Olene Bessie Ridgebear-New
Born on November 29, 1952 to Carrie Ridgebear and Benjamin Grice but was raised traditionally by her grandparents Rilla Killsnight Tallbull and Albert Tallbull in the Lame Deer and Busby communities. She gained her wings on April 10, 2023 after spending her last days at the nursing home in Crow Agency.
Olene attended schools in Busby and graduated from St Labre. She then went on to further her education at Montana State University in Bozeman. She worked as a Community Health Representative for Northern Cheyenne Tribe and Indian Health Service in Billings, she was also a CNA through various programs.
Olene had three sons that she loved dearly, Tim, Todd and Wayne and a baby girl that didn’t get to experience this earth. Her heart was so large she adopted as her own, Peter Roundstone (her oldest grandchild), “Little” Albert Tallbull and Joshua Wolfblack.
She was always on the move, losing her mobility didn’t slow her down. She was always keeping her eyes open for her ride or die-hard partners Rosie James and Terri Bixby. Being on the move and traveling was something that Olene loved to do.
We will all remember how she loved deeply and would stand up for what she thought was right. She showed us that you always reach out to help others, taking people in, feeding people, giving rides or just listening.
Brothers: Sam Ridgebear, Waldo Wolfchief; Adopted sisters & Honorary Pall Bearers: Joetta Bearcomesout, Johanna Redneck, Jennie Shoulderblade, Rennie Pena, Emma King, Clara Harris, Ethelene Shoulderblade, Theda Foote and Amanda Guavera; Adopted brothers, Reginald Killsnight, Delphino Guavera and Gordon Plainbull; grandchildren: Peter, Jeffrey (Amby), Bessie (Kyle), Thaddeus, Tristin, Morning Star, Carrie, Norman, RJ, Meya Niv, Benjamin, Two Lance, Micah, Dominic, Scot, Seth, Sean, Milo, Ellie, and Jerald; Special Cousin/Sisters: Ruta Enick, GloriaAnn Americanhorse, Virginia and Babydoll Ridgebear; Adopted Children: Joe, and Sidel Ridgebear, Lynwood Hisbadhorse, Jennifer Gleason, Floyd & Lyn Americanhorse and Hank Bushman; Extended families: Ridgebear, Americanhorse, Killsnight, Medicine Elk, Tallbull, Elkshoulder and the Antelope and Ridgely families of Wyoming. Olene claimed many she came in contact with as family.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, Harold and Elvis Ridgebear, Royce Whittaker, Ward and Tim Redbird; adopted children, Jeremy, and Trena Ridgebear.
Olene had many friends and even more family, if we left out anyone, please accept our apologies during this time.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday April 12, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Thursday April 13, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday April 13, 2023
Ridgebear/Roundstone Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday April 12, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Thursday April 13, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday April 13, 2023
Ridgebear/Roundstone Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
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Bernadette says
😪💔
Dean says
Love you auntie ❤️. Rest in Paradise
Dee Macdonald says
Olene was my friend in 6, 7,8 grade st Lame Deer Elementary. Sorry for ur loss.
Shaylene Killsnight says
I will forever miss you mama o say hello to my mom zippy aunty Charlotte grandma Ella you were awesome women with a big heart n always being crazy telling your crazy stories n always teasing I’ll always remember are conversations forever missed never forgotten
Kyle says
Pete, sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
pgxxx2@gmail.com says
I love you mom.
I will never forget you 💝 we’ve been through hell and back and it was a helluva ride my momma.
I’m going to be Lost without you and will Miss you more than anyone will ever know.
Rest in paradise Olene, momma, Me’eo.