Rachel Emma Magpie, Nahkoheosa’e, Bear Claws Woman, was born on September 6th 1947 to James David Strangeowl and Grace Redneck Strangeowl. Rachel grew up in Birney with her parents and siblings in a traditional Cheyenne home, her first language was Cheyenne and she was 9 years old before she learned to speak English. She graduated from St. Labre Indian School and attended college at Chief Dull Knife College where she became certified to teach Cheyenne language and culture.
Rachel was crowned Miss Indian New York at 19, something she was too humble to share with many people.
Rachel worked throughout her life for the Northern Cheyenne Land Owner’s Association, Cheyenne Children’s Services and Lame Deer School.
Rachel was a Cheyenne Language and Cheyenne Culture teacher at Lame Deer School for 18 years, and she was a member of the Montana Teacher’s Association.
Rachel was married to the love of her life George Magpie in 1975, they made their home at the Magpie Ranch outside of Lame Deer where they raised cattle, horses and their children Lisa, Mia, Darren, Wynonna, James, Robert, Charlie, Santee, George Jr., Malena, Kahyo, and Quanah and her grandson, Teton.
Rachel was an accomplished beader and had rights to teach quill work, she made beautiful traditional outfits for men and women.
She loved to travel to Colorado and spend time with all of her sister’s at her sister Ann’s shop Eagleplume’s.
Rachel was very knowledgeable in her Cheyenne culture and traditions and she was a beloved teacher who touched the lives of all her students.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, James and Grace Strangeowl, brother’s Alfred Strangeowl, Gordon Strangeowl and David Strangeowl, sister’s Elaine Strangeowl, Sylvia Garcia, her niece special Barbara Braidedhair.
Rachel is survived by her husband George and children Lisa (Jon) Magpie, Mia (Dan) Sweeney, Darren Chapa Magpie, Wynonna Magpie, James (Melissa) Magpie, Robert (Jennifer) Magpie, Charlie Magpie, Santee Magpie, George Magpie Jr., Malena (Mike Pine)Magpie, Kahyo (Alice) Magpie, and Quanah Magpie, her sisters Ann (Dayton) Strangeowl Raben, Eva (James) Lee, Florence (Michael) Runningwolf, Charlotte (Tom) Rockroads, Ruthie (Don) Shoulderblade and special nephew Aljo (Christine) Strangeowl. Her grandchildren, Matthew, Teton, Robert, Cody, Austen, Feather, Shelly, Shane, Madison, Jessica, Maren, Lane, Damien, Sietta, Essence, Tennyson, Grace, Brody, Sovone, Lakota, Nahko, Dakota, Darian, Zoey, and great grandchildren, Adonis, Amarus, Kaizley, Zeriah, and Juniper, and her many nieces and nephews who are too numerous to mention.
On her father’s side Rachel was related to the Strangeowl, Beartusk, Youngman Afraid of His Horse, Littlebird, Roundstone, Rock Above, Blessing Game, Eastman, and Wolftooth families. On her mother’s side was related to Redneck’s, Medicine Bull’s, Bellymule, Pines, Nightwalker’s, Bents, Standingelk’s, Elkshoulder’s and Chapman’s. We have a very large and extended family, and we apologize if we forgot anyone.
Traditional wake services and graveside will be held at the family home at the Magpie Ranch, and the burial will be in the Birney cemetery.
Jeanne Shipstead says
My heart hurts to see that Rachel has passed.I knew her while working at Lame Deer schools. She was such a soft-spoken,gentle lady, and I learned a lot from her about Cheyenne tradition,
as well as a bit of beadwork. Her loss is a tragedy.
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Auntie 😭😭😭 was not ready. Have to be selfish in my mourning. Tell my Daddy I Love him my Auntie & Barbara. I’m going home to help. I Love you!! 😭😭😭😭😭
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF RACHEL MAGPIE AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Donna Roundstone Spotted Eagle says
Sending my condolences to Aunt Racheal Magpies’ family; George & boys and Malena and grandchildren. We had good memories & laughs. I learned a lot of Cheyenne traditions, values when visiting. Rest well… Donna Roundstone Spotted Eagle
Bonnie Bigback says
Rachel was a most special colleague at the high school in Lame Deer. Whenever she graced my department, she brought with her gentle , quiet perspective and never hesitated to share with me answers to my culture questions. I miss her and will miss her even more now. Fair well my friend. May your family honor your life by living theirs honorably.
Rachel (Strange Owl) Bellymule says
😭😭Auntie-Mom Im gonna miss you, for part of up bring taking care of me, for your words of wisdom and encouragement to be a good mother for my kids that would have, how to garden. Tell my Daddy hi, RJ and rest of the family you’ll never be forgotten, I use to laugh you still called me Little Rachel , Journey welll no more pain, never forgotten Auntie-Mom
Eugene Blackbear says
Condolences to Strange Owl and George Magpie families, she was a true Cheyenne Matriarch of Cheyenne women traditions, language, and beliefs. Cedar and Prayers for the family!!
EBB
Paul Burckhard says
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. My sincerest condolences to the Magpie and Strangeowl families. I worked with her for eight years at Lame Deer School. She took me under her wing, taught me many Cheyenne traditions and ways and was my first beadwork teacher. My life and our students lives are all a great deal richer for knowing her.
Bill Parker says
During my time as Superintendent of Lame Deer Schools she was one it my most valued advisors. Her gentle and wise thoughts meant a lot to me. One time when many untrue rumors were spreading around I still remember her thoughts. She mentioned that most people really did know the truth and we should consider that folks spreading the false rumors were well known for doing that before.
She often talked about how proud she was of her family
Rachel did so much for our young people, school, and community . My condolences to all her family and friends
Bill Parker and family
Rachel (Strange Owl) Bellymule says
😭😭Auntie-Mom Im gonna miss you, for part of up bring taking care of me, for your words of wisdom and encouragement to be a good mother for my kids that would have, how to garden. Tell my Daddy hi, RJ and rest of the family you’ll never be forgotten, I use to laugh you still called me Little Rachel , Journey welll no more pain, never forgotten Auntie-Mom Rachel (SO) Bellymule
Jim and Rita, Kyle and Family says
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our prayers go out to you all. So many wonderful people with love in their hearts and sacrifices made during their life time, and wisdom not lost. Mahe’o bless all your memories and all your family, we all pray as one during this time
Marsha Small says
Universal energies for strength to the family, friends, and communities. Good travel energies to Aunt Rachel as she starts her journey.
Aunt Rachel, thank you for sharing your knowledge in a kind and gentle way.
Clarice Walksalong says
Auntie Rachel,
As the traditional person you are, you gave me advice and encouragement. I hardly got to see you when we did see each we were very glad to see each other. Although we lived in Lame Deer I never made it out the your ranch to go visit you. You told me you didn’t mind, that we would see each other out here as you called it. I will carry your advice and encouragement forever. I really appreciated that. Whenever I missed my dad I would feel good just seeing you. I was always with my day and I remember our trips to Birney to visit his sisters and brothers. I’ve missed seeing you. Now it’s forever. Prayers Auntie for you and your family. Tell my dad Hello!
Selma Swank says
I certainly will miss our visits. You were always kind to my children, grandchildren and myself. You treated my grandbabies like one of yours. I miss my unscheduled visits that used to happen with my mom. No matter what time of the night we would arrive you always had food, drinks and a nice warm bed to sleep in. I loved your generous personality and your contagious laugh. We (My mother and I) always had good road trip stories…we were known as the Griswalds.
I certainly will miss you and my heart hurts with the great loss of a wonderful beautiful Auntie. Journey well and continue the story telling when you see my mom. Prayers to all the family….wish I could be there with you.
Jenny Stark and Family says
Sending my love and prayers to My Magpie Family. I have many memories of My Auntie Rachel, she has always been an angel. She will continue to be our angel watching along the with all our Strange Owl angels who are watching over us. Godspeed my Aunt Rachel , joining my mom. Love n Hugs
Haviland Staggers says
Oh, Rachel, what an amazing woman.
Much love to her wonderful family.
My heart will be with you all in Birney on Nov. 2.
Juanita Brady says
I will see you again, Thank you for being a kind , loving Soul , you greeted me with so much kindness I felt love in your heart for me, you made me feel special, I loved our visits , I will cherish the pictures you took with my grandkids, you were always such a Lady I was so Lucky to have you as An Aunt , your gentle way and beautiful smile I will keep in my heart, thank you for always acknowledging me when you seen me. I know you are in a glorious place reuniting and being welcomed by family Love and will miss you💕🌹
Verna (Lame Deer Principal) says
Rachel, you are such a beautiful soul. You live in my heart as I often think about being at your son’s return from war and when you willingly stepped up to be on our faculty tipi race team. I remember how you didn’t hesitate when we needed the tiniest person to lift into the air to put the top pins in the door flap. You were a friend and comforted me because you are an honest kind person. It seems like all of the good people I knew are passing; Isidro, Barbara, and now you. Your journey will be in good company.
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to learn of Rachel’s passing. She was beautiful inside and out and always was happy to see me. I send my deepest sympathy to her family an friends. Christine.
Shawn michon says
I’m just seeing this .. my heart hurts… Prayers for the family ..