one day she would reunite with her loved ones, past and present, in a joyful celebration of life without pain, sickness and tears.
On August 1, 1970 she joined her life with Leo F. Spang in marriage. Together they spent 43 wonderful years living along Muddy Creek where they raised 3 beautiful daughters and 4 exceptional grandchildren. Maxine will be remembered by her many loyal friendships, marked by her love
of teasing, laughter, and the happiness that followed her. Her maternal grandfather of whom she was extremely proud of was Chief John Turkey Legs, Northern Cheyenne, one of the last known designated player and makers of the Northern Cheyenne Courting Flute. She was an amazing gardener and cook who took pride in surprising people with the many hidden gardens located around her home. Maxine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them the art of craft making, beading, ceramics and the preparation of traditional foods.
Known as “The General” by her coworkers at Northern Cheyenne Firefighters she spent many hours working as a highly respected base camp manager for twenty-four years she was often specifically requested to manage camp crews. Maxine was an avid believer in justice and was willing to fight for it at any cost, whether it was for her children or her Tribe. She served on the Natural Resource Board, Voters Committee, Lame Deer School Parent Advisory Committee and various other Boards and Committees of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Her years of volunteerism included donated services at the Boys and Girls Club and the Head Start Program. Maxine also worked as part of the family business, Northern Cheyenne Trail Riders she was known and loved by many of the guests that came from around the world.
Maxine was born on January 23, 1950 at Sheridan Wyoming, the child of Caroline Whiteshirt and Max Guavera Sr. both of whom preceded her in death. Other relatives that preceded her in death include: Stephana Flores, Juanita Guavera, Jean Turkey Legs Poitra, Lincoln Whiteshirt, John Paul Flying, Ellsworth Flying, Burt Flying, Lawrence Flying, Nora Flying, Sheila Flying, Frank Rowland, granddaughter Sadie Spang, Evelyn Flying, Extended families Spang, Turkey Legs, Poitra, Yellowrobe, Soldier Wolf, Limberhand, Flying, Elkshoulder, and Rowlands.
She is survived in death by her beloved husband, Leo F. Spang, her children
Evone Spang (C. Robert Yellowfox, III); JoHanna Spang (Arnulfo Betancourt); and Artie Spang.
Grandchildren: Shaydel Alissa Spang, Sage Francis Spang, Trevor Wiley Spang and Leo Clay Yellowfox. Her siblings: Rosella Killsnight, Bula Brey, Max Guavera Jr, Amanda Whiteshirt, Rudolph Santiago, Joe Paine, and Mike Bowles, Aunt Nancy Yellowrobe. Her relatives include Littlebear, Walksalong, Limpy, Yelloweyes, Elkshoulder, Shoulderblade, Blackhorse, Medicinetop, Strangeowl, Americanhorse, Medicine Elk, Long Jaw, Eagle Feather, Whiteman, Big Head Man, Russells, Whistlingelk, Sandcrane, Fightingbear, Bearchum, Bearcomesout, Braidedhair, Littlewhirlwind, Yellowrobe, Limberhand, Bites, Wolfname, Flying, Whitewolf, Lonebear, Whiteshirt, Stewarts, Birdinground, Old Elk, Williamson, Fallsdown, and Pickets. In this time of grief we may have forgotten to mention families and friends but acknowledge your help, thoughts and prayers for Maxine.
Wake services will be held at the Circle of Life Lutheran Church in Muddy Cluster on Friday, December 20, 2013 scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 10:30 am, Pastor Denis Bauer officiating. Funeral arrangements will be conducted by Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com .
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00
Friday December 20, 2013
Circle of Life Luthern Church
Muddy Cluster, MT
Funeral Service
10:30 AM
Saturday December 21, 2013
Boys & Girl Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation
100 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Interment
Following Srvices
Saturday December 21, 2013
Spang Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Saturday December 21, 2013
Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation
100 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00
Friday December 20, 2013
Circle of Life Luthern Church
Muddy Cluster, MT
Funeral Service
10:30 AM
Saturday December 21, 2013
Boys & Girl Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation
100 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Interment
Following Srvices
Saturday December 21, 2013
Spang Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Saturday December 21, 2013
Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation
100 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Share
Lisa Old Mouse says
To Leo and family:
Sending condolences and continued prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Maxine will be dearly missed but not forgotten.
George Birtic says
To the family, so sorry to hear of this loss. She was such a good person and an outstanding parent. She will be greatly missed In the community.
Melissa Whitewolf Royston & Family says
Sending our condolences to the family of Maxine. So sorry to hear of her passing. God Bless.
Clayton & Lisa Mason Sr. says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Very saddened by the loss of Maxine. We are praying for the family.
Carol Fleming says
Leo & family, I was sadden to learn of Maxine’s passing. She always had a smile and loved to tease everyone. I know she’ll be greatly missed by all. May your memories bring you comfort and know that she is not ill anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul Burckhard says
Sympathis and continued prayers to the family of Maxine. She was one of the stongest willed people I have ever known and always willing to help out
Troy and Lori Killsontop says
Leo & Family: We are deeply sadden of losing a wonderful lady that did so much for our little community. May the Great Spirit bless and watch over you all during this time of sorrow. Maxine will be greatly missed.
Andrita Harris says
Our condolences and prayers to you and your family. Maxine will be missed on the Creek.
God Bless.
Lee, Dorothy, Andrita
Billy, Dylan and Tegan
Harris Family
Shirley Rolf says
Sorry for the loss of Maxine. We worked with her on many fires. What a loss, always so happy and helpful. She will be missed.
Danetta Fisher says
my thoughts and prayers are with you…..
Fredonia says
Maxine was an amazing lady. Your family is in my prayers.
Gina Badhorse and Eunice Davis says
Maxine was one of a kind. She will be missed.
June Persons says
To Maxine’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
June
Cathy Spang says
My sincerest sympathy to you during this time of your loss. I will always remember Maxine’s smile, her teasing, and her unending advocacy for her girls.
Beverly & Steve Shelley says
Leo & family sending our condolences, Maxine was an amazing woman, so cheerful & helpful.I am so sorry for your loss ,prayers to the family.
Ataloa Ruth Harris-Burman says
Maxine, I know you have gone to a better place.I was just hoping that you and I would go out one more time together.I know we fought like two cats in a box.But you taught me to stand up for myself and to always be strong.And to stand up for what you believed in.Thank-you for the memories in Texas and other places.I will see you when I get there.I will miss you. Always Ataloa
Jancie Good Luck says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Johanna and the rest of the family. Your mother was a very good woman and a great co-worker. Always a joker and never a dull moment around her! She will be greatly missed by all. As Always, Janice, Amanda, Brian, Misty and Cesilie.
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
Sending thoughts of Sincere Condolences to the family, its the hardest thing to go through when our loved ones leave us.
Germaine Brien & Spotted Wolf Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the time of your loss. Prayers to the kids, especially Artie! We love you and always will be there for you!
Jeddie Rae (Spotted Wolf) Morales says
Maxine was a mentor to me. She was one of a kind! She will always be missed. I enjoyed working with her @ BIA-Forestry and out on the fires! I love you Max aka General!
Waymon and Marina says
It saddened our hearts to hear she’s no longer here in the physical realm, but her spirit lives on in Paradise. Maxine was the sweetest, kindest person you could meet, and that is rare. She didn’t have one mean bone in her body., and please know how blessed you all were to have had such a special person to call Mom, Sister, Niece, Grandma, etc.
Our thoughts will be with you as you continue through some of the difficult times ahead.
Sincerely,
Waymon/Marina Mitchell and family
Georgia Burns says
My prayers and thoughts to you all during this time of hurt and pain. God Bless!
Coralei Kluver says
Maxine you were such a wonderful wonderful person I am honored that a part if my life got to intersect with yours.what an amazing woan.to her family I am so sorry for your loss mythoughts and prayers are with you all. Maxi you will be missed
Mary Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of your family. I am praying you will find comfort knowing Gods love and knowing your friends share in your sadness. God bless you all.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
DorothySeminoleNmyPoitraz says
Sending my condolences to the family nd i am going to miss her she was a great women she taught me alot on fires,(General) she wAs one of a kind n she was also my kid’s grandma on Poitra side. 🙁
J Johnson says
Dear family of Maxine Maxelina Guavera Spang – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Creator give you peace and comfort through his sure promises to end even the prospect of pain, mourning and death (Revelation 21:3, 4). At that time no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Almighty God also promises to fulfill our desires, not just our needs (Psalms 145:16). Cherish all the happy memories of Mrs. Spang and be further comforted by these Bible promises (John 17:3).