Joyce Faye (Red Eagle) Tootoosis, 96, left this world on January 13, 2016 in Minot, ND.
She was born September 11, 1919 to Reverend Lloyd and Jenny Red Eagle in Fort Kipp, MT. Joyce accomplished many things in life, one being a member of the United States Air Force serving during the World War II as an Air Photographer. Joyce credited her time in the Air Force for the lifelong discipline that she practiced in her daily life.
After her discharge from the Air Force she attended Cosmotology school in Phoenix, AZ graduating and returning home to the Fort Peck Reservation. In 1959, she met Jack Tootoosis they wed on New Year’s Eve 1962 in Sidney, MT. Joyce along with her husband Jack, owned and operated a successful hair salon, Princess Beauty Salon in Poplar for four decades. They enjoyed many years together and recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
Joyce and Jack were dedicated members of the Red Eagle Dakota Presbyterian Church, with Joyce also being a member of the church’s Ladies Aide Group. Joyce was proud of her Native American heritage and practiced her culture all her life.
She is survived by her husband, Jack of Culbertson; three daughters, Dorren Rittinger of Regina, Karen Guardipay (Ray) and Dorothy Myo (Richard) both of Saskatoon; two cousins, Gloria (Bob) Garcia of San Jose, California and Reba Ogle of Poplar, MT. Also surviving her are numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who all held special places in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dennis Tootoosis; one brother, Oliver Red Eagle; a sister, Winnifred Red Eagle Smith; adopted sister, Madge Cauliflower of Hays, MT; cousins, Katherine Blount, Alice Buck Elk, Phillip Red Eagle Sr., Clara Blount, Rita Belgarde, Sterling Red Eagle, Gary Red Eagle, Delmer Red Eagle, Beverly Good Bird, and Tex Red Eagle; nieces, Pearl Four Bear, Rita Talks Different, and Lucille Raining Bird.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Monday, January 18 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 19 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Interment will follow at the Fort Kipp Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Rhonda Mason says
Dear Joyce, thanks for being a good friend all these years. Your such a special lady, I know the Creator and angels were waiting for you to welcome you to the other side. God Bless.
Howard and jacqueline "Hawley" Martin says
May your passage be lighted with Angel singing and your spirit be glowing. You will be dearly missed here on earth, I know grandma Madeline will be happy to see her sister! Our family will deeply miss you!
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
Our Condolences to the family, my mother loved going to visit her when she had a beauty salon here in poplar. She’ll be greatly missed.
Rosella Sky Arrow says
God Bless the Tootoosis Family. Joyce was a wonderful woman. She was kind to everyone. I use to go to her beauty shop as a child growing up. It was sure hard when she closed her doors. She will be missed by all.
Roxanne Gourneau says
Joyce and Jack were my first beauticians as a young girl, my mother was good friends with both for many years. Joyce had a beautiful motherly spirit, she was graceful, kind and generous she was the very essence of what a Native American Woman would represent. Joyce’s passing sadly reminds me of how many good people have now left this world, she absolutely left an imprint in my heart as the beautiful kind woman she was. I will keep both Jack and Joyce in prayer.
Rose Atkinson says
It was always nice to see Jack and Joyce, she kept my hair short in my younger years as we were next door neighbors in Poplar. I always admired her and will miss you.
Crystal Eagle says
R.I.P. Joyce…
I remember you with fond memories.
You cut my hair several times as a kid…so nice and funny!
Glorya Eagle says
On behalf of my mother Melvina Eagle, Whitecap Dakota First Nation we would like send out deepest condolences to Jack and family. I truly enjoyed meeting Joyce and listening her talk.
Melvina, Winnie & Glorya Eagle
Whitecap Dakota .
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P. Grandma Joyce I Will Remember The Dinners We Had At My Parents House During The Holidays And When You Used Too Make Your Good Chocolate Candy Praying For Grandpa During This Hard Time…
Stephen CrazyWolf Dutton says
Gods word says: I have known you before you were in your mothers womb. I knew you before I laid the foundation of the world.
Gods Will & Plan has come to pass. Many were touched by your earthly presence and you have imparted much love to those around you.
We come into the world with no instructions and no directions. It’s the parents and people we meet along the way as we grow daily that makes us who we are, by their example. You have many many loved ones who mourn your loss, but each one carries a piece of you in their heart for a lifetime.
I never knew you or never met you, but I can tell honor is due to you for your service as a person serving in the defense of our country. I salute you and ask God Creator to put you in the special place he has for his servant warriors. My prayers are to ask God Creator to touch hearts of your loved ones that are in grief and sorrow, and give them peace and strength to pick up where you left off, loving your family, friends and those who you have touched over so many years.
Rest in Peace special and adorned lady, wife, mother and friend to many.
Stephen CrazyWolf Dutton, Apostle
Circle of Fire Ministries
steve dickerson says
I had the honor of meeting her in Miles City years ago. a great woman, and much wise beyond her years. you will be missed gr’ma Joyce. May the Great Spirit keep you at his side and our ancestors look to you for guidance.
Jason says
From one Air Force veteran to another, thank you for your service to this great country. Rest in peace.
Pat Garrison says
What a beautiful lady. Thank you for your service in the air force. Condolences to the family and friends.
Patty Garrison / Wyandotte.
betty godfrey says
I never met this women, but I understand she was in military like myself only different era. Her family has my deepest sympathy and please forgive me if I have misspell any words. I saluate her and thankful that she pave the way for other women like myself to be able to enter into the military.
Mary says
I don’t know the lady but I’m sure she was a wonderful person. And she sounds like she was a wonderful mother and wife and grandmother and all the other and nieces and nephews