In Loving Memory
Celebrating Life
On Tuesday, April 28th 2020 “He Seo Vo’Ka’e” (Sandy Hair Woman) Ruby May Tallwhiteman, loving mother and grandmother of three grandchildren, passed away at age 76.
Ruby was born at Crow Agency Hospital on October 18th, 1943 to Henry “Tuck” and Lucy Tallwhiteman (Elkshoulder). Ruby’s biological mother passed due to complications during childbirth. Ruby was raised by her aunt, Sylvia Elkshoudler, where she grew up in Birney Montana. Ruby was raised traditionally, speaking Northern Cheyenne linguistically and was honorably know for the “True” Cheyenne way of life. She learned how to conduct ways of the old. Ruby graduated receiving her High School Diploma in 1963 from St. Labre Indian School. She then went to work at Lame Deer Head start where she worked until giving birth to her son, Thomas Tallwhiteman on April 9th 1966. Ruby loved her son raising him in a traditional Northern Cheyenne home. Ruby was a worker, she never depended on systems and went back to work at St. Labre Indian School making “trinkets” for the donors at St. Labre. Ruby liked to stay busy and soon transferred to the Cafeteria where she worked up until retirement in 2007. Ruby moved to the Heritage Living Facility in Ashland Mt. where she enjoyed trips to Thermopolis, Ft. Robinson, Bear Butte, and all the traditional functions that the facility provided. In 2012, Ruby’s health took a turn for the worse with a reoccurrence of tuberculosis which compromised her health due to her diabetes. Ruby was a resident of Billings Valley Rehabilitation Center now known as Belle Terra up until her time of death.
Ruby had a passion for enjoying life, joking, making people happy and loving her grandchildren. She enjoyed powwows, watching her granddaughter Jingle Dress dance and becoming the Birney Veterans Day Princess. She enjoyed collecting for give-aways in honor of her family, giving her grandchildren Northern Cheyenne Indian name ceremonies which showed Rubies pride in her traditional beliefs of honoring her children. Ruby also enjoyed outings and church with her Pastor Jim Finnerity. Ruby especially loved going to basketball games watching her granddaughter Tiffany play ball and even traveled to Ronan for one of Tiffany’s ball games. Ruby was a very honorable but humble woman which many people admired not only her friends but her many family members and all who frequented her residency. Ruby was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile and kindness of a compassionate spirit.
Ruby was preceded in death by his father, Tuck, her mother, Lucy, her son Thomas, adopted mother (aunt) Sylvia Elkshoulder, Uncle and Sundance Arrow Priest George Elkshoulder, Chief of the Dog Shoulder Society, and nephew, George Jr. Elkshoulder. She is survived by her three grandchildren, Thomas Tallwhiteman, Layton Tallwhiteman, Tiffany Tallwhiteman, daughter-in law Faith Tallwhiteman. Nephew’s Leonard (Julie) Elkshoulder & family, Mark Elkshoulder & family, Andrew (Ella) Elkshoulder & family, Eugene Elkshoulder & family along with numerous extended family members including Elkshoulder, Littlemouth, Redgraves, Clubfoot, Sandcrane, Fightingbear, Fox, Spotted Wolf, Yellowrobe, Little Bird, White Crane, Little Coyote, Fisher, Medicine Bull, Tallwhiteman, Sooktis, Big Left Hand, and Three Fingers. A traditional four-day feast has begun with wake services on Friday evening May 1st in Birney Mt. outside of the Tallwhiteman residency. Grave side funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at the Indian Birney Cemetery at 1:00 o’clock p.m. Flowers and donations may be sent to Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth Mt.
https://youtu.be/xD8PAnd1C5I
Service Schedule
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KimberlyBartlett- Spang says
Dear Auntie, may you rest in paradise and may you never hurt or be sick again. Me and the girls will miss you dearly. We enjoyed the time we spent with you each time we stopped to visit you at that facililty. You always made us laugh and we enjoyed your silliness. I just cant imagine not being able to stop and visit you anymore. You remind me so much of my Mom. Well Auntie, until I see you again, just remember I love you and I cant wait to see you again. Love you ……….
Kelly Stevenson-Sargent says
Faith & Family,
So sorry learn of Ruby’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with Ruby while we lived in Billings. Keeping your family in prayer
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF RUBY MAY TALLWHITEMAN AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Diane White and Family says
Our deepest condolences to Ruby’s family and relatives. Your families will be in our prayers. Ruby was a very special lady and set an excellent example of how a Cheyenne woman carries themselves in honor and self respect. Ruby RIP now.
Erma says
Farewell my fellow Birney girl. RIP Ruby.
Mary Jane Robinson says
Our sincere condolences to Ruby’s family. Hugs and prayers for you all.
JoniJo says
Absolutely loved this lady!❤️😢. Ruby was such a kind woman with so much love for her grandchildren. Ruby was always willing to teach and answer questions no matter what it was. Ruby was full of jokes and I’ll never forget the laughs we shared. Sending hugs and prayers to Thomas, Layton, Tiffany and Faith. Prayers to Ruby’s family and friends.
Candace ElkShoulder says
I love you so very much Auntie Ruby…I will miss you. But I also know that you are back home. With Tommy, Grandma Sylvia, Grandpa George, Grandma Eva, George Jr. & all our other loved ones who’ve gone home as well. Until we meet again, watch over us. Candace…
Velinda Fox and Family says
Condolences to the family! Ruby will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She left so many people with great memories. I will never forget you dear auntie, rest in peace.
Delphine Lucille Yarlott says
P.O. 6
patsy houseman says
To Ruby’s family, so sorry for your loss of Ruby. She was a great lady and always loved to tease and had a smile on her face. My granddaughter and myself have visited her several times at the center and I was so glad to get a picture of her.
Fr. Jim Antoine says
My sympathies to all members of Ruby’s family. I remember her well during the time I was pastor in Birney. She always had this winning smile that radiated the love within her heart to all who came into her presence. That loving smile which she gave in the gift of her self remains in all, like myself, who knew her and cherished the gift she gave of herself through the years. She left something special given by God through her to all in her family who now grieve the loss of her presence. Be assured of a remembrance in prayer as you cherish once again all that she meant to you and the members of your family.
carrie braine says
My deepest condolences to all the members of Ruby’s family. She was a beautiful, gracious soul and I had deep respect for her. Prayers for each of you.
Eugene Elkshoulder says
Our loving memories of Ruby I share with growing up with,was like a sister to me , will be dearly missed in our hearts.Brother, Aunt, Love you always Eugene , Chance , Cameron, and Sylvia.
Anonymous says
aww miss ruby always loved your smile and hugs when i would see you. Didnt know you lived right behind me in billings, i was happy to see you again…you will be greatly missed.