Marva Jean Runs Through, “Wamni Xoda Wiya” (Gray Eagle Woman), age 70 of Frazer, MT. left this world on September 22, 2023 at Logan Medical Center in Kalispell, MT. Marva passed away peacefully with her son Jonathan and her great-grandson Elliott by her side. A good friend said, “Marva will be missed by many, but also welcomed Home by many”. Everyone is at peace knowing Marva was able to say goodbye to her loved ones.
Marva Jean was on March 24, 1953 to the late Wallace and Ruby (Fourstar) Runs Through, Sr. in Poplar, MT. Marva was the eldest of 10 children. Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved eldest sister, mom, grandma and auntie. Her bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her kind smile, love and caring heart.
Marva attended school in Frazer, MT and graduated from Frazer Public school in 1972. She was home for a year then attended one semester at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, a private college in Laie, Oahu, Hawaii, owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then she transferred to Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, another church owned college for the semester before returning home to her parents with raising all the younger siblings, Marva was able to teach and share some fundamental lessons as she made her journey through life.
Marva met the love her life, Keith Keno Stump, at the Wadopana Celebration. Keith followed Marva around the arbor until she finally noticed him. From this union, Marva had her only son, Jonathan Keno Runs Through. Before Jonathan was born, they were making plans to get married, then Keith was severely injured in a car accident. Marva was left on her own to raise their son.
Marva was a devoted, life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she became active in the church in 1968 at the age of 15. She served 2 Youth Missions for the Northern Indian Mission, at that time they were part of that Mission, now it is called the Montana-Billings Mission. Her first mission was June-July of 1971 at Hardin, MT, her companion was Brenda Ward from North Dakota. Her second mission was July-August of 1972 at Porcupine, South Dakota, her companion was Gretchen Youpee from Poplar, MT. In the Frazer Church because of activeness Marva taught in all classes from primary to youth and became a member of the Relief Society. Being involved in Church work helped Marva develop a sense of impenetrable gratitude. Marva did not like to plan, She said, “I never like planning because when I do unexpected things happen to make me want to give up, but then I just go with the changes-with faith and prayer everything turns out alright. Like life, never give up.” Marva was a bright light with her Church family.
Grandma Gae taught Marva how to make Star quilts by cutting out diamonds and piecing them together in beautiful designs. Later Marva learned the strip method to make quilts faster. There was a demand for the Star quilts, hand quilted and fashioned by Marva. Marva was a seamstress who made ribbon shirts and skirts, as well as grass dance and jingle dress outfits. Her mom, Ruby taught Marva the delicate art of beading. Marva would bead graduation caps, hair ties, moccasins, necklaces, pins and whatever anyone wanted to decorate. Marva shared these cultural skills and methods with all her siblings, nieces, granddaughters, and other community members. Grandpa and grandma Gae were also a spiritual influence in Marva’s life. As a young girl, Marva dropped a firecracker into a gasoline can. When the firecracker did not explode, Marva went to checkout why. As Marva looked into the gas can, it exploded in her face. The doctor said Marva’s face would be scarred for life and that her hair would not grow back. Grandma Gae, a bundle carrier, wrapped the injury in medicine she used with her Assiniboine people. After many weeks the bandages were taken off, and Marva did not look like she had any ill-effects. Her face was left unscarred and her hair grew back. This incident impacted Marva’s strong faith in her Heavenly Father, our Creator. As she aged with years Marva was a beautiful woman with gorgeous silver traditional hair.
Marva participated in many community and cultural organizations and projects: “Mato Cinja”; “Nakon Iabi Oyadebi”; chairwoman for the Assiniboine Committee, member of the Red Bottom Committee and a student of the FPCC Assiniboine Language under Kenny Ryan.
Marva was preceded in death by her parents Wallace and Ruby Runs Through; the love of her life Keith Keno Stump; grandparents Andrew and Gae (Moccasin) Fourstar, Marion and Katie (Owens) Runs Through; brothers Marion Runs Through, Arthur Evan Runs Through and Thomas Runs Through; brothers-in-law, Sherman Talks Different, Sr., Kiefer Foote, Sr., Kenneth Devereaux, Leonard Hollow Horn; grandsons AJ Fourstar, Rocky Clark, Trenton Beston and his son Enright Beston, Rilee Beston; granddaughter Chelsea Fourstar; great-grandsons Matthyus Hamilton, Keno Aiden Garfield Runs Through.
Marva is survived by uncle, Andrew Fourstar; sisters Kathryn Talks Different, Debra Ramsey, Carol Runs Through, Brenda Hollow Horn, Janet (Jake) Good Bear, Janeen (Patrick) Firemoon-Ricker; sisters-in-law, Millie Youpee, Brenda Bauer; her brother Wallace Runs Through, Jr.; son Jonathan (Vangie) Runs Through; grandchildren Grace (Lester) Runs Through, Jonthan (Shelby) Runs Through, Jr., Teanna Runs Through, Trevor Smith-Gray Hawk, Ruby Runs Through, Fredrick Runs Through, Trevorick Runs Through, Jonathan Runs Through III; great-grandsons, Elliott Hamilton, Robert Hamilton, Orion Menz; grandsons, Jestin Dupree, Bryce Kirk; granddaughter, Trish Kirk; cousins, Phyllis Spotted Wolf, Mason Runs Through, Anthony Runs Through, Adam Runs Through, Eldon Runs Through, Jr., Rose Big Leggins, Matthew Runs Through; nephews and nieces, Sherman Talks Different, Jr., Cicely (Joe) Raining Bird, Jon Talks Different, Otis (Samantha) Talks Different, Logan (Teera) Talks Different, Marian (Fred) Old Person, Iree (Kandis) Talks Different, Irene Talks Different, Windy Howard, Marion Runs Through, Jr., Millie Runs Through, Arthur Devereaux, Quinten Devereaux, Thunderdrum Foote, Kira (Gale) Menz, Kiefer Foote, Jr., Katei Runs Through, Emberlee (Lance) Hollow Horn, Kyleigh Hollow Horn, Lakota Hollow Horn, Lillian Hollow Horn, Bree Hollow Horn, Trevor (Marnita) Grandchamp, Jonika Grandchamp, Lance Grandchamp, Brittani Beston, Tyra Overton, Shania (Julian) Lutes, Pamela (Zane) Beston, Londyn Rattling Thunder, and numerous great-grandchildren.
A wake will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Oswego Community Hall. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oswego Community Hall. Interment will follow at Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery.