We are utterly heartbroken to announce our charismatic beautiful mother Abigail Yvonne Reddoor was called home to the bosom of the Father, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 23, 2018 at 3:00 a.m.
Abigail Yvonne Reddoor was born in Poplar, Montana on September 26th 1937 to David Leader Reddoor and Mabel Geraldine Shields. She was the fourth child of six.
Our consolation is that our beloved mother, a beautiful soul is enveloped in love, peace and joy of the Lord. Her faith was the backbone of our family and her resilience withstood adversity and earthly obstacles which allowed her to humbly and gracefully embrace the obstacles in dignity.
In 1963, Abigail was joined in marriage with Eugene Thomas “Gene” Ryan Sr. of Sisseton, South Dakota and of this union beget 3 children; 2 daughters, Lanette M. Ryan and Gina Elizabeth Bearfighter both of Poplar, and 1 son Eugene Thomas “Chiefy” Ryan who is deceased. They lived in San Jose, California for 11 years then made the move to Poplar, Montana in 1975.
Abigail grew up in Fort Kipp, Chelsea, Poplar, and Oglala, South Dakota, graduating from Brockton High School, home of the warriors. Throughout her life she developed skills and friendships through her many talents and adventures. She worked as a medical transcriptionist for 25 years at the Verne E. Gibbs Health Center in Poplar, Montana for San Jose Medical Examiner in San Jose, California and also for Medical Lovelace Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Abigail attended Haskall Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas forging a friendship with Billy Mills. She graduated from NAES and the Fort Peck Community College with a business degree.
Abigail’s most significant accomplishments was her walk with the Lord and she was always happy to share that. She loved her family, her heritage and cultural language and spoke fluent Dakota Sioux embarking on yet another journey teaching the Dakota language to the young children and adults of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe of Fort Peck and was an instructor of the Dakota Language and Dakota Hymns at Fort Peck Community College. Our mother loved teaching the language and keeping it alive within the community and she loved singing Dakota hymns in which she made several Dakota Odowan hymns with her elder sister Irma Reddoor. She instilled the passion for genealogy in the community.
Abigail participated and had membership in many organizations. A few are P.C.O, Dakota Presbytery, and Elder Deacons Association.
Abigail was a master seamstress, a genealogist, creative craftsman, designer of women’s traditional dress, which was exhibited in cultural museums in South Dakota. She could twirl a baton and taught her 2 daughters also. She could skin a deer in less than 8 minutes, she forged friendships with notable people throughout the world and the young children loved her stories of Iktomi. She was an industrious lady of skill as we all know. Abigail will be deeply missed as she touched countless lives and will be remembered for that. Thank you mom for being our beloved mother.
Abigail is preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Rev. Basil Reddoor and Blanche Melbourne Reddoor; Maternal grandparents Andrew and Florence Lambert Shileds; father David Leader Reddoor Sr.; mother Mabel Shields Reddoor; brothers Gabriel Andrew Shields; sister Mary Mabel Reddoor; brothers David L. Reddoor Jr. and Timothy Reddoor Sr; sister Irma Florence Reddoor; a son Eugene Thomas “Chiefy” Ryan Jr.; granddaughter Evelynn Eden “Lisbeth Grayeagle; maternal aunties Gwendolyn and Eunice Shields Alfrey of Poplar; and Foster family Lewis and Loetta Boyd of Brockton, Montana.
Abigail is survived by daughters Lanette M. Ryan and Gina Elizabeth Bearfighter both of Poplar; grandchildren Davi Diggins, Dana Ryan and Danette Ryan, Moses N. Dionne of Colorado Springs, Colorado (all of Poplar) Jade Cope, Ashley Troitier, Trey Dribbernow, and Eugen “Chiefy” Thomas Ryan III of Poplar; special friend Phyllis Redday of Sisseton, South Dakota; Agnes Ward; Poplar Cousin, Diane Owens. If we forgot to mention anyone, we apologize.
Abigail Yvonne Reddoor was a beautiful Sioux woman with a big heart. She will be missed by all who knew her, friends, colleagues, cousins, as well as numerous relatives and her special friends.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Chong Ae & David E. Boyd Sr. says
Sis:
Your journey is complete, rest in peace.
You can now join your Mom & Dad, Timmy, David and your son.
God speed.
Our prayers are with those you leave behind.
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to the family of Abigail. Abigail was one of my student. She was a strong woman who knew her roots, and acted with integrity. Prayers that you find peace in the Creator’s love and the love of family and friends.
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore
Tiny Cody says
My dearest friend Lani, so so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, no words to ease your pain, but know I’m thinking of you, and I’m here if you need anything, sending lots of love and prayers ?
Gina Bearfighter says
Thank you for your condolences and thoughtful prayers for my mother and family. It is greatly appreciated.
Yolanda Parshall says
My friend lani my deepest prayers are with you!! Your mother was a special person whom I had the lots of respect for I loved her stories of her younger times she touched a lot of ppl. May Heavenly Father be with you and your family!
Grace Wood says
Abigail was always so gracious. I’ve always enjoyed visiting with her. My condolences to the family.
Rhonda Mason says
Rest In Peace dear friend. Thank you for being such a good Dakota language teacher and Dakota Odowan teacher. I have known you since I was ten years old and you always made me feel like a special person. You had the gift to make everyone feel special and that we could sing(when we really couldn’t) oh the good times we had! God has another angel to sing Dakota hymns in heaven.
Patt Iron Cloud says
You have a beautiful Momma. I met her years ago when she and your Dad were bowling in Poplar. I will miss her gentle spirit. Now she is with all the relatives and her son. God bless you girls and comfort you all. I love you,
Jonny Bearcub says
May your journey home be blessed with joy and peace. We will miss you my friend. Wonderful memories are the gift that God leaves us to ease the pain of your leaving. May these memories be a comfort to all you leave behind on this Earth.
Terry Lindsay-Barron says
My condolences to the family, Abigail was a good friend of mine, we go way back when we bowled together, had a lot of fun. (She was a darn good bowler, out bowled me anyway) Rest in peace Abigail.
gabriel v beauchman sr says
so very sorry to hear about your mother lani, jina rip yvoone
BLOSSOM LONGEE says
IM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF ABIGAIL’S PASSING. MY CONDOLENSCES TO THE FAMILY. ABIGAIL WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL, KIND, CARING LADY. ALWAYS KIND TO EVERYONE. I WAS SO GRATEFUL TO KNOW HER. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE NOW. SENDING PRAYERS OF COMFORT TO ALL HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ILL MISS SEEING YOU ABIGAIL AND HAVING OUR LITTLE TALKS.
Jason & Nathelle Frederick says
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Gina Bearfighter says
<3 I miss you MOM <3
thank you for being my mom….my prayers are with you and all who mourn you.
I wrote the obituary in thankfulness she was a good & strong mother. I did my best and hope i did not forget anyone and hope there are no hurt feelings.
Carolyn Adams says
Mine and my husband’s condolences for the family. My mom Mary Recette was her dear friend, they always went cruising around together when my mom was still driving. My mom will miss her very much.
Kenny says
Prayers and condolences to the family. I always known her as Yvonne when we used to go visit Grandma Mabel, her, and David in Fort Kipp. They lived just northeast of the Fort Kipp Celebration grounds in a white house. She used to tell me stories about Peter Rabbit or Peter Cottontail that lived down in the brush by the Missouri River. She used to come to the house dressed western style. I remember those days when I was a little boy. At our Family Reunion we are from the Bad Tempered Bear Band of the Dakota.
Cissy Eagleman & Cookie says
Prayers of comfort for the girls, grandchildren, extended families and all who knew Abigail. I grew up knowing her as “Cuz”, that’s how Mama always referred to Abigail. She will be missed.
Heaven most definitely has another Angel.
Jade Cope says
I love you so much Grandma. You were My Rock and My Everything. You took me everywhere with you, when I was growing up. I have a lot of great memories of you. You will always be in my heart. I am very proud & happy to be your oldest grandchild. But one day I will see you and the rest of the family again. I love and miss you so much grandma. Rest In Peace
Your oldest granddaughter- Jade Cope
Raquel White Hawk says
To My Friend/Sister Lani, I’m So Very Sorry
To Hear Of Your Momma’s Passing ?. My Thoughts & Prayers Are With You, Trey & The
Rest Of The Family. We’re Here If You Need
Us. Much ❤️; From My Mine To Yours. Love You Lani.
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P. Adopted Grandma Abigail Red Door Fly High..1
Donna Black Dog says
My prayers to Abigail family. She was a very kind spirited. Woman . I loved her singing the Dakota hymns with her sister. My prayers for strength and comfort. ????
Bob &Terry McAnally says
Our prayers and condolences for Abigail’s family. May the Creator wrap loving arms around all during this time of grieving.