Eloise Stewart

Eloise Lorraine Stewart, 71, of Ashland, MT went home peacefully to Heaven on October 29, 2020. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, her brother, sisters, nieces and nephews. An enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, Be'ee Kuunesei “Red Feather '' her Indian name given to her by her maternal grandfather Elk Redman, was born on August 2, 1949 to John E. Willow, Sr. and Lucy A. Redman Willow. Eloise would always say that she was a San Francisco 49er fan because of the year she was born. When describing Eloise we often hear that she was a kind hearted person who you could always see with a smile. She was a natural caretaker for her younger brothers and sisters whom she loved dearly by always remembering them during birthdays or other events in their lives. She was also a loving caring mother, who always supported her family in everything they did and in their times of need. Eloise attended St. Stephens Indian Mission and Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander Wyoming where she graduated in 1967. After high school she then attended Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas. While attending Haskell she met Stacey, from then on they were inseparable and who were often described as a ‘perfect couple' by their Haskell friends. Stacey and Eloise married in June of 1969 at St. Joseph's Church in Ethete Wyoming. From this union they had six children, Amy Margaret (the late Jay Dale) Old Mouse, Stacey “Thomas”, Mary Magdalen “Maggie”, Barbara Ann (Carl) Alden, Victoria “Tori” (Bolind Hogan). Before settling in Ashland Eloise and Stacey briefly made their first home in Denver, CO from there they returned to Ethete, WY, and Crow Agency, MT. Eloise was employed as a joint secretary for the Shoshone and Arapaho Business Council before moving to Montana. Upon making their home in Crow Agency, Eloise then became the secretary for the Crow Public School until their move to Ashland where she was employed by St. Labre for over 30 years. Eloise enjoyed her children, grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Her and her husband would travel to participate in celebrations; from band concerts, birthdays and graduations. She loved watching her grandchildren take part in sports, from her granddaughters and their dance recitals and competitions to baseball, football, basketball games to swim meets and bowling tournaments. She was a member of the Catholic church where both her and Stacey were Godparents to many children. She was also a devoted member of the Kateri Circle of the St. Labre Parish. Eloise and Stacey planned their summer trips to attend the Kateri Tekakwitha Conferences where they were dedicated members for many years. They drove across the country to participate in the annual conferences where they had made many friends throughout the years. Eloise is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Stacey, of 51 years, her daughter Josephine Louise, son-in-law Jay Dale Old Mouse. Brothers: Norman, Sr. and Kenneth Willow, nieces: April Rose, Kellie Nicole, nephews: John III, Arlyn Chester, George Thomas, grandchildren: Bryan Elloit and Marisa Chenoa. Survivors include her children, brother John Earl, Jr., sisters, Margaret “Margie”, Joan, Veronica (Dominic) Addison, Christine (Warren) Niedo and Linda Claire. Aunts Alvena Oldman and Alvena Friday, uncle Alfred Redman. Grandchildren, Jonathon “Jon”, Trevor, Shontae, David, Jaden, Kira, Sophina, Bravenn, Everette “Otto Jim”, Tatyana, Angel and Kingzlee. Extended families, Underwood, Redman, Friday, Shakespeare, Spoonhunter, Goggles, Brown, Headley, Tyler. Our family would like to thank the medical staff that were involved with taking great care of our mother. Their care and compassion made our hearts know she was in good hands. Graveside service will be held at 1 PM at the St. Labre Campus in Ashland.