Our beloved mother, aunt and grandma Susan Beverly Melbourne-Cheek of Brockton passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, Montana at the age of 76 due to natural causes. Susan recently lost her youngest daughter Donna Ann Yellow Hammer to heart complications. Donna Ann was her “baby girl” and she found it difficult to live without her.
Susan was born March 29, 1939 to Thomas Warbonnet Melbourne and Bessie Jones at Poplar Hospital. Susan was welcomed to her family by all of her brothers and sisters; Faye Melbourne-Bird, Wilma “Peggy” Melbourne, Calvin “Ike” Melbourne, Thomas “Turby” Melbourne Jr., Thelma Melbourne, and Rebecca Melbourne-Clark.
Susan attended elementary, high school in Brockton, and received her G.E.D. in 1980. Susan is written into Fort Peck Tribes historical records as being one of the very first women to ever be elected to the tribal executive board. Susan remained involved in tribal politics throughout her life. For several years Susan was employed as a Brockton/Riverside Election Judge. Susan was elected to the Brockton/Riverside Community Organization and held various officer positions for several years. She also worked at Brockton School, Poplar Head Start, and Fort Peck Community College.
Throughout her entire life Susan devoted her time to helping and visiting her many relatives across the reservation. Whether it was lobbying for her relatives or a friend in need at the Fort Peck Tribal Board or another community agency Susan was always there willing to help anyone who asked. Susan was the kind of person who thought of others, instead of herself.
Susan married Clifton Ray Cheek Sr. at the age of 20 and from this union they had three beautiful children whom they cherish; Charlene Faith Cheek, Donna Ann (Errol) Yellow Hammer and Clifton Ray (Angela) Cheek Jr. Susan also has a beautiful daughter Linda Agnes (Todd) Melbourne from a previous relationship whom she cherished. Susan loved all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was the matriarch of her family and tried to keep all of her relatives close and taught them to be supportive of each other, especially in times of need. Susan made many friends throughout her life time and valued their friendship.
Susan is survived by her children; Linda, Charlene and Clifton. Her immediate grandchildren; Martha (Jason) Kearns, Michael (Becky) Failing, Marlene (David) Grainger, Tolliver McClammy, Eric (Lana) Sherman, Andrew (Billie) Sherman, Alexis (Alisa) Charboneau, Jahn Charboneau, Cameron Cheek, Misty (Russell) Yellow Hammer, Traci Yellow Hammer, Myron Yellow Hammer, Angeline Cheek, Casey Cheek and Laurel Cheek. Susan’s great-grandchildren are; Memphis & Bear Kearns, Racine & Kyle First, Gavin & D.J. Grainger, Michael & Thomas Jerome, Xavier, Josiah, Yasmym & Elijah Sherman, Jessemin & Alexis Sherman, McKenzie Charboneau, Charlie Johnnie Willa Yellow Hammer, Riley, Russell Jr., Zaccara Eder and Cale Ray Cheek.
Susan was preceded in death by; her parents, brothers and sisters, daughter Donna Yellow Hammer, grandchildren Bronson Charboneau, Thomas Jerome, Johnnie McClammy adopted sister Vivan (Ray) Jones of Canada and several of her relatives from the Jones, Melbourne, Longee, Martin and Fast Horse families too numerous to mention. We know that Grandma Susie loved all of her relatives and friends, if we forgot anyone we are terribly sorry.