The Azure family mourns the loss of our dear mother, Frances Gloreen “Howardine” Azure Strauser. Mom passed away on January 14, 2020 at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, Montana.
Gloreen was born on September 2, 1936 in Poplar, Montana. She was the oldest of eight children born to the late Albert “Howard” Culbertson and Flora Culbertson (Gladue). Gloreen grew up in Poplar and attended Poplar Schools where she was active in the marching band and enjoyed playing the piano. Gloreen met Floyd “Scotty” Azure and when they were both just 18 years old, they married in Butte, Montana, where Scotty then worked as a miner. She and Scotty were able to enjoy over twenty-five years of marriage before he sadly passed away. Gloreen later married William “Bill” Strauser, Sr., who also passed after over twenty-five years together.
Gloreen worked hard for most of her life before retiring from the Indian Health Service in 2005. Prior to working for IHS, she also worked for the Fort Peck Tribes and Traders State Bank in Poplar. Once her children were grown, Gloreen loved traveling to Las Vegas, where she would visit her sister and do a little gambling. Her and Bill’s trip to Hawai’i, though, was a highlight, and a place she always wished she could visit again. When she wasn’t traveling to visit her siblings or children, Gloreen spent her retirement visiting her friends and family here at home. She would knock and walk in asking “Well, what’s the good word?” Then, just as soon as she had finished her coffee and morning roll, she’d be off to visit someone else, or “head for the hills,” for home.
Gloreen was the mother to Scott K. (Wendy), Floyd G. (Jeri), Howard D. (Debbie), Michael J., and Luanne, all of Poplar. Gloreen also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Scotty (Kristian), Samantha (Elijah), Melissa (Tom), Floyd (Heather), Denise (Steven), Dustyn (Jen), Autumn (Derek), Ashley (Hazeez), Hunter (Sage), Michael (Natasha), Richard, Monica, Michael, Kylie, and Daunte. Gloreen was also so proud to have been a great-grandmother to so many.
Gloreen is also survived by her sisters and brothers, Albert “Greek” Culbertson, Jr. of Littleton, Colo., Jackie (Pete) Sandoval of Poplar, Sandra (Warren) Albertson of Rapid City, South Dakota, Joseph “Doddie” (Charlene) Culbertson of Poplar, and Carol (Rodney “Dudsi”) Azure of Poplar, as well as her nieces and nephews, Albert “Buzz” Culbertson, Kay Culbertson, Janet Fredericks, Brenda Sandoval-Homeyer, Keith Albertson, Bret Albertson, Kirk Albertson, Jay Albertson, AJ Culbertson, James Culbertson, Jackie Azure, Rodney Azure, Jr., John “JD” Azure, Dodi Bernard, Dennis Christiansen, and Debra Mason.
Gloreen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Scotty, her mother and father, grandson Eric, and sisters Louanne and Zelma. It has been a great comfort for those of us she left behind to know they were there for her, to bring her home.
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Sunday January 19, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 20, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Sunday January 19, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 20, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Dodi Lynn says
Heaven received an Angel. Give My Mom a hug and kiss for me, Auntie.
Lucy Redekopp says
My condolences to the Azure family. Gloreen was a very special lady will be missed by all.
Twilia and Vincent Bear Cub says
My sincere condolences to Luanne and brothers. Prayers for all.
Sharon yellowowl says
My condolences to the families. She was such a nice lady. Am going to miss her.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Gloreen was an amazing happy and gracious lady. May she rest in peace. She is blessed to already have loved ones in heaven.
Patty Murray says
So sorry for the loss of your mother. I’ll always remember her giving you boys “the look” for your shenanigans. Just know how truly blessed each of you are for being raised by such great parents.
Ward Smith says
My condolences to the family thoughts and prayers 🙏
Bebba Aguayo says
Sending prayers to my Montana family Howardean was one of my sweetest Cousin beautiful inside and out. I have such fond memories of her, she came to live with us in California we all cried when they moved back to Poplar she just missed her family to much. You will be missed my Beautiful Cousin
Rhonda Mason says
Prayers for the Azure family, your mom was a beautiful lady, now she’s a beautiful angel in Gods loving arms.
Claudia Trotman Walker says
Just read the obit of your amazing paternal matriarch. What an amazing woman, life and lineage she left behind. I see where the incredible loving family pattern comes from. It was a life to be envied. Claudia Walker, Payson AZ
Traci LeVay-Holt says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She wad a great lady and very kind. RIP
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
My Deepest and Sincerest Condolences to the Family of such a Wonderful Lady. Prayers an Hugs of Love for you All. God Bless you.
Gary Grainger says
Our condolences to the Azure families. Your Mom was such a nice lady!
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the families. So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Patt Iron Cloud Runs Through says
God bless this beautiful Tiwahe as they lay their beautiful Momma to rest. She is home now. No worries, no cares, whole and well. God bless our beloved Chairman Floyd, Howard, Scottie, Mike and Luanne God bless all the Takojapi and Great Takojapi. God bless her Sisters and Brothers. All is well. We will all see her beautiful face soon enough. Her Mkmmy and Daddy have her in their loving arms again. Hugs and Love from Grandma Patt ❤️😭🙏🏼
Rita Weeks says
My condolences to the Azure family. God bless you all!
Dale Buckles says
I was so sorry to hear about Aunties passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that you find some comfort in God’s graces. I love all of you.
Sue Demontiney says
Scott, Floyd and Howard, praying for your family in time of sorrow, you mom was a beautiful lady. I was happy to have known her. Our condolences to all your family
Sue Demontiney and Jamaica LaFloe, Esperanza Raya
Linda M Azure says
Peace and Prayers to Howardine’s family. She was a lovely lady. God bless you and your family.
Vicki Hampson says
My Prayers are with you all. Your Mother always held a special place in my heart, especially from our days at Traders State Bank. She was always a classy lady.
Sharon L Azure says
May the Lord bless and comfort the families and friends. Howardine’s family was blessed to have a kind and loving mother who was supportive of them. Famlies are forever in our hearts.
Luanne says
I did not write the obituary but I would like to apologize to the grandchildren who were not mentioned, she loved you❤
Leah Strauser says
Sorry for your loss of Gloreen. If you need anything let me know.
Gay Pennington says
My condolences to the Azure family. I enjoy knowing your mother. She always had a smile on her face. She will be miss by all of you. May she rest in peace. From Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Connie Bird says
My Sincere Condolences to Her Children an Family Sending Prayers
Matt and Patt Runs Through says
Dear Azure Tiwahe, Families are forever. You will see your beautiful Momma again. Heaven has been preparing for her arrival. Her folks have been missing her beautiful smile. May Wakan Tankan our God watch over all her children and Takojapi and bring them comfort. We are so very sorry for your great loss.
Brother Bede Baldry FSC says
Blessings to the whole family. Brother Bede Baldry. FSC
Nancy & Albert says
Floyd and family of Gloreen. Condolences to you all for your loss.
Ann Frerich Berg says
My condolences for your loss. I remember how beautiful and kind she was. Prayers for comfort.
Gaynell Real Bird says
Prayers for the family, sending my deepest sympathy and condolences 🥀🙏🏽
Joel Stuber says
My prayers for the entire family as your loss is so deep. May God comfort you as he now holds Gloreen in heaven.
Russell & Francine Boxer says
Our condolences to the Azure family.. We are very sorry for your loss.. My God be with your family at this time.🙏🏼
Respectfully,
Russell & Francine Boxer
Roxann Smith says
Prayers for all of Gloreen’s families. She was a beautiful, kind soul. She will be missed.
Lanette Ryan says
You will be truly missed. I’ll never forget all the long conversations we shared. My condolences to your family.❤️