Melda Iron Bear, age 78, of Poplar, MT passed away Friday, May 13 at the Poplar Hospital.
Melda was born July 6, 1932 in Poplar to Howard Iron Bear and Julia Red Feather. She was raised in and attended school in Poplar.
Melda raised four girls, Toni Blue Shield, Juanita Merculieff, Carol Ann Merculieff, and Jewell Merculieff.
She loved staying at home watching TV and reading. She especially loved to just be around her grandchildren and her relatives and friends. Melda had a big heart and anyone who needed help was never refused; she was always there to help them out.
Melda lived a full and happy life just long enough to say farewell to all her friends and family.
Melda is survived by her longtime friend, Mose White Hawk of Poplar; daughters, Toni Blue Shield, Juanita Merculieff, and Jewell Merculieff all of Poplar; great granddaughter, Carol Ann Merculieff of Poplar; Cylysce Merculieff, Devyne Young, and Julia Young all of Poplar; adopted brother, Micky Young; grandsons, Saxon Red Boy, Dennis Red Boy, Mercedes Red Boy.
She is preceded in death by her father, Howard Iron Bear; mother, Julia Red Feather #2; sisters, Catherine Jones, Agnes Long Fox, Louise Merculieff, Helen Iron Bear; brothers, Patrick Foote, Benjamin Grey Hawk, Harry Iron Bear, Eli Iron Bear, and Richard Iron Bear; grandson, Alfred Merculieff; sister, Evelyn Walker; nieces, Barbara Merculieff, Carol Merculieff; nephew, Charles Crazy Bull, Mary Red Feather, Ralph Gray, and Lydia Shell.
A vigil will be held 7 p.m. Monday, May 23 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the Our Lady of Lourdes in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery.
Carol Merculieff says
Miss you very much Grandma. Not a day goes by that your warmth isn’t present. love you so much
<3
Cylysce Andrea Merculieff says
miss you lots Gradma..Not a day goes by without you..I luv you lots….I with yoou were here with me.. </3 dont move on without us mom isnt the same i miss you mom jewel misses you mom misses you.. i never forgot about you never will..
cece merculieff says
wow i haven’t written to you in so long grandma.. not a day goes by where i don’t think about you, i was so young when you were called home. But those memories i have with you, i will forever cherish. I hope where ever you are you’re doing good & you’re happy.. I miss you so much, I’ve grown so much also. I graduate this year, you’d be proud on how far I have come. Mom misses you so much, i know you’re watching over us, but just know we love you very much grandma..