Gail Marie Charboneau-Dupree, 63, better known as “Gramma Gail” of Poplar, MT died May 2, 2018, after her “worn-out. Much-used heart” gave out after a lifetime of sharing her home and heart with friends, family, strays and others who passed through her doors.
Gail was born on August 2, 1954 in Portland, OR, the daughter of the late Harry and Myrna Charboneau, granddaughter of the late Louis and Marie Youngman. She graduated from Flandreau Indian School, Flandreau South Dakota, attended College at Concordia, MN later transferring to Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT, where she met and fell in love with her late husband Raymond Dupree, Jr. From this union they had five daughters Shyann Dupree Buckles, Billie Rae Dupree, Raylene Wetsit, Rosebud Morning (whom she has joined in Heaven) and Sammi Rae Dupree. And any other kids that walked through her door, she made sure they were fed or if they needed anything she would find that kid what they needed. Her house was always packed with neighbor kids, nieces and nephews who she babysat while her sisters worked.
Gail’s gregarious nature, jack of all trades and general resourcefulness helped her succeed in life. Gail was always helping people with beds, tables, clothes, food and more. But when it came to holidays everyone knew if you were hungry you go to Gail’s because she had everything done by 8:00 a.m., fresh bread, turkey, ham, stuffing, pies, potatoes, the works.
She was famous for saying “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” As well as her presence at local garage sales and flea markets, she was always picking up something for a neighbor, family member or someone in need.
Gail wasn’t so much into stocking up for what she might need, but for what others might need. Those needs filled her heart, mind and an extra bedroom. It was in those moments when someone would ask for a tool, part, or any kind of help, her face would light up and that junk would suddenly be transformed into treasure. When she gave something to a young child and saw the look of happiness, Gail’s eyes would light up, dance and a big smile would appear.
She is sorely missed by her daughters Shyann Dupree Buckles (Allen), Billie Rae Dupree, Raylene Rae Wetsit (Casey), Sammi Rae Dupree (Riggins); grandchildren Anthony Duncan, Alex and Erin Buckles, Paiton Dupree, Jaylin Feurherm, Ashtin and Araya Lemere, Casey, Raine, Cloud and Rayuana Wetsit, Rilley, Renee’Rayden Shailynn and Rosebud Smith and one great-grandchild Braydan Liam Dupree Smith; mother Myrna Charboneau; sisters Debi Bruner (Rod), Michelle Trottier, Jeanette Charboneau Failing (Marvin), Marci Charboneau, Margurite Charboneau (Roger), Teri and Thursday Charboneau of Portland, OR and brothers Craig and Jon Charboneau; cousins Suzanne Turnbull and family, Richard Peterson and family, Luville Holen and family, Leslie Moran and family; extended family Youngman’s, Eagleman’s, Dupree’s, Red Eagles, Keevers, Holans, Saviors, Yellow Owls, Charbonneaus from Fort Totten, ND.
She is in Heaven with her husband Raymond, daughter Rosebud, grandson Brady Lynn Smith and all the grandfathers and grandmothers watching us.
Kenny Shields says
I am so sorry for the loss of Gail. We went to Busby Indian School together and had many wonderful times there. She was very popular at Busby and had many friends. She and I were always friends and said hello whenever we met each other. To the family, I am very sorry at her passing.
Chong Ae & David E. Boyd Sr. says
Mryna and family our prayers are with you all. Gail is in peace now, no more suffering, no more pain.
Joel Rae Ferguson says
MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU. GAIL AND RAYMOND AND FAMILY WERE MY NEIGHBORS FOR A LOT OF YEARS… WE WERE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO LIVE ON 10TH AVENUE NORTHEAST. YOU WILL BE MISSED GAIL… FLY HIGH… SENDIN STRENGTH, COMFORT AND PRAYERS TO YOUR GIRLS…
Helen Bighorn says
Prayers of comfort for her family. May she rest in peace.
Felicia Martell says
Prayers for comfort for all of u!! Imma miss her so much! Love u Guys
Leon says
Grandma Jeanette, i am feeling sad for you that you lost your sister. I love you
Mae Belle Archambeau says
Gail was my sister first n friend next….she will always be in my heart forever and now when I go home, I wont need to check on her cuz I know she is at home..in heaven .. with Rosebud, Brady n Raymond aka Sonsonn…her soulmate…she was a true caregiver…always taking care of everyone with a place to stay, eat, shower up…the warm welcome will always be Everlasting Forever my Sister/fren…I will miss you n love you Always…she would always ask me..are you hungry, I got some bologna, make a sandwich….lol..I swear she never ran out..of bologna…R.I.P. Gail Charbonneau
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P. Gail Marie Charboneau Prayers Are With You In The Time Of Loss Of A Loved One…
Lucy M. Redekopp says
Me sincere condolences to the family. She till be dearly missed. God bless you all
Cissy Eagleman, & Cookie says
I miss you Gail.
You’re in the arms of our Heavenly Father now…ALL is well, YOU are well.
Prayers for the family, friends and all who know and loved Gail.
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest sympathy on the death of Gail. May you be comforted by the assurance that she has new life with the Creator and may the love and care of family and friends bring you comfort and healing. Uplifting all in prayer.
Pr. Chris
Sula St. Mark says
Sincere condolences to all of Gail’s family. She was such a nice sweet person. Prayers for strength for her daughters & all her grand babies, her Mom & all her siblings, and the rest of her big family…Take comfort in the Biblical message of a resurrection of our dead loved ones, Acts 24:15 & John 5:28 & 29. You will be in our prayers. Gail was much loved and we will always remember what a thoughtful, kind person she was.
With sincere sympathy,
Sula St. Mark
Ruth (Bunny Winchell)
Susan Gonzalez
Gay & Brian Pennington says
My condolence too Gail’s family. She was always on the run doing something when I saw here. She would always take a few minutes and talk. Always had a smile on her face. May God be with you all. Gay (Stephanie) Pennington
Karen Mclaughlin says
I’m so gonna miss are talk ..but I will talk to you in the winds ..i love sister love you .ill see you on that side..with arms wide open ..love you my girl…rip. Finally