Gail Marie Charboneau-Dupree, 63, better known as “Gramma Gail” of Poplar, MT died May 2, 2018, after her “worn-out. Much-used heart” gave out after a lifetime of sharing her home and heart with friends, family, strays and others who passed through her doors.
Gail was born on August 2, 1954 in Portland, OR, the daughter of the late Harry and Myrna Charboneau, granddaughter of the late Louis and Marie Youngman. She graduated from Flandreau Indian School, Flandreau South Dakota, attended College at Concordia, MN later transferring to Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT, where she met and fell in love with her late husband Raymond Dupree, Jr. From this union they had five daughters Shyann Dupree Buckles, Billie Rae Dupree, Raylene Wetsit, Rosebud Morning (whom she has joined in Heaven) and Sammi Rae Dupree. And any other kids that walked through her door, she made sure they were fed or if they needed anything she would find that kid what they needed. Her house was always packed with neighbor kids, nieces and nephews who she babysat while her sisters worked.
Gail’s gregarious nature, jack of all trades and general resourcefulness helped her succeed in life. Gail was always helping people with beds, tables, clothes, food and more. But when it came to holidays everyone knew if you were hungry you go to Gail’s because she had everything done by 8:00 a.m., fresh bread, turkey, ham, stuffing, pies, potatoes, the works.
She was famous for saying “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” As well as her presence at local garage sales and flea markets, she was always picking up something for a neighbor, family member or someone in need.
Gail wasn’t so much into stocking up for what she might need, but for what others might need. Those needs filled her heart, mind and an extra bedroom. It was in those moments when someone would ask for a tool, part, or any kind of help, her face would light up and that junk would suddenly be transformed into treasure. When she gave something to a young child and saw the look of happiness, Gail’s eyes would light up, dance and a big smile would appear.
She is sorely missed by her daughters Shyann Dupree Buckles (Allen), Billie Rae Dupree, Raylene Rae Wetsit (Casey), Sammi Rae Dupree (Riggins); grandchildren Anthony Duncan, Alex and Erin Buckles, Paiton Dupree, Jaylin Feurherm, Ashtin and Araya Lemere, Casey, Raine, Cloud and Rayuana Wetsit, Rilley, Renee’Rayden Shailynn and Rosebud Smith and one great-grandchild Braydan Liam Dupree Smith; mother Myrna Charboneau; sisters Debi Bruner (Rod), Michelle Trottier, Jeanette Charboneau Failing (Marvin), Marci Charboneau, Margurite Charboneau (Roger), Teri and Thursday Charboneau of Portland, OR and brothers Craig and Jon Charboneau; cousins Suzanne Turnbull and family, Richard Peterson and family, Luville Holen and family, Leslie Moran and family; extended family Youngman’s, Eagleman’s, Dupree’s, Red Eagles, Keevers, Holans, Saviors, Yellow Owls, Charbonneaus from Fort Totten, ND.
She is in Heaven with her husband Raymond, daughter Rosebud, grandson Brady Lynn Smith and all the grandfathers and grandmothers watching us.