On January 11, 2021 we lost a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend.
Vonda, Ma’etomona “Red Earth Woman” was born to Bee and Joan Parker-Robinson on Muddy Creek November 19th, 1940. Vonda was the oldest of 10 children. She was baptized in Lame Deer on April 20th, 1941. Being the oldest she helped raise her younger brothers, cousins and sisters.
Vonda met the love of her life, Francis Limpy at age 17. Being the responsible and independent lady she was, she wanted to sign her own marriage certificate. Three days after her 18th birthday, she signed her own certificate of marriage. Mom and dad have been married for 62 years. After Francis’s discharge from the Navy, they made their 1st home in Billings, MT.
Francis participated in relocation training in southern, CA. The training Francis received put Vonda and Francis on the career path where moving was a necessity, which put them in Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wyoming before moving back home. Upon returning home, Vonda was employed with Northern Cheyenne Head start Program where she worked many years before retiring.
In supporting her husband Francis in his traditional way of life she grew to love and actively participate in the Kit Fox Society. Through this walk of life, they gained many lifelong brothers and sisters – to name a few – Charles and Marceline Little Old Man, Beaver and Ernestine Two Moons, Tom and Charlotte Rockroads, Jimmy and Ernestine Red Cloud.
Through the years Vonda and Francis have mentored, prayed and participated in various ceremonies. Some of their favorites were helping the students of St. Labre, and Buffalo Bill of Cody, Wyoming. Vonda attended many powwows, she loved watching her grandchildren dance.
Vonda was involved in a nonprofit that she loved dearly, Prayer Lodge. Vonda and a group of ladies, some being nuns, were given the name, God Squad. Woman retreats and improvement were their goals. As a board member, she traveled to some special places around the U.S. and gained life-long sisters. She is proceeded in death by; her parents Joan Parker and C.C. “Bee” Robinson, Sister Mary Lou Whitecrane, Brothers Larry Dean and Rick Robinson. Great Grandkids; Azaria and Amelia Longie.
She is survived by; her husband Francis Limpy, kids Rocky (Lora), Brenda Limpy, Karla (Johnny) Lei., Patrice Limpy. In addition, they have taken in numerous children as their own, most significantly Lonnie Littlebird and Jodi Martin. Sisters Sandra (Zane) Spang, Marya Grathwohl. Brothers Boyd (Julie), Gerry (Connie), Major (Michelle), Carl (Tammy), Rod Robinson. Grandkids; Floyd Neil, Rockelle, TerriJo, Justin, Phillip “Smiley”, Haley, Evyn “Peach”, Vonnda Taylor, Angel, Robby, Bear, Eleece, Clayton, Cierra, Ashley, Mykayla, Elizabeth, Francis, Joanna Great Grandkids; Traylee, Carnell, Kazmir, Bronxtyn, Grytt, Avalynn, Jadrian, Kolson, Ryatt, Misol, Riley, Kobe, Mckenna, Aakylah, Damon, Daya, Durand, Andreya, Ciera, Abbie, Kiera, Caleb, Keatyn, Creed, Adeline, Addison, Ayden, Alaina, Aurora, Timber, Miley, and Kenzie.
The family wishes to thank the staff from the Heritage Living Center, Laquinta, Shay, Maria, Bethany, Aaron, Jeannie, Donnie, and Tiffany for all their caring and loving support for our mother. Also the hospital staff at Billings Clinic.
Vonda Limpy, age 80, of Ashland
November 19, 1940 – January 11, 2021
Georgia L Wilson says
Oh gosh lady ima miss you and your warm loving hugs every time I saw you (sadface) Hugs and prayers to your family Heaven gained another momma angel to watch over us
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF VONDA LIMPY, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Nellie Speelman says
I will miss your Hugs and laughter and your support in our school masses. My prayers are with your family. God has another angel. A great mother, grandmother and a great-great grandma. She loved you ALL.
Mary Ann Stoffregen says
S. Mary Ann Stoffregen says
How saddened I am to learn of Vonda’s death. She was blessing in so many ways. I miss her smile, her laugh, her hugs, her wisdom, her support, her prayers. Francis, Brenda, Karla, Rocky, Trish, all the family – my sympathy and prayers are with you. Thanks you for sharing this awesome wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch with us.
Eugene Blackbear, Jr says
Condolences to Vonda’s family and children, from Oklahoma!! Cedar and Prayers!!
Eugene BB & family
Sue Parker says
Vonda was someone the community looked to to bring out its best self: by example, by her support of every positive effort of the community, and by putting in many hours of unstinting work in their achievement. She will also be remembered for her laugh her compassion, and her awesome cooking. She is irreplaceable.
Ryan Parker says
Vonda was my first cousin as her mother Joan was my father Bill’s older sister. But most importantly Vonda was my Godmother as my parents chose her because of her loving nature. Vonda was the Godmother/mom/grandma/aunt of many, and for any kid who knew her you could never escape her hugs because she wanted to make sure you knew you were special. Rest In Peace, my Godmother.
Sister Marge Wissman says
Vonda was a great Wisdom Figure for many of us. As a Sister of St. Francis from Oldenburg, IN Vonda was very special to us. We love how much she taught us and made us a part of Native American culture. She will certainly be missed but always remember. My sympathy to all the family and friends.
Sr. Marge Wissman
JUDY ROSS says
I am so sorry for your loss. Vonda was a very special lady always had a smile and giving out hugs. She will be missed by all. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Jodi Martin says
To my Family, I so wish I could be there with you! My Auntie Vonda has been a pillar of strength for me for many many years and when my mom passed she took me in as one of hers. Watching over me and being my shoulder to cry on. She will be so missed but our memories will be forever! Watch over us Angel as I know you always will just like you did here.
Geri Small says
Rest in Paradise Beautiful Lady❤
Love, Hugs and Prayers to Fransis, Rocky, Brenda, Karla and Patrice.
Sr. LeAnn Probst says
My sympathy to Francis and the family. Prayers for all.
Sandy Spang says
You were my big sister and we shared so many memories of growing up in Lame Deer, our gardens, our chickens, and all Mama taught us. When we married we both could bake bread from scratch, take care of babies, wash clothes from a wringer washer. You protected me, we always loved each other – and always will. We loved our large family and all their families. Special people. Thank you for our special and kind brother Francis and your babies with their babies you left us to love. We will have a hard time living without you. We will always love you!
McMakin Family says
An amazing lady….sending our prayers of comfort… love you alll…McMakin family
Rita Forner Schulte says
Vonda was a women who changed the world through her quiet, yet unwavering, support and love for those who were graced to be in her presence. I first met Vonda at Prayer Lodge. She was a woman committed to making life brighter and more hopeful no matter your tribe, or race, or character. I have such fond and profound memories of sharing sweat lodge ceremonies and prayer circles, meals and laughter with her. And, oh, she was always so enveloping with her hugs! I am sending my warm thoughts and prayers to her dear family and to all who mourn her passing.
Paschal Siler says
Francis and family,
My sympathy and prayers pour out for all of you with the loss of a so generous and loving member of your family. She was always a delight.
Jolyn Wynn says
Francis and family,
I’ll always remember Vonda as a person with a wide-open heart , a quick smile, and a loving hug. She was proud to share her Cheyenne culture with those of us who were on the Reservation for just a time, always making us welcome, and making sure our plates were full. When I heard of Vonda’s passing, I saw a picture in my mind of Theresa Eastman laughing and joking while Vonda made the fry bread. They were having a party in heaven.
Art and Rita McDonald says
I will always remember Vonda and her sweet smile as well as the kindness she showed to all who knew her. Heaven has another special Angel. Our condolences to all of her family and friends.
Doug Parker says
My condolences to go out to Francis and their children and to all her siblings.
Love you all,
Doug and Eleanor Parker
Rhonda Stennerson says
To all of Vonda’s family my heart is broken as yours’ are and my prayers are with you. She was an amazing woman and instramental in so many lives bringing peace and spiritual teachings. I too will miss her and know she is watching us all. She was and is a giving woman and she isn’t going to stop being in heaven. She was a huge force for love and peace to all.
Misty LaFranier says
Condolences to Vonda’s husband and family, sorry for your loss Rocky. Just 3 months ago you were there for us when my dad passed. When i watched this video, I could see how much love that Vonda and Francis had for each other, and it was apparent that when she signed that document for her marriage certificate 62 years ago, it was more than just a document, they truly cared and loved each other. What a beautiful family they made. So sorry for each of you that had a deep connection with her. Having been recently visited by death and grief, i know exactly how it feels. I will be praying for all the family, and especially Francis, I know in my heart that he sure will be lonesome.
Val PackstheHat says
My deepest condolences to you Brenda n ur family!🙏🏽
Linda Knapp Burkhart says
Linda Knapp Burkhart
I also met Vonda through Prayer Lodge. Each time I saw her, I was struck by her welcoming spirit.
To you, Vonda’s family, all her close friends and anyone who felt a connection to her, I offer my supportive
Prayers as you grieve. Linda
Sister Joan Laughlin says
From the very first time I met Vonda, I have admired her. It was in our little kitchen in Oldenburg that I listened to her stories and appreciated her laughter and her loving ways. My visits to Lame Deer were precious reminders of her wisdom and love. My sympathy to Francis and her family. You all will remain in my heart.
Sister Joan Laughlin
Andrita Harris says
My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to Francis, Karla, Brenda, Rocky and Limpy and Robinson Family.
RIP. Heaven has gained a Angel. she is with her parents and family.
Judy Hillman says
My deepest sympathy to the entire Limpy family. I was blessed to meet and get to know Vonda through my many visits to Prayer Lodge. Her willingness to share her Northern Cheyenne traditions and way of life, her deep sense of caring for all who entered her world and her contageous giggle and sense of humor touched my life forever. I am so saddened by her passing. Thank you to her dear family for sharing the gift of Vonda with our world.
When the weather breaks, I fully intend to park myself outside with an ice cold Pepsi in Vonda’s honor!
I promise to hold all of you closely in my heart and prayer. Judy Hillman
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to learn of Vonda’s death. I teasure knowing her through the years.
My heartfelt sympathy to Francis and all of her family.
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to learn of Vonda’s death. I treasure knowing her through the years.
My heartfelt sympathy to Francis and all of her family.
Marva Davis says
Dear Francis,
This is Marva Davis, You and my husband Roger worked for the FAA when both our families lived in Wells Nevada. I was thinking of You , Vonda and the rest of your family today and did a Google search . Sorry to learn of her death early this year. Sending love and condolences to all of your children. We all have many great memories of your family when we lived in Nevada. We now live back in the Salt Lake area in Utah where bot Roger And I were born and grew up. Enjoyed watching the wonderful tribute about Vonda.
Roger and Marva Davis
July 5, 2021
Marva Davis says
Memories already posted above
Marva Davis says
Many happy memories of Vonda and Francis and all the children.
Marva Davis says
We were neighbors living in Wells Nevada at the same time. My husband Roger and Francis worked for the FAA while living in Wells Nevada.