Melda Iron Bear, age 78, of Poplar, MT passed away Friday, May 13 at the Poplar Hospital.
Melda was born July 6, 1932 in Poplar to Howard Iron Bear and Julia Red Feather. She was raised in and attended school in Poplar.
Melda raised four girls, Toni Blue Shield, Juanita Merculieff, Carol Ann Merculieff, and Jewell Merculieff.
She loved staying at home watching TV and reading. She especially loved to just be around her grandchildren and her relatives and friends. Melda had a big heart and anyone who needed help was never refused; she was always there to help them out.
Melda lived a full and happy life just long enough to say farewell to all her friends and family.
Melda is survived by her longtime friend, Mose White Hawk of Poplar; daughters, Toni Blue Shield, Juanita Merculieff, and Jewell Merculieff all of Poplar; great granddaughter, Carol Ann Merculieff of Poplar; Cylysce Merculieff, Devyne Young, and Julia Young all of Poplar; adopted brother, Micky Young; grandsons, Saxon Red Boy, Dennis Red Boy, Mercedes Red Boy.
She is preceded in death by her father, Howard Iron Bear; mother, Julia Red Feather #2; sisters, Catherine Jones, Agnes Long Fox, Louise Merculieff, Helen Iron Bear; brothers, Patrick Foote, Benjamin Grey Hawk, Harry Iron Bear, Eli Iron Bear, and Richard Iron Bear; grandson, Alfred Merculieff; sister, Evelyn Walker; nieces, Barbara Merculieff, Carol Merculieff; nephew, Charles Crazy Bull, Mary Red Feather, Ralph Gray, and Lydia Shell.
A vigil will be held 7 p.m. Monday, May 23 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the Our Lady of Lourdes in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery.