Mavis Joyce Scott Hernandez was born to Melvin Dale “Toby” Scott, Sr. and Artie Josephine Crazy Bull Scott on September 2, 1954 in Poplar, MT. Mavis passed away at her residence in Poplar on Tuesday, December 25, 2012. Her Indian name, “Good Hearted Woman” was given to her by her grandmother Lillian Ogle. Another Indian name, “Good Hearted Eagle Woman” was given to her by Benny White Hawk. The two names she passed to her daughter, Elayne and granddaughter Lillian.
Mavis attended and graduated from Poplar High School, attended college at Fort Peck Community College, University of Montana, and NAS. In 1972, Mavis and another girl went before the Congressional Congress in Helena to get the Indian language and culture taught in public schools in Montana. Years later they were recognized for their efforts.
Surviving Mavis are her children: Orlando Hale, Elayne Scott and Margaret (Ralph) Hernandez, Poplar; Michelle (Jeremy) Aims Back, Fort Totten, ND.; adopted children: Melvene Birthmark, Diana Diserly, and Randy Birthmark, all of Poplar; Betty White, Wolf Point. Sisters: Verbena (Royce) Savior Jackson, Faryl (Carlos) Pedraza, Neva Loudermilk, Annabelle Scott, Poplar; Carmella Scott, Nebraska; adopted sisters: Gloria Diserly, Anne Lester, Yvette Todd, and Jonelle Menz, all of Poplar. Brothers: Matthew Scott, Sr., Poplar; adopted brothers: Reginal “Reggie” Scott, Robert Olson, Sr., James Little and Robert Little, Poplar. Nieces and Nephews: Conrad Scott, Poplar; Jimmy, David, and Jorelle Loudermilk, Billings, MT; Delvin and Lynnsay Redeagle; Esigh, and Elizabeth Pedraza, Poplar; Alfred Savior, Wolf Point; Allard Savior, Poplar; Alta Savior, Billings, MT; Grandchildren: Lillian, Elexzander, Dillon and Jeremy Jr. Greywater, all of ND; Damon, Artie, Lance, Mason, Jessi, Karmen and Mabel Menz, all of Poplar; Allen Red Boy, James Scott, Poplar; Dorene Hernandez, Wolf Point. Extended relatives include: Crazy Bull, Steele, Smokers, Talks Different, Blount, Birthmark, Drum, Eagleman, Eders, Lester, Shields, too numerous to mention.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Evelyn Scott Loves Him and Elizabeth Youpee, Urena Lynn Scott; brothers: Sam and Alvin Savior; and son, Chad Hernandez.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 1 at the Poplar Cultural Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 2 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.