Mildred Fay Redcherries was born to Russel Cecil Tallbull (Notaxeve’ho’e) Soldier and Della Redcherries-Tallbull at Crow Agency, Montana on October 1, 1958. Her early years were reminisced upon in great fondness to her father or as she would say, “Daddy.” She had many stories of her childhood, adolescent, adulthood and would reminisce often. She was rich in knowledge of The So’taa’e’eo na’ Tsisitatse People among many other Native American peoples histories. She was a tribal historian of sorts and a genealogist as she knew bloodlines and historical sites near and far. She could ask anyone their name and off the top of her memory name their entire family tree on all sides, with a story entailed about their great ancestors. If there was something she didn’t know she would ask, something she suggested we follow suit to. She was fond of knowledge and would encourage everyone to “pay attention” and read a book, finish school.
She reminisced about going to school in her teenage years with her best friend Magdalene Walknice in Wyoming. These were fond memories. She attained her G.E.D and High school diploma at Chief Dull Knife College. She attended (S.I.P.I) Southern Indian Poly Technique Institute in Albuquerque, NM and later returned to Chief Dull Knife College and attained her Associates Degree. She later attained her Class 7 Certification from the State of Montana which enabled her to exercise her passion for teaching The Cheyenne Language to students. As she would call them “kiddos’ or “our future.” Years prior to attaining her Class 7 Certification she was also a Teachers Aid and Bus Monitor at the Lame Deer Elementary School. She persevered through those early years until she became the Culture teacher she had sought out to be. She had also contributed to the Summer Season Cheyenne Language Immersion Camp at Crazy Heads.
Aside from her education and educating in a school setting, she was also active in the preservation of The Northern Cheyenne Tribal History. This was of the utmost importance to her. In her early years she was a member and supporter of The American Indian Movement (A.I.M) and contributed the support her gender was allowed to in her teenage years. She was a supporter of the release and exoneration of Leonard Peltier. Annually she would take food to the riders of the Sioux Nation who ride to The Custer Battlefield and would victory dance. She was very proud of the “Natural Allies” and was fond of The Hunkpapa and Nothern Arapaho, her “brothers.” She was also elected to be the Vice President of The Sandcreek Massacre Committee. She was very passionate about the preservation of the land and the attainment of ownership by The Northern Cheyenne People. This uphill battle and negotiating was won and it was a triumph…though a somber one. She wept often throughout these years. She also assisted in the reunification of the remains of the Cheyenne who were being held “hostage” at The Smithsonian Museum in the 90’s. She also assisted in the research of the lineage of the children to be returned home from The Carlisle Indian Boarding School in Pennsylvania which is now the U.S Army War College. She had assisted her niece Teanna Limpy whom she was very proud of for the road she has taken in the shared passion for preservation of The Northern Cheyenne Tribal History. She was passionate about the “bringing them home.” Her heart was so heavy for “lost” Cheyennes’ she was always ready to fight for them. She was a strong supporter of the Fort Robinson Spiritual Run of The Northern Cheyenne People and would attend the departure of the runners and the return from Nebraska. She had also attended when she could make it with her sisters’ Marie Sanchez, Dalene Spotted Elk and Diane Spotted Elk. She educated her children in the history and took them to the sites so they could feel the atrocities that had taken place. This was her way of opening their eyes, hearts, minds and spirits and reminded them of how lucky we are to be here. She said we have a royal bloodline and was proud of her ancestors and lineage.
Aside from the accomplishments and passions, she loved her music. She was a MoTown girl and loved the 60’s. She would listen to Country Westerns and tell stories of her “Daddy” and the 70’s she would reminisce of her brothers and sisters that were lost to her. Cactus Runsabove was one of the greatest losses of her life. She will always be the musicial influence in her childrens’ lives who will always hear her throughout decades of musical trends.
Mildred Fay Redcherries (Mustard) leaves behind a large family and extended family and joins a larger family, her “people” whom she’s missed for a very long time in the next camp. If we miss anyone please forgive us as we have a large family.
Brothers: Merlyn Redcherries, Milward Tallbull (Amelia Bird Chief), Thornton Tallbull (Deceased), Meredith Tallbull Adopted brothers: Cliffos Quiroz (Deceased) Cactus Runsabove (Deceased) Webster (Webbie) Runsabove Sr., Arthur Marshall (Deceased) No’ee’e Morrison and many others. Sisters: Ardith Tallbull Wheeler, Jolette Tallbull (Deceased), Adopted Sisters: Juanita “Marie” Brady-Sanchez (Deceased), Dalene Spotted Elk, Diane Spotted Elk, Mae Whitedirt, Magdalene “Maggie” Walksnice, Jenny Parker, Lois Magpie (Deceased) and many others. Children: Tsista Redcherries (Wyndell Roundstone), Robert Redfox III (Autumn Wallowing Bull), Thyra Redfox, Ainhus Tallbull (Jayleen) Adopted Daughters: Jozette Limpy, Sunny Jean Two Moons, Marlee Killsnight Adopted Sons: “West Side Boys” John Bellymule, Brandy & Brenden Fighting Bear, Lyndon Roundstone, Morningstar Killsnight (Deceased) Tre’ Wick, James Whiteman (Deceased) Robert Big Hawk, Guadalupe’ Cano and many others. Grandchildren: So’taa’e Tallbull (Corbin), Ashlei Wilson, Aaralyn Wilson, Nestalei Seminole, Alluradanyn Tallbull, Naevia Wilson, Haylei Redfox, Allie Tallbull and many others. Our extended family is vast and we recognize all of you.
Thanks to all the healthcare professionals who assisted Mildred in every way shape and form also to the spiritual leaders and family supporters who aided in her time of need. Our family’s gratitude is yours.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday October 21, 2020
Tallbull Family Cemetery
Muddy, Montana 59034
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday October 21, 2020
Tallbull Family Cemetery
Muddy, Montana 59034
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ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF MILDRED FAY REDCHERRIES, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Anthony marshall says
Great Spirit, I am a Mother.
I was made by You so that the image of Your love
Could be brought into existence.
May I always carry with me
The sacredness of this honour.
Creator, I am a Daughter.
I am the learner of the Traditions.
May I carry them forward
So that the Elders and Ancestors
Will be remembered for all time. To Mildred from A. Marshall
Lydia Hamilton says
Will be deeply missed an forever remembered deepest sympathy to the family during time of sorrow
LR says
Aunty, I will always be greatful to you for everything you did for me. There was a time in my life when I needed some guidance and support and you were there for me. Thank you for opening your heart and your home to me. I love you and am going to miss you. To Tsista, Thyra, Robert, and Ainhus, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and my prayers are with you.
Casey Rodriguez says
Our sincerest heart-felt condolences to Tsista, all of Mustards family & friends. We are saddened to hear of her passing, she was the epitome of a strong Cheyenne woman & I’ve looked to her for guidance whenever I could & had the utmost respect for her. Our thoughts & prayers for you all.
Angela Archuleta says
As the new librarian at Lame Deer Junior High and High School, I enjoyed having long visits with Mustard last year about Northern Cheyenne culture. She had a genuine desire to always learn more. I appreciate how welcoming she was to me and I will always remember that about her. I also appreciated that she was not shy about telling it like she saw it.
My condolences and prayers to her entire family. Know my thoughts and prayers are with both of you, Meredith, my fellow staff member and So’taa’e , my former library aide who always brought a smile with her to the library.
Teanna L says
I don’t know where to start with the impact she has made for our Cheyenne people. Her legacy is basically unmatched, especially with the preservation of our language and sacred places of importance to our nation. I know Mildred always fought for our people, especially in being vocal in reminding the people of our traditional values. Thank you for always being there for me and encouraging me to continue on no matter what. I know all of her students and many of us young people will always strive to do our best by her in what she taught us.
KJ says
Rest in paradise mildred Im glad I got to know you working at the school. The stories you told me will be cherised the laughs we shared will be remembered.
Nadine TallBull says
Journey well and Rest in Peace my dear cousin! I will always remember you, Love you
Mary Dillon says
My prayers and sincerest sympathy to all your family. It is comforting knowing that We will see our loved ones again. Mary Dillon
Lynn & Fam says
~ Rest In Paradise Mildred .. I have the good memories
of you & the laughs ~
Alexa Roberts says
Mildred was a powerful force on the Sand Creek Massacre Site Location Study team in the years leading to the establishment of the national historic site. She contributed invaluable historical and cultural knowledge to the archaeological fieldwork and intensive research efforts, including the Northern Cheyenne Sand Creek Massacre oral history documentation project. Throughout her involvement in Sand Creek, Mildred exemplified the profound sacredness of the Sand Creek Massacre site. She was outspoken about our current responsibilities for properly honoring the ancestors whose lives were lost at Sand Creek but whose spirits and legacy live on. Mildred’s commitment to and involvement in the Sand Creek Massacre site will be greatly missed, but her impact and her passion will always be present. Rest in peace, Mildred. 🤍
haylei reedfox:redcherries says
grandmaa you ment evrything to me you were like my mom
haylei redfox says
hey grandma umm the last comment i put was last year and ist 2021 and umm its my birthday!first bday without you i miss you sm i wish you were here rn to celebrate it with me i lived with you my whole life and its hard for me 😥and i really didnt celebrate without so i did but didnt but i love so much text you next year in 2022
Thyra Redfox says
Thank you everyone for the kind words. My mama was… remarkable. I came here to talk to her tho…Mama, I miss you. I dream about you regularly but it’s been a couple weeks…please come see me. I miss you…fuzz I need you….I need your strength. Namihotse
Haylei says
Hey grandma it’s Christmas I’m here again and merry Christmas I love you I’m still not used of you being gone..but I love you I’ve been threw a lot these couple months and days I wish I could have one last hug from you
Haylei Redfox says
Hey grandma it’s Christmas I’m here again and merry Christmas I love you I’m still not used of you being gone..but I love you I’ve been threw a lot these couple months and days I wish I could have one last hug from you
haylei says
hey grandma im in 5th grade know and i hope your having a great time up there just know i will never forget you,
Haylei redfox says
Hey grandma it’s almost your birthday !im gonna make a cake and celebrate it’s almost my birthday I’m gonna be 11 and then on the 7th it’s gonna be another day where I’m just gonna cry but just now that I’m okay !