Bernadette Two Bulls Dimas (Nap’e waste’-win – Good Hands Woman) was born in Poplar, Montana on March 23, 1935. She attended Elementary school in Poplar, Montana; Junior high at Busby Boarding School; and High school at Flandreau High. Bernadette was determined to make life better for herself, and left to college in Huron South Dakota, where she earned a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Secondary Education with a Major in Speech and English in 1957. From there, she moved to Gallup, New Mexico, where she taught English at Gallup High from 1957-1975. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Mike Dimas. They were married on August 21, 1959. The two had been inseparable for the last 61 years. With this union, they had three children, Debra Dimas Azure (Howard), Michael Darin (Jane), and Troy.
In 1975, Bernadette, Mike and their children, moved to Poplar, where Bernadette carried many teaching roles from 1975-1998, in the Poplar School District. She also taught at the Fort Peck/Dawson Community College during those years. Bernadette retired in 1999, and at that time, her and Mike moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Even though she was retired, Bernadette still felt the need to carry on with her love for teaching others. While in New Mexico, Bernadette was an elementary tutor, and a GED Writing instructor at the University of New Mexico. She also was employed at the Indian Cultural Center. Bernadette’s heart knew she needed to be closer to family, so Mike and Bernadette moved back to Poplar in 2007. Poplar is where Bernadette and Mike have called home since moving back.
Bernadette was a loving grandmother to her eleven grandchildren who she absolutely adored. They are Dustyn Azure (Jen), Autumn Fuzesy (Derek), Ashley Rafiu (Hazeez), Hunter Azure (Sage), Colter Dimas (Klarisa), Cory Dimas (Bianca), Mariah Dimas (Logan), Lily Taflan, Devin Dimas (Rebecca), Christian Dimas, and Tori Dimas. Her strong bond with them led her on many outings to show her support to them as they participated in sports and other events; we know she will continue to watch over them.
Not only were her children and grandchildren very dear to her heart, but so were her fourteen great grandchildren, Maleigha, Kierstyn, Sydnee, Huntyn, Blayke, MacKenzee, Zayleigh, Hallie, Paityn, Kingston, Trace, Evelyn, Mack, Wilder, and one more she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her great grandson, Rekker. Bernadette made sure that all of her great grandchildren knew she cared for them and loved them.
Bernadette was a strong, determined, and a fiercely independent, caring woman. She had many achievements in her lifetime. With her spare time in Gallup, New Mexico, she took flying lessons and earned her pilot license. In 1981, Bernadette was chosen as the Fulbright Fellowship Recipient. With this, she was invited to attend the University of Oslo in Norway, where she spent the summer of 1981. In 1997, Bernadette was awarded the Montana Indian Educator of the year.
Bernadette enjoyed reading, traveling, camping with her family, socializing, going to casino’s, but most of all, supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernadette left us on March 12, 2021. Although her time was well spent with her family, she will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet her. Bernadette holds a very special place in each of her family member’s hearts. She was proud to boast about her families accomplishments. Bernadette made everyone in her family feel so loved.
Bernadette is survived by her husband, Mike and her children, Debra, Darin and Troy; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Wayne, Charles (Bud); and her sisters, Francine, Vermae, and Sylvia.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Mercilline Eagle Bear; her dad, John Two Bulls; her grandparents, Francis and Eva Eagle Bear; her sisters, La Verda, Carmelita, Verna, Marzetta, Dolores, Darlene, Bernice, and Violet; her brothers, Warren, Francis (Mackie), and Phillip; and one granddaughter, Janie Dimas.
We thank you for joining us in the celebration of Bernadette’s life.
A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service following at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, Montana. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, Montana. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.