Melinda Shields, age 76, of Poplar passed away May 19, 2014 at NEMHS in Poplar. Melinda was born on March 10, 1938 to Julian Shields, Sr. and Esther Buck Elk. She was raised by her grandparents, Andrew and Florence Shields. She attended day school in Fort Kipp through the 6 th grade, then she attended schools in Brockton, and later obtained her GED. She spent time studying in college. She lived in Brockton for many years and in the mid 60’s she lived in California. She spent her last years as a resident of Poplar where she resided at the Poplar nursing home since 2008.
Melinda cooked and washed dishes at the Brockton School, worked at A & S Industries, cooked at the Poplar jail, Ft. Peck Senior Feeding Center, and the Ft. Peck juvenile detention center.
She was a Christian and read her Bible daily, always praying for others. Church was such an important part of her life. Melinda was always taking relatives in providing care and support.
Melinda is survived by her sons Michael Fast Horse, Gordon Fast Horse, John Fast Horse, and Clarence Fast Horse all of Poplar. She is survived by daughter Michelene Fast Horse of Wolf Point and Lucinda Fast Horse of Wolf Point. She is survived by brother Julian (Veronica) Shields, Jr. and husband Pierre “Fritz” Youpee of Poplar. Melinda has two cousins that were like sisters to her, Diane Martin and Abigail Reddoor of Poplar. Melinda is survived by nieces Cheryl Bear Hill, Ronlene Chute, and Katherine Many Ribs.
Melinda was preceded in death by her dear grandparents who raised her, Andrew and Florence Shields. She was preceded by her parents Julian Shields, Sr. and Esther Buck Elk. Melinda was preceded in death by siblings: Marion Shields, Celeste Shields, Jospeh Shields, and Lucinda Shields. She was preceded by daughter Katerri Fast Horse, ex-husband Michael Fast Horse, Sr., and grandsons Maynard Tre’ Longee III and Matthias Fast Horse.
A prayer service will be held at the Activity Center in Poplar at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014. Funeral services will be held at the Activity Center in Poplar at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Interment will follow at the Fort Kipp Cemetery in Fort Kipp, Montana. Condolences for the family may be left at: www.claytonstevensonchapel.com . Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with arrangements.