MYRNA JOY BOYD
Granddaughter of Chief Santee Iron Ring last traditional Chief of the Ft. Peck Sioux, Myrna Joy Boyd, age 72, of Wolf Point, Montana went to be with the Lord at 3:00 am on March 26, 2009 at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point after a long battle with cancer. Myrna was born to James A. Boyd and Florence Iron Ring Belton on August 20, 1936 in Poplar, MT.
Throughout her life, she was known as an advocate for Native Families, especially children. She was instrumental in getting a Senate Investigation into the mistreatment of Native Children in the State of Montana’s foster care system, and was the co-Founder of the Walks Far Society, which has been active as an advocate for Native Children since 1979. She also was active in many other organizations that work in related fields, and was the Montana Coordinator of the Trail of Self Determination Caravan, which was a nationwide march to Washington, D.C. that fought for Native rights. She was the granddaughter of the last Sioux Chief; she was a part of AIM (a leader).
Myrna is survived by her children, Linda lroncloud; Theresa lroncloud (Wendell Mail); Laurie (AI) Hulm; Chauncey Whitright III; Boyd (Pat) Whitright; Ruby Whitright; and Myrna Whitright-Azure (Alfred Brian), all of Wolf Point. She is also survived by three generations of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as sisters Bonnie Nelson and Mavis Martell both of Wolf Point and special companion Michael Youngman, Sr.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Wayne Boyd Sr., sons William James and Donald Wayne Whitright, and one daughter, Anita Ironcloud. Her life was an inspiration to her children, friends and acquaintances, and the battles she began will be carried on by her descendants that share her passion for equality for Native Peoples.
A Wake is planned for Tuesday, March 31, 2009 with an evening service at 7:00 p.m. at Silver Wolf Casino. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. also at Silver Wolf Casino. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. All services will be officiated by Pastor Steve Smith of the Southside Assembly of God Church in Wolf Point. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.