Our beloved mother, niece, sister, Jonita Elaine Bear –Wahóhpi Waste Winyan (Good Nest Woman) made her journey into the spirit world on October 22, 2019 to go be with her many beloved relatives that went on before her.
Jonita was born on December 13, 1979 to Evelyn “Connie” Constance Bear in Poplar, MT. Jonita was raised and much loved by her Grandma Josephine. Jonita was raised in Brockton, attended school in Brockton and graduated a Brockton Warrior on May 1998. Jonita was raised around a Pow-wow family. Her mother and grandmother had her in the pow-wow dancing arena at an early age. She loved to dance traditional; she also was a part of the Badland pow-wow committee at an early age. After graduating high school, Jonita became a proud mother to Kiera Riley Jo, she adored her and loved her with all her heart. Jonita loved and cared for her grandmother Josephine up until the day of Grandma Jo’s death. Jonita was an assistant cook for the Brockton School and the Elderly program up until her death. Jonita loved to be around her family and friends, especially her beloved daughters, Kiera and Waverly Bear as they were her pride and joy. She loved her cats and dogs and loved her companion Neal who was by her side until her death.
Jonita is survived by her one and only daughter, Kiera Riley Jo and her adopted daughter, Waverly Jolaine of Brockton; aunts, Glenda Crawford of Sisseton, SD, Vernita Bear, Roberta Bird, Valerie Todd of Brockton; grandmother, Doris Spotted Bird of Brockton; adopted mother, Doris “Ducky” Bird of Brockton; sisters, Jody (Monte) Thompson, Emma (Brian) GreyBull of Sisseton, SD, Melody Bear of Brockton; brothers, Donald “Sonny Boy” Iceman III, Merlino, Wayan, Randen Bear of Brockton; Uncles Elwayne Rush Sr., and Theo Crowe and numerous relatives near and far.
Jonita also was a beloved grandmother to 13 grandchildren from South Dakota. Jonita will be missed by all her family and friends.
Jonita is preceded in death by her mother, Connie Bear; grandmother, Josephine Black Dog; adopted father, Ed “Nickey” Crawford; auntie, Wilma Bear; uncles, Merlin Yellow Owl, Gerald Bear Sr., Lyle Bear; brothers, Edwin “Jack” Crawford, Gerald Bear Jr.; sister, Miranda Crawford; niece, Abrielle Jackson; and grandson, JR; grandmas, Viola, Catherine, Melvine, Carole Spotted Bird, and grandpa, Leland Spotted Bird.
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