Joyce Faye (Red Eagle) Tootoosis, 96, left this world on January 13, 2016 in Minot, ND.
She was born September 11, 1919 to Reverend Lloyd and Jenny Red Eagle in Fort Kipp, MT. Joyce accomplished many things in life, one being a member of the United States Air Force serving during the World War II as an Air Photographer. Joyce credited her time in the Air Force for the lifelong discipline that she practiced in her daily life.
After her discharge from the Air Force she attended Cosmotology school in Phoenix, AZ graduating and returning home to the Fort Peck Reservation. In 1959, she met Jack Tootoosis they wed on New Year’s Eve 1962 in Sidney, MT. Joyce along with her husband Jack, owned and operated a successful hair salon, Princess Beauty Salon in Poplar for four decades. They enjoyed many years together and recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
Joyce and Jack were dedicated members of the Red Eagle Dakota Presbyterian Church, with Joyce also being a member of the church’s Ladies Aide Group. Joyce was proud of her Native American heritage and practiced her culture all her life.
She is survived by her husband, Jack of Culbertson; three daughters, Dorren Rittinger of Regina, Karen Guardipay (Ray) and Dorothy Myo (Richard) both of Saskatoon; two cousins, Gloria (Bob) Garcia of San Jose, California and Reba Ogle of Poplar, MT. Also surviving her are numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who all held special places in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dennis Tootoosis; one brother, Oliver Red Eagle; a sister, Winnifred Red Eagle Smith; adopted sister, Madge Cauliflower of Hays, MT; cousins, Katherine Blount, Alice Buck Elk, Phillip Red Eagle Sr., Clara Blount, Rita Belgarde, Sterling Red Eagle, Gary Red Eagle, Delmer Red Eagle, Beverly Good Bird, and Tex Red Eagle; nieces, Pearl Four Bear, Rita Talks Different, and Lucille Raining Bird.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Monday, January 18 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 19 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Interment will follow at the Fort Kipp Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.