On January 31, 2019 our father, brother, uncle, papa, and partner Mitchell Duluane Headdress went to that wild horse race in the sky. He was most likely greeted by Grandpa Dale and Grandma Norma. Sure to follow was Victor Perry, Moses Dionne, and Verdell Birdsbill to continue on cracking jokes.
Dad was born on July 13, 1947 to Dale and Norma Headdress to begin the long line of brothers and sisters. Dad joined the Army right after school and was honorably discharged after his service was up. Dad loved rodeo and could watch hours of recorded VCR tapes. He also liked to critique basketball games played by Wes and his grandson Devon. Dad always told stories of having to walk to the outhouse at night, leading the way was always the youngest of the line of brothers and sisters. On the way back dad was always the first in line back being scared of the dark. He loved all his kids and grandkids and hardly ever raised his voice with his laid back personality.
Mitch is survived by daughters Rita and Sarah from Yakima Wahington; son Wesley Headdress from Wolf Point, Montana; Chelsea Headdress from Rockyboy, Montana; Kenneth Eagle of Poplar, and Carlos Headdress of Daven Port, Iowa. He is preceded in death by daughter Tomisa Headdress.
Mitchell Duluane Headdress came into our lives during the year of 1967. Mitch had met and married our Mother, Leona Bernice Smison, while she was attending training in the Tacoma area and while he was stationed at Ft. Lewis in the U.S. Army. Our home had recently burned down; then we lost our Grandmother; then the following year we lost our Grandfather. With the passing of our grandparents, Mitch became a father figure to each of the kids that resided in the family home. This included; my sisters Betty Nason, Angela Ashue, Deborah Ashue, Patricia Ashue, Pamela Wong, Gladys Seelatsee, Laretta Smiscon, Felicia Smiscon, Syldia Smison, Sally Rodriquez and Nina Thompson. My brothers: Clifford Smiscon, Chester Rodriquez and Phil Rodriquez. Mom and Mitch were later blessed with their daughters, Laritta K. Headdress and Sarah Lynette Headdress. He became especially close to our brothers, Harrison Tainewasher, Sr. and Louis Sweowat, Jr.
Mitchell played basketball for the Toppenish Papoose Men’s basketball team traveling to tournaments all over the northwest. He loved to go to the movies and also to eat Chinese food at the Golden Wheel Restaurant, Yakima, WA. It was pretty common to see Mitch, my brothers, and friends playing basketball every evening in our front yard on a court made of dirt with a hoop attached to the big tree. Mitch also loved going to rodeos and sporting his big ole cowboy hat and boots. He had worked for the Wapato Irrigation Project before he returned home to Poplar, MT.
During the time Mitch lived with us he introduced us to his brothers, Arlyn and Henri Headdress. They became part of our family as they lived in our home as well. Mitch was a member of the Mormon Church and he introduced us to that faith as well. I remember the Mormon Elders always frequenting our home and becoming an integral part of our family. Thanks for being there and thanks for the memories. You were a good Dad and friend.
My dad was the best dad a girl could ask for! After my mom passed away (when I was 7) he quit drinking had a full time job plus went to Night school, which he graduated. He was the mom and dad to Carlos, Wes and me. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for his kids. I remember one time he got a new car, and he told me to get my drivers license before I could touch it. The very next day he took me to take my test and I passed. Dad, you did the best you knew how raising us, it wasn’t your fault how we turned out. I’m happy you seen a sober me in Helena that time you came through with Wes and I’m going to stay sober dad, that’s a promise I will never break. Fly High dad tell mom I love her. Love Chelsea ,your baby girl Cash, Camdynne and Sarianna Headdress. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
A family service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the New Community Hall in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at the Headdress Family Cemetery West of Wolf Point.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences can be left for the family by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday February 4, 2019
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday February 4, 2019
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana
Kerri L. Flitcroft says
Fly with the angels cousin Mitch.
Lucy Redekopp says
My thoughts and prayers are with all my relatives. I’m sorry to here about Mitchell. I wish I could be there. I’m praying for you all.
Marina Headdress says
I miss you grandpa. Rest in Paradise💔
Bette Benson says
RIP my dear friend. No more pain or suffering. Prayers for your family & friends. Safe travels as we gather to help him on his journey.
Rose Morsette says
Condolences to the Headdress family
Lance Elliot Four Star says
Thank you for your service to our people and our country Mitchell Headdress. It was an honor to get to know you and listen to your history. Condolences and respect to Wes, Carlos and Chelsea and all the grandchildren.
Lisa perry & family says
My deepest condolences to the family. We loved “Oh ga shay” is what my dad called him. They were best of riends! So much he followed Dad a year later. What a good reunion that must have been. Fly high Mitchell! God bless the family!
Twyla Cockrell says
My thoughts and prayers are with my family cousin Mitchell is one of god’s Angel’s now wish I could be there to say goodbye
Cheryl Wapes'a-Mayes says
My sister, Judith and I, cousins from Washington State, enjoyed Mitchell’s stories when we visited a few years ago. We will miss him.
Daisy Sherman says
Mitch Headdress Family, please accept my sincere heartfelt condolences for all of you.
Miss Daisy
Jerry & Arlene Small says
We would like to send our condolences to the Headdress family for their brother,father,uncle,cousin and grandfather. We have known Mitchell for the past 50 years. He always had a good sense of humor. We often saw him doing a couple of Indian dance steps when he came through the door at Albertsons. Arlene remembers going with his wife Francine in the labor room when Wes was born for Mitch because he thought he might faint. He rewarded Arlene with a pot roast the size of Wes at birth. Then there was the time Mitch & Francine were walking through Chicken Hill cemetery and Mitch saw a snake and he pushed Francine in front of him and ran to the car…she was 8 months pregnant at the time…there was never a dull moment with Mitch around. He will be missed but we know he is surrounded by loved ones and at peace.
Patrice Iron Bear says
Condolences to the Headdress family.
Sheldon and Tony worked together for years
at the Ft. Peck Tribes. He got to visit Mitch a time or two while I went to visit my sister. Prayers for All.
Grandma Patt says
God Rest your soul in his bosom Mitchell. May God comfort your many relatives and family members. You are loved by many and your children are taking your death real hard, especially Wes. I pray that the ones who are traveling will arrive safely. May our Creator bless your beautiful journey home to your Grandma Sarah and Grandpa Hank. Your Momma Norma has been missing you. Your Daddy Dale is happy too on this day so he can see you once again. They celebrate your arrival today in Heaven Mitchell as we celebrate your life on Mother Earth. Families Are Forever and we will all be together once again. Love to your Sweet Sister Shannon who takes care of everyone. And she took special care of you. She sure is a good one. She will certainly miss you, as will all your siblings and children and Takojapi. Doksha Ake Waciya Kink’te Mitchel Duluane Headdress. God bless your Tiwahe.
Melody Rasor says
Rest in peace cousin.
Robert w.Buck Elk says
My condolences to Mitch’s family . I wish I could be there for his funeral but cannot make it. My apologies to the Headdress family.he was a friend and a good man.
Grandma Patt says
God bless you all as you go through this sadness. Mitch is with your parents and grandparents and all the relatives who have passed on now. He is happy, young and we will all see him again. Families Are Forever. God bless his children and grandchildren. Mitch loved the songs of the 60’s, especially the Temptations. He loved serving our country in War Time. A Brave Akicita. God bless his children, Wes, Carlos, Chelsea, Rita and Sarah. And all who are traveling to be here and comfort all the Takojapi who love him so much. God bless all the brothers and Sisters. God bless Shannon for caring for him and always being there to bring him comfort.
Praying for you all.
Laurel Boulds-Fisk says
My sincere condolences to all family and friends. Prayers offered up may Mitch rest in peace.
Winona Morris says
Rest In peace cousin Mitch. I think you and my brother Warren Weeks are having a great reunion. Gene and I will be joining you one of these days. I loved receiving your texts. Winona Weeks Morris and Gene Morris.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Mitch would attend the Wolf Point LDS branch and it was always nice to see him at church. May he rest in peace and live forever with his dead kindred.
Barbara Perry says
Rest in peace , Mitch. you are going to be missed. Vic and I used to have so much fun with you when you both wild horse raced together. You always called each other “Ogashay” when you saw each other. Those were the good old days. Now you are both in heaven, enjoying eternal life.
Russell & Francine Boxer says
Our sincere and condolences to Mitchell’s family.
We our so sorry for your loss. Mitch was a very good and crazy guy. Our prayers are with the Headdress family. God beless you all.🙏🏼
Respectful,
Russell & Francine Boxer
Rose Looking says
Condolences and prayers sent from my family for your loss.
Gerald and Shirley Jackson says
Rest In Peace Mitchell prayer sent to the family and our condolences to the Headdress family.
Debra Mason says
R.I.P. my friend Mitch. Thanks for all the laughs.
kevin k Rasor says
rest in peace cuz
Mina Headdress says
Hey grandpa, I miss you. I hope your doing well up there.