Elvira Donnice Mahto, age 72, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2014 in Billings, MT surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. She was born in Elbow Woods, ND to Leslie W. and Alma (Wells) Mahto on June 14, 1942. In honor of her being born on Flag Day, her grandmother Polly Wells gave her the Indian name Flag Woman.
She attended school in Lucky Mount, ND, River Dale, ND, Richmond, CA, New Town, ND, and Flandreau, SD, but spent most of her life raising her children and grandchildren in Wolf Point, Montana.
She is a woman with such wisdom, courage, patience, and unconditional love. She has had an everlasting impact on each of our lives and for that we are eternally grateful.
Words, and no combination of words, could describe the woman Elvira is, was and will forever be in each of our hearts. She will be remembered for being the most caring person, her laughter, kindness, her jokes, and the best frybread you ever would tear apart. She always had a story to solve every problem and a comforting smile to help pick you up when you felt down.
Elvira retired from the Faith Lutheran Home after many years. She enjoyed reading, Sudoku, listening to music (especially Elvis), jigsaw puzzles, and traveling, but her most memorable moments came from spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children, Sandra Mahto Stracener (Mike), Dennis Mahto (Nancy), Georgia Wetsit (Gordan), George Wetsit, Jr. (Glenda), Denise Zimmer (Loren), Blaine Wetsit (Sally) and Jeff Wetsit (Tamara). She is also survived by Algie Mahto (Rockee), Carlisle, Truman Mahto (Carmen), Bernadine Wilson (Norman), Ruperta “Bobbi” Larson (Galen “Bunny”), Karen Howe (Burnette), Kathy Mahto; 35 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie W. and Alma (Wells) Mahto; one brother, Leslie, Jr.; son, David Wetsit; daughters, Joan and Laurette Wetsit; granddaughters, Sayra Alise Mahto Stracener, Daveau and Mariah Azure; grandsons, Elijah Zimmer, and Mason and Nathaniel Wetsit.
A special thanks to Dr. McGuire, Pam, Kim, Candy, the staff at Riverstone Hospice and to everyone who offered prayers.
Our mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend will be dearly missed by all who knew her. We look forward to seeing her again when we make our journey home. Rest easy Elvira, you will be thought of often, remembered always and loved forever.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 24 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, September 25 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point is assisting with arrangements.