Aurelia Lilly Half Red Bets His Medicine, a woman of extreme faith, went to be with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on May 16, 2020. Although she fought many battles throughout her life, the battle she fought with her bodily ailments became too great and she joined her husband, Carlus “Ray” Bets His Medicine (Ray) and mother, Mary Agnes Theresa Shaw (Agnes), in heaven.
She was born on the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota on November 10, 1939. She was raised by her mother and maternal grandfather and told many stories of her traditional upbringing and she only spoke the Dakota language until she was forced to learn English during her stints in two boarding schools. Although her boarding school experience was tough, it taught her how to be resilient and she resolved to keep her language alive. She got her teaching certificate and later became a Dakota language instructor at the Fort Peck Community College (NAES?) and Brockton High School.
Aurelia and her mother moved to Montana in 1949 to find a home. They moved around to various places until settling in Fort Kipp where she was later “mutually introduced” to her future husband, Ray, by well-meaning grandparents when they were in their teens. They married in 1960 and made their home on the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Reservation in Northeast Montana, where Ray was an enrolled member. They bought their two bedroom house in 1968 and had it placed on seven acres in the country so their children could raise animals and have room to run without the hassle of “city living”. They had five children and raised them together, along with various “foster” kids, until his death in 1995. They never considered these kids to be “fosters”, they welcomed them into their home and eventually had to turn the two bedroom home into a five bedroom home to accommodate their own kids and the extra kids entrusted to their care. After her husband’s passing, Aurelia continued to open her home to anyone who needed shelter, whether that was a friend running from a dangerous situation with their kids in tow or any child needing a safe place to sleep. When her grandkids and great grandkids were born, she took great pleasure in helping to raise them. Stories were told by community members about how Aurelia was never alone when she went anywhere. Her van was always filled with children.
Aurelia is survived by three daughters: Raylene and Theresa Bets His Medicine; Anissa (Jim) Gabrielson, and two sons: Travis (Tricia) and Dave (Tina) Bets His Medicine and an adopted son, Carlin Iron Moccasin (children). Nephew Al Bets His Medicine. Aurelia’s many, much-loved grandkids: Rikki; Auggi; Kendi; Rayni and Brennon Bets His Medicine; Shanna, Swann, T’Ray, Shante, Jamaal Bets His Medicine; Peyton Buckelk, Lucy Hart and her treasured great grandkids: Mishone and Yaya St. Germaine; Eebz and Mushu Red Eagle. Sister Sybil (Robert) Summers, nieces Melissa (children), Terri (children), Willette. Nephews Benjamin, Robert, Jr.; William Jr., Lloyd. “Sisters” Violet (Henry) Buck Elk and Ethel White Hawk. Cousins from Spirit Lake Ardis, Andy and Vincent.
Aurelia was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, and her mother, Agnes. Her dad, Loyal Half Red. Sister Eliza Lambert. Grandson Rocket Speed. Auntie Lilly Shaw. Nieces Angie Summers and Tonya Lambert. Friend Georgia Red Eagle.
*** Mom had many friends and relatives whom are too numerous to list here but know she loved you all and the exclusion of your name was inadvertent ***
Due to Covid-19 Regulations in place, the family will not be having a feed following the service.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, Montana. Interment will follow at Fort Kipp Cemetery.
In an effort to abide with the social distancing requests, we are asking that only family and close friends attend the viewing and graveside services. To watch the service live, please visit the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel Facebook page.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Curley Youpee says
kola Aurelia,
Tuwa igluhukulyakel wacekiya cana he
taho kin makpiya kin kahloke.
Hena, ungnas ecanna hiyoniupi kte.
Doksa, ake waunkte……..
Ethelyn Moccasin says
My deepest condolences and prayers to Aurelia’s family..
She was a sweet lady and she will be missed.. love and hugs ..
🙏🙏🙏
DEBRA M. says
Condolences to the BetsHis Medicine family,Raylene,Theresa and all. This has to be a sad day in your hearts.Your Mom was the sweetest lady from what I knew of her. and I could see how close you all were. God keep you all close So sorry for your loss.
Lori Canyon says
Prayers to Aurelia’s family, Tom and I were saddened by ur mothers loss…Hang in there Doyle, and girls…prayers to ur family,she was a nice lady who would call to ck on her neighbors to see how they were doing…she called to ck on Tom and she was a nice lady she will be missed..our prayers go out to your family..
Blossom Longee says
Ray when you called me and told me your mom had been flown out my heart ached for you all. Then you called and told me she had passed I was so saddened. My prayers and condolences to you all. She was such a sweet lady. I loved her smile. I’m going to miss seeing her at work. R.I.P. Aurelia. May you fly high with the rest of the Angel’s. You will be missed by many 😢
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
To my nephews and nieces sorry about the lose of your mother our prayers and with you all.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
She always had a hug and a smile for me whenever I saw her. I will miss her. Sending prayers to the family for strength and comfort in the memories left to cherish for it is the memories that is the balm to our wounded soul as we miss those who have gone before us. My friend, travel in joy and glory to the other side to be greeted with a feast and songs of welcome by our relatives who have gone before us.
Suzanne Turnbull says
I will miss seeing her around. She was gracious and kind. I know she will be missed. My condolences to her family.
Rhonda L Mason says
My dear friend Aurelia, I will miss seeing you around. especially at rummage sales:) I also have lots of good memories when you and I taught in Brockton. You shared many stories that I retell to others. Especially the one about “sha-lap”. I know you’re in heaven speaking the language and visiting with relatives, especially your Mom. Prayers our Creator will life the hearts of your children and grandchildren during this difficult time. Always, your koda
Felicia Martell says
Prayers for you all! I’m really gonna miss her smile and her lil visit here and there ❤️ So sorry to hear it was a shock! I’m so glad to have met her I’ll always remember her and hold her close to my heart!
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the families. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All during this difficult time
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolences to Aurelia children and family. She was a great lady. She always had a smile 😊 when she greeted you. She will be dearly missed by the people who knew her. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹
Jackie says
So sorry Raylene and family, so hard to lose our mother. I will hold you up in prayer. God be with you all. Jackie
Al Bets His says
I still can’t believe this. I keep looking at her obituary thinking maybe I’m dreaming. To all my 1st cousins, Raylene, Doyle, Dave, Theresa and Anissa. Stay Strong and lean on each other. You are all amazing and God will comfort you.
Terrance P Gourneau says
Aurelia was one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever known. Every time I’d see her, she’d have a smile on her face and a warm greeting. Condolences from I, Leslie, T, Megan, Callyn and Emma.
Theresa Bets His Medicine says
My Dearest Mumzy,
I am dreading tomorrow when we have to lay you to rest for eternity. I miss you Mom terribly, I cry myself to sleep every night, wake up and remember your gone and cry again. I wish this was all a horrible nightmare Mom. My heart is broken. I have some comfort knowing your not in pain anymore. I can’t wait to see you again until then I will try my best to go on. Give Dad and Grams a kiss from me. I miss you and love you.
Love Theresa.
Corrine Shields says
Condolences to the Bets His Medicine family.Prayers & comfort at this time of your loss.Iam sorry…from Yellow Owls
Clayton & Shannon Martell says
Thank you for always being so good to us! We appreciate all the things you have shared with us over the years! We are going to miss seeing your friendly face! Prayers.
Rose Morsette says
Sending prayers for the family of beautiful Aurelia,
Such a kind lady, made the most beautiful star quilts
Very respectful elder that’s going to missed,
Pam Anders says
I loved Aurelia, and have thought about her a lot since I left Culbertson. She was truly a blessing in so many life’s.
Sending all my love to her and her family!!
Kathy hamilton says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother taught me the Dakota language at fpcc. I will be ever so grateful for her . She was a talented and loving women whom I respected very much! She will ever be our hearts!. We love you all.
Kathy, sierra and Phillip
Marilyn Johnston says
Prayers to the family of Aurelia! I enjoyed getting to know her when I worked at Culbertson School. She loved her grandchildren and always wanted the best for them. I know she sacrificed a lot for them, Thinking of you all at this time. God bless.
Lisa Sun Rhodes says
My condolences to the family of Aurelia. She was such a kind, gentle soul and will be missed by so many. She truly made this world a better place. Prayers for comfort for her family.
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to the family. I really always enjoying visiting Aurelia. She was always had a beautiful smile . I know she will be dearly missed.
Carlos J Buck Elk | Waikiki, HI says
Prayers of comfort and strength for the entire family. My Condolences.
Gay Pennington says
My prayers to the family and relatives of Aurelia. She was a very nice person and had a smile on her face. May she rest in peace and May God be with you all. From Gay (Paulson) Pennington