Loretta Norma (Blackdog) Bearcub, Napé TȟawówašI (Works with Her Hands), began her journey on December 24, 2021 at at the Culbertson Medical Center in Culbertson, MT.
Loretta was born March 14, 1928 in Fort Kipp, Montana to James Blackdog Jr. and Bertha Littlehead. She graduated from Brockton High School and went on to nursing school. Where she eventually worked at the Columbus Hospital in Great Falls, Poplar IHS hospital and the Culbertson Hospital.
Loretta married Archie Bearcub Sr. and they built their home just west of Fort Kipp where she spent her entire life. From that union, they had six children.
Loretta went on to serve with various groups and committees such as the Brockton School Board, Poplar Indian Days and many years on the Fort Kipp Celebration committee. She was also part of the ladies auxiliary.
Loretta worked the Community Services program for the Fort Peck Tribes where she eventually retired. After retirement she became an aid for the Fort Kipp Headstart Center until she could no longer work.
Loretta very much enjoyed powwows, watching her son sing, her granddaughter dance and most of all sewing. Attending and watching basketball games. She was well known for her quilting skills and was mentioned in a publication as a Master Quilter. Traveling was probably one of her most favorite things to do and from that, some of her grandkids would call her “Grandma Pete”. She would drive herself all over the country and at one time made it all the way to Europe to visit family.
Loretta is preceded in death by both her parents, husband Archie Bearcub Sr., infant son Louis Bearcub, infant twin sons, brothers Louis Blackdog, James Blackdog Jr., Matthew Blackdog, Vincent Blackdog, sisters Teresa Blackdog, Sarah Blackdog, Ursula (Blackdog) Longhair, Rozelda (Blackdog) LoansArrow. Nephews Robert Blackdog Sr., Nathaniel Longhair Sr., Matthew Blackdog Jr., Lawerence Blackdog, Brian Blackdog, Frank LoansArrow Jr., Isaac Blackdog Nieces Corrine (Longhair)Turning Heart, Velma Longhair (Brokenleg), Linda (Blackdog) RattlingThunder, Ida Blackdog. Grandsons Duane Blackdog, Isaac Blackdog, William (Billy)Blackdog, Jeff Stump, Wesley Longhair, Nathaniel Longhair Jr., Brandon Longhair, Myron BrokenLeg, Ivan BrokenLeg, Brandon Longhair, Adam Blackdog, Armon Blackdog, Chris Blackdog, Cameron Blackdog, Ryan Blackdog, Granddaughers Darla BrokenLeg, Valerie Youpee, Natalie Longhair, Alesia Blackdog, Laurelle Green.
Loretta is survived by her three children Patricia (Richard) Ryerson, Archie Bearcub Jr., and Jennifer (Missy)Bearcub. Grandchildren Toni (Mark)Comfort, Micheal Ryerson, Lori Bearcub, Trisha Bearcub, Tracy Bearcub, Dawn Bearcub, Justice Bearcub, Waylynn Bearcub, William Lambert and close granddaughers Jennifer (Lenny)Boxer, Rylie, Brinley, Zeandra Boxer and Thena Epps. Nephews Maynard Blackdog, Duane Green, Nieces Della Thomas, Cecelia Longhair, Lydia Longhair, Arletta Blackdog, Dani Green, Shannin LoansArrow, Jonny Lee StiffArm, Grandchildren Cynthia (Leonard)Follette, Leslie Longhair, Allison Keeler, Jage Keeler, John Turning Heart, Debbie (Myron) UsesArrow, Alice Longhair, Lynnette Longhair, Robert (Bobby)Blackdog, William(Willy)Blackdog, Ladonna Blackdog, Lavonne Blackdog, William (Bill) Blackdog, James (Jim)Blackdog, Ceejay Blackdog, Leonard RattlingThunder, Melvin RattlingThunder, Francis RattlingThunder, Harlan RattlingThunder, Matthew RattlingThunder, Arnon Blackdog, Reannon (Liz)Blackdog, Roger RunningBear, Char Green, Regis Green, Landis Green, Bryanette Blackdog, Shauna Blackdog, Ryanette Blackdog, Damon LoansArrow, Vanessa LoansArrow, Heaven LoansArrow, Dena LoansArrow, Daryn LoansArrow, Kylee Loans Arrow, Kiara LoansArrow, Kadence LoansArrow and many more great grandchildren. Families Blackdog, Bearcub, Longhair, Ireland, Bighorn, Escarcega, Ricker, ThreeStars, FourStars, Archdale, and Tattoo.
Please forgive us if we forgot to mention anyone.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Farewell Auntie, we were all blessed to have you for so long, the wisdom your share. You were one of first to welcome me home with a star quilt.
Farewell Auntie and say hello to Mom and Dad
Prayers for the family.
Your nephew David.
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolences to Loretta family. She was a very great lady. Prayers for comfort and healing. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Jim BIGHORN says
My condolences to the family.
Julie Bemer says
My condolences to the family.
McGeorge DeMarrias Jr. says
Condolences to the family, Auntie you will be missed.
Ethelyn Moccasin says
My sincerest condolences and prayers for the family of Lorretta.. she will be greatly missed..
Niki Smoker says
My sincere condolences to the family
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to the families.
Eugene and Leah/seattle says
Our sincere heartfelt condolences and prayers to Patrice, Archie and missy in your time of loss. your mother was one of the compassionate, loving and caring person l knew. Auntie values. beliefs and knowledge was strength with her longevity with the family and the people. You surely will be missed, especially on the pow-wow trail. See you later Auntie.
Terry McAnally says
Condolences to all her family and friends. Loretta was always kind to me when we would see each other out and about. She was a shining light of kindness and good will. I’ll miss her beautiful spirit and caring.
Lori Canyon says
Condolences 💐 to the family of Loretta, she was a nice lady and also a friend of my mother’s where they would see each other at powwows and other gatherings she will be missed 🙏❤️🖤
Marvin Fast Horse and Family says
Condolences to Loretta’s Family Ake Wachinyantke unci.
Tanyan Omani…. Have a Good journey home, I will see you again.
From the Gloria Fast Horse Family….
catherine.howard@forttotten.k12.nd.us says
be strong bro & my nieces as INA is resting in paradise she was a real true Dakota Woman in her community mom always welcome””’s my family in her home and she made sure we had a place to sleep and eat and mom always was there for us INA toksa ake rest in peace you will never be forgotten
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
🌹 Our Sincere Condolences to the Families of Loretta 🤎…
Lois Red Elk Reed says
My condolences to the tiospaye. Your traditional values and kindness reached far and wide. Pidamaya for sharing the Dakota culture with the people.
Trivian Young Bear-Nault/Shelton, WA says
Sincerest condolences to Patty, Archie & Missy, and the extended families and friends of Loretta. She was a constant in the lives of the Ft. Kipp community & community members. A quiet, kind, loving & compassionate traditional woman. She was a registered nurse who selflessly served her people and communities. She will be missed by all who knew her, including myself.
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to all of the families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
BuckElk Family | Dallas TX says
Condolences from the BuckElk family in Dallas Tx
Traci LeVay-Holt says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Loretta was a great and strong Lady. Always had a smile for everyone. She will be greatly missed.
Jalen Atchico says
My condolences and prayers for the family. Loretta and Archie were very good relatives to me and were always willing to share their stories.
I will miss seeing Loretta around our communities.