Cleo Lafern Jackson, “White Bird Woman”, named by her great-grandpa Steve, was born May 5, 1943, in Wolf Point, MT; the second daughter of Joe and Gladys Jackson. She passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2014 in Wolf Point. She was 70 years old.
She grew up in the Oswego area in the family ranch. She attended Oswego school until 7th grade. She attended Jr. High and High School in Wolf Point, graduating in 1962.
Upon High School graduation she went on to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and later, Eastern Montana College obtaining a Business degree.
In Utah, she met and married Oliver Reed, to that union 3 children were born; Lisa, Willie, and Daryl. They lived in Seattle, WA and Kayenta, AZ. In 1973, she moved back with her family to help take care of Grandma Jeanette.
Early in the 80’s, she met and married Lawrence Boxer. They lived in Billings, MT where she returned to school obtaining her Business degree. They also lived in Ft. Washakie, WY where they worked for the B.I.A. and they later divorced.
In May of 1996, Cleo and Larry Hamilton were married in Poplar, MT. They were friends for many years and had a wonderful union. They enjoyed lots of traveling, lots of fun, and lots of work. They welcomed each other’s children and grandchildren with open arms. Larry would be traveling across Montana to get her grandchildren.
Through all of this Cleo was a career woman. At an early age, she worked at the White Star Laundry in Wolf Point and as a waitress at the Triangle Café. After college, she worked for the B.I.A. retiring after 28 years. She retired as a Superintendent at Fort Belknap Agency. She just couldn’t be retired, so she went to work for Montana State for 3 years. Two years ago, she became Director of the Tribal Road Program. Due to her health, she resigned from that in early October of this year.
Cleo was friendly, outgoing, and very knowledgeable about many things. We all often had “to ask Cleo, she’ll know.” She enjoyed watching her husband and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews at ropings, watching her sons and grandchildren play basketball and other sports.
Cleo is survived by her husband, Larry; children, Lisa St. Claire, Willie Reed of Billings, Daryl Reed of South Dakota, Taffy of Billings, Rose of Yakima, Washington, Lawrence Hamilton, Duane Hamilton, Jason Hamilton, and Terence Hamilton all of Wolf Point, and Bernita, of South Dakota; sisters, JoEllen and Dale Grandchamp of Oswego, and Davey Jean of Billings; grandchildren, Deanna Azure, Jordan St. Clair, JoHanna and Rob Reed, Kardin Reed, Nyla, Oliver, Kayla, Cleo, Daryana, and Dionna Reed and adopted brothers Rusty Stafne, Rick Kirn and Brney Cummins and adopted sister Mary Helen.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Gladys Jackson; grandparents Bernard and Jeanette Standing-Stonewall and Susie Jackson; sisters Darla Payne, Lynn Campbell, Patty Stump; brother-in-laws Pete Stump and John Stewart and adopted brother Eugene Culbertson.
Cleo will be missed by many friends, nieces, nephews, grandchildren she took as her own when her sisters passed. We love you Cleo.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Carol Azure says
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Cleo’s family, sending prayers of comfort.
Carol Azure
Blossom Longee says
Larry and Family i am so sorry to hear about Cleo’s passing. My prayers are with you all. feel free to let me know if you need anything. She was a wonderful lady. Always nice to me.
Jonny BearCub says
Sending prayers of comfort to the family at this time of separation. Cleo was always kind to me ever since I was a little girl. I will miss her smile.
JSpear says
My sincerest condolences. Cleo was such a beautiful spirit. Beautiful in her kindness and, the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about someone she loved, beautiful for her ability to calm others and beautiful for her strength. Prayers for her family and friends.
Darlyn Grainger says
So sorry for the loss of Cleo, your wife, mother, Grandma, sister, Aunt. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Patt Iron Cloud says
Dear Cleo Hamilton Family… So very sorry Larry for this great loss in your life. You have a dynamic wife and now she will travel on to Paradise to be just as dynamic and strong. I love Cleo and her laughter and her kindness. My heart is very sad for this great leader of our Tribe. Sincerely,
Ardey Boxer says
My deepest sympathy to her family……She will be missed……..
Arlene Holmes says
I went to high school with Cleo and she was a beautiful person then. I know you will all miss her. May God comfort you at this sad time.
Ken & Carla Damon says
Larry and family sorry to hear about Cleo’s passing. Prayers and condolences to you and the family.
Roxann Smith says
Sending prayerful condolences to your families. She will be missed by many.
Rose Hamilton Martinez says
My heart is with you dad. Cleo you were and still are such a beautiful women inside and out. I’m so happy and great full that I got to go back in October and spend time with you. I love you so much and I will truly miss you. You will always be with me in heart and mind.
Evetta Two Bulls and family says
our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Keith Beartusk says
Larry, Davey Jean and Family: We are shocked and very sorry to hear of Cleo’s passing. I worked with Cleo in several capacities during her time with the BIA. She was hard working, dependable and very competent in every job she took on. I enjoyed working with her and was particularly proud of the outstanding job she did for the Bureau as Superintendent at Fort Belknap Agency. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Barney Cummins and Family says
Prayers and condolences are with the family. Sending comfort, thought and prayers.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Sorry for your loss. Now she can be with all her dead kindred.
Donell Morgan says
My Love & Prayers today for my mom Davey Jean, Larry, Willie, Lisa, Daryl & family. I cherish the memories of Cleo as our other mother growing up in Billings together. Grateful to see & help her in October. May Our Creator Bless & watch over all Our Relations who have crossed over to the other side.May they all be in Peace ~my family there today. I love you all…
ALLEN WROLSON says
condolences and thoughts are with you LARRY
Betty D. Campbell says
So sorry to hear of Cleo’s passing. Prayers and condolences for the family.
Mike and Terri (Peters) Schlicht says
Willie and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Remember all the wonderful times you had with your mother.
Lakota Eagles says
Sending prayers to my husband Daryl Reed & my daughters Dionna Daryana Cleo Kayla Reed & father in law Larry Hamilton & the rest of the family my mother in law Cleo Hamilton was a wonderful lady god has called another wonderful angel home u will be greatly missed but never forgotten we love & miss u