Bernadette (Charette) Venne
May 28, 1937 - December 30, 2025
Obituary
Bernadette (Charette) Venne, Fortunate Woman, “Baa Waa āa Chii liish”, affiliated with the Crow and Chippewa Tribes, and born into the Ties the Bundle clan, crossed over on December 30, 2025. She left us quietly, softly, and gently, with an abundance of peace and love in her heart.
Bernadette was born on May 28, 1937, in Crow Agency, Montana, to Elreno Perkins and Ernest Perkins.
She attended Crow Agency Elementary School and graduated from St. Labre High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from MSUB (EMC) in Elementary Education, with Special Education and Reading Specialist credentials.
Bernadette dedicated her life to education and service. She worked at Garfield Elementary School, Riverside Middle School, and Hardin High School. She served as Director of the Billings American Indian Center, taught Special Education at Busby Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, and worked in Federal Programs for Lame Deer K–12, where she retired. She also served on many education boards and commissions. In 2018, she was honored as Indian Elder of the Year by the Montana Indian Education Association.
She had a big heart for kids. She was a rescuer of the vulnerable, like her grandmother Olive who rescued her when she was a child. She celebrated all children by giving them all she could to meet their needs, keep them safe, and help them reach their goals.
Her hobbies included embroidery, sewing, telling jokes, sledding, dancing, and doll collecting.
Bernadette was preceded in death by her grandmother Olive Venne; her mother Elreno Takes Horse; her stepfather Clark; her father Earnest “Slim” Perkins; and her son Roy Guy Charette.
She is survived by her siblings:
Sister Dorthy (Brian) St. Pierce; brother William E. (Gwen) Takes Horse; sister Shirley (Joe) Kristufek; sister Sarah Mae Takes Horse; and nieces Loretta Takes Horse and Maggie.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren:
Daughter: Reno Charette
Grandson Wayne L. Smith Jr. (Joni): Catlin, Sisakoom, Sovereign, Racey, Ace
Granddaughter Wisper (Tyler) Cooper
Grandson Rayne Forrest: Phoenix, Phawx
Granddaughter Hunter Rose (Daniel) Griffin: Finley Danger, Juniper Rose, Jubilee Louise
Son: Charles (Melanie) Charette
Granddaughter Kara (Brittany) Wegner: Payton, Rihana, Huyana, Arie
Granddaughters Breanna Charette and Erin Charette
Son: Damian (Pat) Charette
Grandson Zachary Allen
Son: Rick Charette
Granddaughter Holly (Chris) Garrison: Wyatt, Chloe
Granddaughter Kirby (Tyler) Treumann: Jovie
Daughter: Rochelle Charette
Granddaughter Nichol: Leiaya (Zachary) Winter, Makayla Jordan, Rayna
Granddaughter Catrina: Harmony, Haylan
Grandson Steven King: Aaliyah Sage, Chanel Anaya
She is also survived by her adopted children:
Clayton and Yolanda Matt: Caato, Chrystal
MaryAnn (Joseph) Still Smoking: Susette, Francis, Royale, Michael
Gavin Gleich: Gus, Gabe
Jeffery (Melinda) Sanders: Sara
At any given time, there were nine kids in the household. Some stayed for a meal, some for a night, some for days, weeks, months, or years. Children in need were always welcome.
She is survived by many friends, including Marcelline Little Old Man, Ruby Braine, Kathy Spang, Beaver Long Fox, Linda Little Wolf, Karen Old Elk, Dee Belobradic, and many others.
The family acknowledges her nurses and caregivers from Right at Home: Kathy (CNA), Meghan (CNA), Sarah (RN); and Compassus: Lynnette (RN), Erinn (RN), Laura (LPN), Amanda (SW), Barbara (CNA), and Kelsee (Aide).
She is also survived by her pet, LaFee (the girl), a Toy Fox Terrier.