Peggy Rae Ricker, “Ho’t’a in Omani Wi’yan” (Walks Straight for all to See) age 73, took her journey to the spirit world at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT on September 28, 2020.
Peggy was born alongside her twin Betty on February 22, 1947 to Helen O’Kute-Le’Caine and Joe Ricker, Sr. in Poplar, MT. She grew up and attended school in Poplar where she made many friends and had countless memories to share of her childhood. She moved to Portland, OR for another good part of her life before moving back and settling in Wolf Point. If anyone went to visit, Peggy would offer something to eat or drink and share stories or a catch-up visit. Everyone noticed her love for butterflies, she wore them and decorated her home in them. She would often show someone her butterfly tattoo. Peggy always had a helping hand for whoever needed it. She spent a good number of her years volunteering and working for the Head start Program as a cook and teacher’s assistant. She loved working with the kids and they all knew her as Grandma. Peggy had a lot of grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she helped raise and love dearly. Peggy supported her grandchildren in everything they did whether it was school or sports. Always try your best she would say. Peggy lived a traditional life as a sundancer and pipe carrier, she would often dress up to dance in the local pow wows.
Peggy is survived by her son Jerreth Shawl; her companion Don Shawl; her babies Kaylynn “Sweets” Bad Hawk and Zayne Lambert; her adopted sons Nathan Chasing Horse, Duke Dionee and Barney Blessinger; sisters Barbara FastHorse of Wolf Point, Donna Ricker of Devils Lake, ND and Lauri Japp of Great Falls; adopted siters Carol Jones of Wolf Point, and Winifred Chasing horse of Las Vegas, NV; brothers Tommy Christian of Poplar and Ronald “Jiggs” Ricker of Wolf Point; adopted brother Joe Chasing Horse of Las Vegas, NV; her sundance tiospaye all over and all her nieces, nephews, grandcghildren and great grandchildren. Always remember, Peggy was proud of you and loved you very much.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents Helen and Joe; her sisters Betty Ricker and Jackie Perry; brothers Bonsy and Lucky Christian; sons Aaron Ricker, Sr., Arlon Ricker and Danny Lindsay, Jr.; aunts Beryl, Liz, Dorothy, Stella; uncles Howard, Gus, Rufus and Robert; nephews Tommy Dude and James; nieces Andrea and Bobbie; granddaughter Deanna and grandson Ares.