Melissa White Eagle Cantrell, Wichapi Ota Winyan (Many Stars Woman), passed away at the Billings Clinic on Saturday, December 11, 2021. She grew up around the Chelsea and Poplar area when she was a young girl. As a young lady, she moved in with her sister, JoAnn in California, where she met her husband, Courtney. They lived in California until the late 60’s. While in California, she was encouraged to get a nursing degree. She became a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Melissa worked as a nurse in California and Montana. She was a very caring person. After moving back to Wolf Point, she worked at the hospital, L&M Cleaners with her sister-in-law, Dorrine who she said made work enjoyable. Then Faith Home till she hurt her back. She then worked at Silver Wolf Casino as a cook. She loved her job, especially her coworkers. They were fun to work with, laughing and having fun.
Some of the things she loved were family get-togethers, watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports, school events, and celebrations that her children and grandchildren participated in singing and dancing.
Later in life, she accepted Jesus Christ into her life. She attended the Overcomers Church, loved bible study, revivals, and retreats. When she was not able to attend, she enjoyed her visits with Pastor Lindsay and taking communion.
When she was able to travel she loved visiting her girls who are scattered in the United States.
She was a listening ear for many throughout the years that needed to talk. She was encouraging and kind but she could give you a talking to if needed.
Her children and grandchildren’s friends became her friends also. There are many who call her mom, grandmother, sister, auntie, and cousin. They all loved her dearly and she loved them all. You all know who you are. Mom was one special lady.
Melissa is survived by her daughters, Della Pipestem, Juanita Cantrell, Jonny Lee Bearcub, of Wolf Point, Montana; Rosalind Tompkins, of Spokane, Washington, Georgia (Brian) Dupuis, of Columbus, New Jersey, Carla (Ron) Soto, of Lacy, Washington; son, Michael j. (Earleen) Cantrell, of Poplar, Montana; sisters, Vivian Jones, Louella (Michae) Contreas, Ida Rae Cantrell, Mary Wolfchild, and Sylvia Cantrell; brothers, Jeffery Douglas, Leonard, Art, Otto Jr., and Virgil Cantrell; cousins, Rosemary Morsette and Agnes Ward; grandchildren, Melissa Medicine stone, Marie Castro, Adrian, Phillip Jr., Stephen and Verle Pipestem, Dylan and Dyan Youpee, Malachi Stops, Gregory, Kimmy, and Tina Azure, Tia Marie Bush, Courtney Cantrell-Rios, Nigel and Theresa Bluestone, Raven Martinez, Christina and Victor Ortega, Vanessa Soto, Brian and Andre Dupuis, and Jodene and Joshua Stiffarm; and numerous great-grandchildren with three on the way.
Melissa is preceded in death by her husband, Courtney R. Cantrell, Sr., father, James White Eagle; mother, Roselyn Davis; the aunt who raised her as her own daughter, Christine Davis Douglas; sons, Courtney R. Cantrell, Jr, and Verle Cantrell; sisters, JoAnn White Eagle, Mildred (Midge) Clancy; brothers, Leroy, Steven, Arnold, William, Duane, Jesse, and John Douglas; grandchildren, Frederick Medicine Stone, Jeremy Stiffarm, Kipp Stiffarm, and Winona Youpee.
A wake will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the New Wolf Point Community Hall. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.