Gladys S. Jackson, loving, caring, generous mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, age 90 of Oswego, MT left this world quietly and peacefully with her loving family by her side on September 12, 2011 at the Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point.
Gladys was born November 15 1920 in Oswego, the third child of Bernard Standing and Jeannette Gives the Blanket. She was a member of the Assiniboine Tribe and her Indian name was Tatioba Wankan Wiya (Holy Door Woman) given to her by her grandfather Steve Standing.
Our mother lived her life, all 90 years of it in the Oswego area. She attended grade school in Oswego and then went on to Haskell Institute (now known as Haskell College) in Lawrence, Kansas where she graduated from high school.
After her return from Haskell she met and married Joseph A. Jackson of Frazer, MT. From this marriage 6 daughters were born, Davey Jean, Cleo, Patricia, Jo Ellen, Lynn, and Darla.
In the Indian way she took A.T. “Rusty Stafne as her son and called him her cowboy. She also took Richard Kim, Eugene Culbertson as her sons and Mary Helen as another daughter.
Davey Jean was a baby and Cleo on the way when World War II was declared. Dad joined the U.S. Marine Corp and went to war. Later Cleo was born. At the time Mom was alone – she always called it “Down in the woods”; because our home was located south of Oswego in the timber. She was a strong courageous woman. She worked like a man to keep our life together and take care of our ranch until Dad returned. Mom devoted her live to giving her daughters a safe, loving, comfortable home. She was always there for us if we needed anything; this included her daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren and anyone else that was in need of help. She was a stern task-master and expected that we always do our best. If someone faltered she was always there with words of encouragement and uplifting.
Gladys worked at various jobs in Wolf Point, but after she raised her daughters Gladys went to college. She attended Northern Montana College, Havre, MT and Eastern Montana College, Billings, MT.
At an early age, she was destined to be a leader and spokeswoman for her people. This was foreseen by the elderly tribal medicine men of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and she fulfilled this by living to an old age. She was the second oldest living Assiniboine. She became active in Tribal Politics and served on the Tribal Executive board as the Oswego representative from 1963 -1965 and 1967- 1969. She was always full of fight and vigor and not afraid to say what was on her mind. She was a tribal delegate to the National Council American Indians (NCAI) serving as a regional Vice-Chairman. She was in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in full buckskin attire for President Richard M. Nixon. She served as a Tribal Judge for the Fort Peck Tribal Court system 1983 to 1987. She also was a commissioner for the Fort Peck Housing Authority. Gladys was instrumental in the making of the Assiniboine History Story. She was a direct descendent of Azan-zan-na (In the Light) an Assiniboine leader who in 1831 journeyed to Washington D.C. She was always sought out for her knowledge of tribal history, genealogy, etc. she maintained a sharp mind and memory to her death.
Our loving Mother is survived by her 6 daughters, Davey Jean (John) Stewart of Crow Agency, MT, Cleo (Larry) Hamilton, Poplar, MT, Patty (Peter) Stump and Jo Ellen (Dale) Grandchamp both of Oswego, Lynn Campbell and Darla (Tom) Payne both of Wolf Point; adopted sons, A.T. “Rusty” Stafne of Oswego and Richard Kirn of Poplar; adopted daughter, Mary Helland of Glasgow, MT;15 grandchildren, Lisa Reed St Clair, Donnelle Morgan, Mike (Annie) Stump, Parker Morgan, Steve Stump, Tyrone Morgan, William Reed, Oliver “Daryl” (Leona) Reed, Jason Payne, Olyn Payne, Honey Grandchamp, T.J. Payne, Douglas Grandchamp, Jr., Gladys Grandchamp Giles, and Jeannette Payne; 32 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Jackson; parents, Bernard and Jeannette Standing; grandparents, Steve and Patty Standing, Gives the Blanket and his wife Hattie; beloved brother, Gifford Standing; sisters, Irma, Viola, Verna, and two sisters that died at infancy; and adopted son, Eugene Culbertson.
Mom enjoyed watching her husband Joe participate in rodeos, team roping and calf roping; she loved watching sports on TV. She supported in grandchildren in their sport activities, always attending their local games, team roping and traveling as far as Wyoming to watch a grandsons play in a basketball game.
She had her unique humor and enjoyed teasing family and friends. She was a fun loving person who liked to meet people. Wherever she went, she would always meet someone that knew her.
Mom you lived a full and long life accomplishing everything you set out to do. You touched a lot of lives and a lot of people loved you. We will miss you but know that you are at peace.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the evening service at 7 p.m. Friday, September 16 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17 also at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at the Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery in Oswego, MT.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.