Bernadette Two Bulls Dimas (Nap’e waste’-win – Good Hands Woman) was born in Poplar, Montana on March 23, 1935. She attended Elementary school in Poplar, Montana; Junior high at Busby Boarding School; and High school at Flandreau High. Bernadette was determined to make life better for herself, and left to college in Huron South Dakota, where she earned a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Secondary Education with a Major in Speech and English in 1957. From there, she moved to Gallup, New Mexico, where she taught English at Gallup High from 1957-1975. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Mike Dimas. They were married on August 21, 1959. The two had been inseparable for the last 61 years. With this union, they had three children, Debra Dimas Azure (Howard), Michael Darin (Jane), and Troy.
In 1975, Bernadette, Mike and their children, moved to Poplar, where Bernadette carried many teaching roles from 1975-1998, in the Poplar School District. She also taught at the Fort Peck/Dawson Community College during those years. Bernadette retired in 1999, and at that time, her and Mike moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Even though she was retired, Bernadette still felt the need to carry on with her love for teaching others. While in New Mexico, Bernadette was an elementary tutor, and a GED Writing instructor at the University of New Mexico. She also was employed at the Indian Cultural Center. Bernadette’s heart knew she needed to be closer to family, so Mike and Bernadette moved back to Poplar in 2007. Poplar is where Bernadette and Mike have called home since moving back.
Bernadette was a loving grandmother to her eleven grandchildren who she absolutely adored. They are Dustyn Azure (Jen), Autumn Fuzesy (Derek), Ashley Rafiu (Hazeez), Hunter Azure (Sage), Colter Dimas (Klarisa), Cory Dimas (Bianca), Mariah Dimas (Logan), Lily Taflan, Devin Dimas (Rebecca), Christian Dimas, and Tori Dimas. Her strong bond with them led her on many outings to show her support to them as they participated in sports and other events; we know she will continue to watch over them.
Not only were her children and grandchildren very dear to her heart, but so were her fourteen great grandchildren, Maleigha, Kierstyn, Sydnee, Huntyn, Blayke, MacKenzee, Zayleigh, Hallie, Paityn, Kingston, Trace, Evelyn, Mack, Wilder, and one more she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her great grandson, Rekker. Bernadette made sure that all of her great grandchildren knew she cared for them and loved them.
Bernadette was a strong, determined, and a fiercely independent, caring woman. She had many achievements in her lifetime. With her spare time in Gallup, New Mexico, she took flying lessons and earned her pilot license. In 1981, Bernadette was chosen as the Fulbright Fellowship Recipient. With this, she was invited to attend the University of Oslo in Norway, where she spent the summer of 1981. In 1997, Bernadette was awarded the Montana Indian Educator of the year.
Bernadette enjoyed reading, traveling, camping with her family, socializing, going to casino’s, but most of all, supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernadette left us on March 12, 2021. Although her time was well spent with her family, she will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet her. Bernadette holds a very special place in each of her family member’s hearts. She was proud to boast about her families accomplishments. Bernadette made everyone in her family feel so loved.
Bernadette is survived by her husband, Mike and her children, Debra, Darin and Troy; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Wayne, Charles (Bud); and her sisters, Francine, Vermae, and Sylvia.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Mercilline Eagle Bear; her dad, John Two Bulls; her grandparents, Francis and Eva Eagle Bear; her sisters, La Verda, Carmelita, Verna, Marzetta, Dolores, Darlene, Bernice, and Violet; her brothers, Warren, Francis (Mackie), and Phillip; and one granddaughter, Janie Dimas.
We thank you for joining us in the celebration of Bernadette’s life.
A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service following at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, Montana. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, Montana. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 17, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 17, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 18, 2021
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 17, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 17, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 18, 2021
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Darleen TwoBulls says
Condolences and prayers to the families of Auntie Bernadette. I pray and ask our Creator to give strength and comfort during this time and the days, weeks, months ahead. She was one awesome, intelligent person. I am fortunate that we got to know you. RIP Bernadette. Due to the distance between Poplar, MT and Laguna, NM, unfortunately we cannot attend the wake and burial but know that you are all in our prayers. Love you – Darleen, Olin and Karlton TwoBulls
MIKE says
MRS.DIMAS, WAS SUCH A VERY GOOD ENGLISH TEACHER AND VERY NICE PERSON TO TALK TO SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND HI FOR EVERYONE. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY, TOKA SA AKA MRS.DIMAS. UNTIL MEET AGAIN HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY MRS.DIMAS.
Carol OH says
My condolences to the family. We all have a teacher who made a difference in our life. She was so kind and caring and treated me with respect as her student. I never forgot her. Rest In Peace Mrs. Dimas.
Rich Peterson says
Bernadette was a great friend with my parents along with Mike. I will miss visiting with her and she was also one of my favorite teachers. Rest easy.
PK Bushman says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs Dimas was a beautiful soul. She will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Ramey Escarcega says
Mrs. Dimas,
You were the best English teacher who always reminded us students that your classroom sat on our own land and that we should take pride in who we are. You taught us how to correctly say sherbet not sure-bert, per say, rather soar-bay! Thank You for your lifetime memories in school, may you journey well. Prayers for your family and your husband. You were the best!
One of your students, Ramey Escarcega. 💜💖
Joel Rae Ferguson says
Rest in Paradise Mrs. Dimas… Thank you for being the best teacher.. Sending prayers, comfort and strength to Mr. Dimas, Debbie and Family, Darren and Family and your Baby Boy T%roy…
Barbara Perry says
I just recently got to know Bernadette. I enjoyed listening to her many stories, and some of her antics. So sorry for her family. She was a real nice woman. We always visited a little when we saw each other at the casino. Sincere sympathy for her husband, children and other family members. The world lost a very nice person. R.I.P Bernadette.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Soar high Ms. Dimas – one of the best educators of our tribes. You had an impact on many young people. Great job done on this Earth. To the family, remember she is dearly loved and thought of by many near and far. Be comforted in that thought. My prayers are with you as prepare for her celebration of Life.
McGeorge DeMarrias says
My condolences to the family. Mrs Dimas was a very nice lady / teacher who gave me some amazing advice, which was true and all I had to do was stay focused and look to the future. Thanks for talking with me and seeing the potential inside a young student back then.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Our condolences to Bernadette’s family and friends. She and Mike have been such a positive example of life-long love and partnership. May all of you remember positive memories that she left you. Her kindness, friendliness and smile will be missed.
Peg Norgaard says
Mike and family…I’m so very sorry for your loss; our hearts go out to you all. Your mom returned to Poplar a year after I graduated and it sure sounds like I missed out on one heck of an educator. I will always remember the wrestling seasons spent with you as we watched Dustin, Colter, Cory and Morgan beat the mats. And let’s not forget all those AAU Saturdays spent on hard gym benches as we watched Darrin, Howard and Ken literally run from mat to mat! They were long days but you and Mike were always smiling and cheering everyone on. You will always be an amazing woman whose legacy will live on for generations. It was an honor and privilege to know you. To loving family left behind, may God hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Greg Hirst says
Poplar Schools lost its best English teacher. Bernadette was a strong woman who was respected and loved by many. What I admired most about Bernadette was her true character, and how she offered so much of herself to family, tribe, and community. I always felt proud to know her. My prayers are for her family and community who will greatly miss her. God bless.
Gay (Stephanie) Pennington says
Mrs. Dimas was a very good English teacher. She taught us alot and had a smile 😃 on her face. When ever we would run into your parents we would visit. Smiles on there face. Shes your Angel 😇 and will be watching over all of you. Rest in peace. My prayers for all of you. Sorry I won’t be able make it. As I am coming Friday to see my mom in nursing home. Shes not well. I BE praying for you. Be safe and take care.
Laura EagleBoy says
Mrs Dimas, you were a bright, beautiful soul and one of my favorite teachers in Poplar. thank you, very much for the encouraging words and warm comforting smile you always had. I will never forget you.
my sincerest condolences to her family.
Twilia Bear Cub says
My sincere condolences for her whole family. I shall miss her always. I can imagine the reunion in heaven with her family and friends. My mother June, Faye Peterson, and Mavis Failing …such beautiful friends reunited with dear Bernadette once again. Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time. Prayers for Mike, Deb, Darin and Troy.
Gina and Gary Lonebear says
O geez we are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her sitting at the machines at TJ’s. She is was always so sweet and nice. We’re sure going to miss her. Her n the hubby liked to tease me n my hubby make us laugh always made our day just to see her smiling face. Geez our hearts are broke. Prayers n condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren and all her family.
Chet Eagleman,Sr. says
My condolences to Mike and the family.
Jack Oliver says
What a wonderful colleague. Her students messages say it all. Our prayers and love are with all of you.
Pam Clark says
Wow, what a Beautiful obituary of a life filled w love and so many accomplishments. Such a great testimony of life and what a legacy she left behind for all her family 😊 and all who knew her . Prayers for all
Jack Oliver says
Beautiful person. I enjoyed all the years we worked together. Love and prayers to all the family.
Sue Parker says
Mrs. Dimas will be greatly missed. She was my favorite teacher in high school. Always a smile on her face. Condolences to Mike, Deb, Darin, and Troy.
Kenneth Eder says
You were a great teacher.
Patt Runs Through says
God bless our beautiful Bernadette. She has touched each one of us in a very positive way. Prayers for Hunter. I know she loves him very much and is very proud of him and all her Takojapi. I still remember the video where Hunter came home and surprised his beloved Unci and she just screamed with excitement. This video made me cry for joy for both of them. God bless her wonderful children and all her Takojapi.
Thank you dear Bernadette and Mike for loving me. I thank you for all your precious hugs. I will miss them.
Dear beautiful Bernadette, I will certainly miss your fabulous smile. God bless you on your brand new adventures. You are young again. We will see one another soon enough. I love you. I will pray for all your babies. Grandma Patt 😭🥲🙏🏼❤️💔
Crystal Eagle says
Thoughts and Prayers for the family☀🌹❤
I have fond memories of when I was younger.
She was a very sweet lady. And she was indeed a lady.
Rest Peaceful Mrs.Dimas.🌹
Donna Dethman says
Mike and family, I was shocked to hear of Bernadettes passing. She was a wonderful teacher who impacted many students. She was so kind and caring and loved her family!! May God give you peace and comfort in knowing she is with Jesus. My sincerest sympathy.
Delwayne Browning Family says
My condolences to all of the family members 🙏🙏🙏
Ferguson Jordis says
Hugs of comfort to the family, she was a amazing woman/teacher. RIP Mrs. Dimas.
Caleb & Yvonne Shields says
Yvonne and I were so sadden to hear of Bernadette’s travel to the Spirit World. Our hearts go out to our friend Mike and family. Bernadette was like sisters to my sisters Joy and June. Yvonne and I feel so bad about not making it up to her services as we now live in Mesa, Arizona. We were hoping to see her and Mike coming down to Phoenix to see her grandson Hunter cage fighting, her and Mike are so proud of what he has accomplished so far. I know that we will meet again , bless you Bernadette, you were such a beautiful person to know.
Claudia Walker says
Bernadette, I believe you are the most accomplished woman in, soon to be, our extended family. I see now why your family, particularly Hunter and his son Wilder, my soon to be grd.son inlaw, are the bright, dedicated, driven individuals they are. I now am convinced that and feel safe in the future for my grd.daughter and their children. Your love of and dedication to your family is evident in Hunter. A rare thing. Heaven welcomes women like you and your heavenly family and friends. God bless you and your amazing family.
Ross Strauser says
Mrs Dimas was my favorite teacher of all time! She taught an extracurricular Radio Class in high school. It was that class and her encouragement all those years ago that gave me the courage and inspiration to become a broadcaster and voice over artist.
God’s Speed on your Journey Mrs Dimas. Condolences to the entire family.
David E. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Mike and family our prayers are with you all.
Melissa Moran Ragels says
Sending my sincere condolences to your family! I’m very sorry to hear.
Gloria Underwood says
The Underwood family in Gallup, N.M. Sends our condolences to Mike and the kids. We loved Bernadette and appreciated her friendship through all these many years.
Carlos J BuckElk | Firenze Italia | buckelk04@yahoo says
Condolences to the family, especially to Debbie and family, my former coworker. 🙏🏽
Diane R Nees says
My sympathy to Mike and family.
Rod & Ilene Standen says
We were very saddened to hear of Bernadette’s passing. She is a great loss to her family and to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bettie Szymanski Rowe says
Bettie Szymanski Rowe I was so surprised to hear about Bernadette passing away. I really got to know her when I was substitute teaching and working in the high school. I pray for you and your family to have peace and comfort during your time of loss may God bless you all.
Rhonda Mason says
Prayers of comfort for the family. Bernadette was a wonderful person on earth, now she is a wonderful angel in heaven.