Winfield Russell, Ve’kesȯh no’kaestse (One Bird), a Vietnam veteran and Corporal in the U.S. Marines, was called home by his supreme commander, Ma’heo. He was a modern-day warrior following in the footsteps of the forefathers in protecting our great nation and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. After his service to our country, Winfield served in many capacities from being a police officer for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and Bureau of Indian Affairs, to a criminal investigator as well as serving as a Vice-President of the Northern Cheyenne tribe for two terms. In the inauguration of January 2019, the oath was done in the Cheyenne language by Richard LittleBear along with LDHS Cheyenne-speaking students. Growing up in a traditional family environment, Winfield sincerely believed in the ways of the Cheyenne people. Winfield was very adamant about maintaining Cheyenne cultural practices, song, dance and language. Any type of public presentations Winfield would start by speaking in his native language and making sure the elders and traditionalists were recognized.
As a veteran of war, Winfield was very active in promoting veterans and their activities. Winfield was a former commander of the Vietnam Era Veterans Association, Morning Star Chapter. One of his favorite commemorations of veterans was his support for the recently established National Veteran Cemetery in Laurel, Montana, where he will be buried. As a youth he faced many of the same difficulties and after his post military service he dealt with alcoholism but overcame the disease. He also knew the challenges that faced many of our tribal members including those that were in prisons and other correctional facilities. He visited MT correctional facilities and coordinated sweat ceremonies and prayer sessions, accompanied by Frank LongJaw and Calvin Brady.
He attended high school at St. Labre, played on the State Championship basketball team in 1967, and graduated in 1968. Later, he attended United Tribes Technical College as well as an intense Criminal Investigation training in Glenco, GA.
He became a traditional war dancer and travelled the country making friends anew. He rekindled many of our tribal ways including the Omaha War dance society. His wisdom, leadership, cultural practices were attributes of a modern-day warrior. As a veteran of war and a person who had experience in many facets of life including cultural practices Winfield was seen as one of the traditional leaders and respected by all. He paved his path the way he wanted, not always through words, but by action and success. His ancestors would have been proud of him. Annually, he coordinated the Morning Star Ride to the Little Big Horn Battlefield.
Beyond his career and dedication to veterans, Winfield was a loving grandfather. He supported education for our youth and served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Chief Dull Knife College for 12+ years. He also served on the Fort Robinson Breakout Committee, where he was instrumental in establishing a memorial.
He was born in Crow Agency to Louis Killsnight Roman Nose and Pearl Rising Sun, and later adopted by Frank and Dorothy Russell. His adopted sister Margie Russell predeceased him. He married Zethel Woodenlegs and had two children together, Rhea and Abdel Russell. Zethel passed away in 2010. In September 2018, he married Maryann Bearcomesout and gained three more children, Memri, Shyla, and Tyson. Later in life, Cecilia MedicineElk took him as a son. He is survived by his wife Maryann, daughter Rhea, two sons Abdel (Josephine) and Kenyon Russell, grandchildren Amazing Day Zethyl and True-Light Winfield Russell, adopted son Joey LittleBird, as well as adopted daughters Deanna Brady and Micah Highwalking. Adopted family members Dwight Stewart, Jackie Stewart, and Anda Prettyontop. Adopted siblings Rosalie, Dennis, Joyce, Chester, Maynard, Doris, and Rynalea. Two special nieces Maria Russell-Acosta and Theresa Moss. Special granddaughters Earlene Clown and Julia Teeth Blackwolf. Great-great grandson Matthew Teeth Baker, who carried Winfields Cheyenne name. Special friends Donald Johnson, Wolfgang Hochholdinger, Wayne and Roseann Headswift, Jim Mariska, Sam Ridge Bear, Clarice and Eugene BigBack, Janeen Spang, Wendall White, Nelson Hart, and Richard LittleBear. Our family is large, and we realize Winfield had many other special friends, so we sincerely apologize if we forgot anyone.
We would like to thank Larna Old Elk, PHN Nurse for her assistance, and his son Kenyon Russell for providing care to Winfield in his last days.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF WINFIELD RUSSELL, THE NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH OF HEART DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Monica Norse says
Auntie Mary Ann and the family of Windfield, I am so sorry to hear of Winfield’s passing. I send my condolences love and prayers. May Maheo comfort u during this time.
Cindi Laukes says
To Winfield’s family,
I was very sad to hear of Winfield’s passing, a truly thoughtful and caring man who cared deeply about his fellow veterans and worked hard to ease their way. I was honored to know him, and we were all blessed to have him with us on this earth.
Cindi Laukes, Missoula
Wolfgang Hochholdinger says
Mary Ann and Family – I hope you find comfort in knowing that Winfield touched many people and left so many lasting memories. May the Creator comfort and watch over you all.
Winfield and I worked together for 10 years. He was a gentle soul with endless patience and generously shared his knowledge with those willing to learn. Our paths crossed even after we retired. Winfield often spoke of organizing a meeting with all the people he had worked with. Sadly, many have moved to the next realm in the past two years and that goal was not realized.
It was and is a great honor to call Winfield my Brother and Friend.
Eugene Black Bear, Jr. says
Condolences from Oklahoma, sad to hear of Winfield’s. Remembering good days when he came to hot n humid Oklahoma, for the Cheyenne Arrow Renewal Ceremony. Safe Journey home!! Cedar and Prayers, for Mary Ann and Russell family.
Ivan Posey says
Winfield was a good brother. We became close over the years and shared good stories. He invited me up to the N Cheyenne Veterans Day events a few years ago which allowed me to tell the story of my older brother, Daniel, who was Cheyenne and a Vietnam Combat veteran like Winfield. We always ate breakfast when we met and I was always glad to see him. He’ll be missed by many….as he blessed many of us with his presence.
Cindy Stanton says
I’m so sad to read of Winfield’s passing. I have remembered and thought of him often over the years since I left Ashland. What a wonderful, patient, kind and hard working man. He was so generous with his time and talents and always willing to teach others. Winfield will be missed by so many. God speed. Many blessings to his family and friends. The world will be a lesser place without him here.
Sharon Limberhand says
My condolences to Mary Ann and his family. Winfield was special! I always enjoyed our chats and he always seemed happy to see me. RIP Winfield.
Limberhamd Family says
We send our deepest condolences to family.
Georgiann Kellum says
Winfield a staunch supporter for Veterans and Veterans families, never hesitated to honor and give recognition to all Veterans at celebrations and pow-wows and even during his tenure as the Vice-President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He was there to help us through the most difficult time our family ever faced when we lost our loving son, Sgt. George Anthony Kellum. Thank you, Winfield, our family and all the families you helped will miss you. Rest in Peace.
Lady says
Sending prayers and condolences to the family of Mr. Russell. I did not know him very well but was very appreciative of the prayers that he offered and the eagle feather that was presented to a very special Marine who passed away last year. I will keep his wife, children, and grandchildren in my prayers. Journey well.
Ruth Jackson says
Please accept my condolences of Winfield’s passing…his wife, family, and his community. He was a good friend to my brother whom he served with in the US Marine Corps in the 70’s. Rest in heavenly peace. SEMPER FI. ALWAYS FAITHFUL
Candace Polk says
We want to extend out deepest sympathy to Maryann , Rhea and the entire Russell and Bearcomesout families We will be praying for all of you! Rhea and Maryann, may the Creator Bless you and give your hearts peace!
Candace Polk- Denver, Colorado
Nicole Vranas- Albuquerque, NM
Clarice Big Back says
My prayers and condolences to Mary Ann, Abby, Rhea. Kenyon, and Winfield’s relatives and friends. Eugene and I were honored to know and share many happy times with Winfield. Give Vohokas(Eugene) a big hug from me. We will all see each other again. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
John White (Albuquerque, NM) says
MaryAnn and family: I was saddened to hear of Winfield’s passing. Winfield was a great man and he will be missed. I am praying for you and your family. May God Bless and comfort you all during this time.
Andrita Harris says
Our condolences go out to Russell Family. Prayers RIP
Eleanor Bearchum Parker says
Mary Ann and family, our condolences to you. Prayers for your comfort and may he RIP. Take care.
Ataloa and Ron Burman says
Words seem empty for you right now.Winfield was a hero in more ways than one can say.He touched my life deeply and saved my life.For That I can never thank him enough.I shall miss your kindness.
Rest In Peace,We have the watch.
Condolences and Prayers to the Families.
Bernadine Pease says
Mary Ann it was a shock to hear of Winfield’s passing so sorry. Thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. RIP Winfield
Cheri Smith says
We are so saddened by the news of Winfield’s passing. Sending prayers for his journey, and for the family’s peace strength through this painful time.
Cheri Smith, David Riley, and the Covenant Solar Initiative Team
Monty Rowland Jr. says
Sending my condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and loved ones. Rest In Peace my brother, Semper Fi.
Coach Claymore Family says
Our deepest condolences to the family. Winfield was a big part of our lives during our time at St. Labre. We will pray for his swift journey to the other side. Rip
William Snell says
Winfield was a law enforcement partner and brother with my father and I during those difficult but wonderful day we served as police and investigative officers. His kindness and positive energy will be missed. His knowledge of is culture was incredible as he freely shared it with others, filling us with pride and honor as American Indians. The staff here at Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council were truly blessed by him as he served the organization as a representative of Northern Cheyenne – he was truly a warrior and statesmen. Thanks you Mr. Winfield Russel for all you have done for us as we will never forget. Rest in peace my friend.
Thomas Yeomans says
I met Winfield only a few times with my son Ben Yeomans, but I was very impressed by him and so enjoyed our conversations. He generously lent us a horse for the memorial Morning Star ride and we rode with him with gratitude and pride. He was a very fine man and truly a warrior and a beloved presence for his people.
Chet Eagleman, Sr says
RIP my friend, you wil be missed by many.