Josephine Ida Black Dog (Wache´ Hin Pejuta Skuya Win) “Sweet Medicine Plume Woman”, age 84, of Brockton, Montana, left on her journey to the spirit world on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in Culbertson, MT.
Josephine was born to John A. Spotted Bird and Virginia (Powell) Spotted Bird on July 19, 1925 in Calias (near Ft. Kipp), MT.
Josephine worked as a CHR for IHS in Poplar, MT and after retirement, she worked as a Teacher’s Aide at the Fort Kipp Headstart.
She cherished children and enjoyed spending time with them. You could also find her sewing star quilts, going to pow-wows, visiting with family and friends, doing crossword puzzles or just sitting at her favorite spot near her kitchen window.
Josephine married Earlwin Bear, and later married James “Jim” Black Dog.
She is survived by her children Glenda (Edwin) Crawford of Sisseton, SD, Vernita Bear, Lyle Bear, Elwayne Rush Sr. and Theodore J. Crowe all of Brockton, MT; 14 grandchildren: Jody (Monte) Thompson, Emma C. Brian Greybull and Miranda Crawford, all of Sisseton, SD., Jonita E. Bear, Donald (Jonnie) Iceman III, Melody, Merlino, Waverly, Wayan and Randen Bear all of Brockton; Elwade and LaVael Rush of Brockton, Kobe Rush of Ft. Kipp and Elwayne Rush Jr. of Poplar, MT; 12 great grandchildren: Nikki and Geralyn Crawford, Tristan and Taylan Thompson, Earlwin, Alexandria, Brianna, Antoinette Greybull, Abilene, Alvan and Amelia Jackson, all of Sisseton, S.D. and Kiera Rylee Jo Bear of Brockton, MT; 2 great- great grandchildren: Jorell and Mikah Crawford, both of Sisseton, S.D.; 2 sisters, Carole and Catherine Spotted Bird of Brockton and 1 brother, Leland Spotted Bird of Brockton ; adopted children, Roberta Bird and Valerie Todd, Lynette Long Hair of Ft. Kipp, Lonnie Iron Bear of Poplar, Dave Rossi of Glendive, MT, Adrian (Peggy) Ireland of Williston, ND, Nathan Thompson of Ft. Thompson, SD, Kirby Reynolds of New Town, ND, Donald Iceman Jr., Arlyn Headdress, Candace Spotted Bird and Myra Gray Hawk all of Poplar; 7 adopted brothers, Arrow Wienburger, Shawn (Paul) Brown of Canada, Tom (Ester) Escarcega and Gabe (Thelma) Young of Poplar, Jerry (Kathy) LaFountain of Billings, MT, Dawson (Paula) Firemoon of Poplar and Larry Campbell of Culbertson, MT; 3 adopted sisters, Pearl Fourbear and Irene Philbrick of Brockton and Gladys First of Wolf Point, MT; extended families: Bearcubs, Bigleggins, Plantes, Firsts, Necklaces and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be in our hearts and memories forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Virginia Spotted Bird; 2 sons, Merlin Yellow Owl and Gerald Bear Sr.; 2 daughters, Wilma V. Bear and Evelyn C. Bear; 2 grandsons, Gerald Bear Jr. and Jack Crawford; a great great granddaughter, Abrielle Jackson and a great great grandson, Nicholas Eastman Jr.
A Wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the Brockton Cultural Center. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Brockton Cultural Center in Brockton, MT. Interment will follow at Ft. Kipp Cemetery, Ft. Kipp, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers:
Errol Yellow Hammer
John Spotted Bird
Rocky Youpee
Silas Drum
Monte Thompson
Sam Crawford Jr/ Earlwin Grey Bull
Merlino Bear
Emerson Boyd
Honorary Pallbearers:
Pearl Four Bear
Clara Small
Linda Hotomanie
Arlyn Headdress
Dale Headdress
Peggy Ireland
Toni Plante
Loretta Taylor
Raymond Grey Bull
And all Family and Friends