Our beloved mother Louise Ell went to be with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ in the early morning Sunday February 5th, 2023. Louise was born to her father and mother Thomas and Mary (Wakan) Buckles on March 13, 1940 in Poplar Montana.
Growing up she attended Poplar school. She met and later married Richard “Dicky” Sutherland Sr., out of this marrage they had five children together. She lived in Glasgow for several years and worked as a housekeeper at the militay apartments as she worked she had recieved her GED. She later on married Leon Ell and moved to California, but it was brief. After her divorce she moved back to Poplar where she met and married her best friend and partner Leonard Youngman where they lived on Red Thunder Road together raising their grandchildren and great grandchildren. She worked as a Clinical Health Represenative (CHR) driver starting in 1979 until 2004. That same year she went to the Diabetic outreach program as a worker there for over a year. She finally retired after working for the Fort Peck Tribes for over twenty six years.
She always had one of her grandchildren with her when she would travel. Most of her traveling were to Rockyboy Montana where half of her children, grand children, great grandchildren and great great grandchild resides. Other than visiting family she would attend Church revivals throughout Indian country. She would attend the local powwow celebrations watching her grandchildren dance. Louise was known for her laughter always smiling and bring joy to those around her. Her life motto to her relatives was, “No matter whats going on pray, just pray!” She spent her life attending church and believing in the good book. She spoke fluent Dakota and often give her grandchildren nicknames most of the girls were known as wacicina (girl). She baked pies, dried meat, create beautiful starquilts and starquilt pillow tops. She was one of the first fancy shawl dancers here on the Fort Peck reservation. She lived a long and amazing life here on Earth. She has seen and met some amazing people. No matter where she went she was greeted warmly.
She is survived by her sister Gloria Chopper, her adopted sister Janis White Eagle and Iola Scott. Her children Connie (Brian) Jones, Cheryl Sutherland, Harold “Mr. Dean” Sutherland and Sandra Sutherland. Her grandchildren Terrell (Heather) Sutherland, Seneca Sutherland, Cale (Klarissa) Martell Sr., Brandon Martell, Britney (Joseph) Cloud, Marlene Youpee, Zachary Brown, Dustynn (Arielle) Sutherland, Jesse Sutherland, Thomas Sutherland Sr., Charles (Celestine) Plante Jr., Travis (Carrie) Pribbernow, Charles “Chaz” (Jessica) Pribbernow, Chelsea Pribbernow, Desiree “Shy” Sutherland, Noah Sutherland, Mike Sangrey, Rylee Sutherland, Heather and Kandas “Kandi” Sutherland. Great grandchildren Janaeya Sutherland, Quinn Sutherland, Colter Beauchamp, Tyson Sutherland, Shanel Red Thunder, Oakley Sutherland, Paxton Sutherland, Timothy Sutherland, Tennielle Sutherland, Jake Sutherland, Isaiah Martell, Cale Martell Jr., Valencia Martell, Logan Cloud, Vincent Youpee, Joedaus Small, Kilijah Good Soldier Jr., Benjamin Brown, Ceyara Henderson, Charles “Gabe” Plante III, Caleb Plante, Caden Plante, Charlize Plante, Chase Plante, Chance Plante, Tyler Pribbernew, Travis Pribbernew, Anna Louise Pribbernew, Iesha, Whitley, Chance Pribbernew, Chasen Pribbernew, Channing Pribbernew, Bryson Beauchamp, Andrew Beauchamp, Payton Beauchamp, Ivery Garfield, Alexis Sutherland, Ashton “AJ” Sutherland, Aysia Sutherland, Aspen Sutherland, Kamryn Sutherland, Karsen Sutherland, Manayah Sutherland, Mariloni, Thomas Sutherland Jr., Marshal Sutherland, Jayda Sutherland, Illannia Sutherland, Emma Sutherland, Blake Sutherland, Jeston Sutherland, Kennedy, Cain Covert, Three Covert and Great great grandchildren Ravonnie Harris, Colter Henderson, Trysten Henderson, Gabriel Plante and baby boy Kailoe Red Thunder. Her cousins The Eagle girls, Rose, Vanetta, Vanessa Aunty Gloria Buckles, Youngmans, White Hawks, Grey Hawks, Plants, Red Eagles, Draszt and so many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren too numerous to mention.
She is rejoicing in heaven with her mother and father Thomas, Mary (Wakan) Buckles. Siblings Lorraine Red Dog, Raymond Buckles, Arthur Buckles and Pearl Hopkins. Son Richard Sutherland Jr., Grandchildren Richard “DickyBob” Brown, Andre Good Soldier, Richard “Richey” Sutherland, Zachary Sutherland, Quinn Bighorn, Sean Bighorn and Trevor Harrison. And her husband Leonard Youngman.
Louise has so many relatives throughout the world from Oklahoma, Texas, Doha Qatar and Belgium Europe. She knew you all by heart she loved you all.
A wake will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12th at 7:00 p.m at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Box Elder Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.