Peggy Rae Ricker, “Ho’t’a in Omani Wi’yan” (Walks Straight for all to See) age 73, took her journey to the spirit world at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT on September 28, 2020.
Peggy was born alongside her twin Betty on February 22, 1947 to Helen O’Kute-Le’Caine and Joe Ricker, Sr. in Poplar, MT. She grew up and attended school in Poplar where she made many friends and had countless memories to share of her childhood. She moved to Portland, OR for another good part of her life before moving back and settling in Wolf Point. If anyone went to visit, Peggy would offer something to eat or drink and share stories or a catch-up visit. Everyone noticed her love for butterflies, she wore them and decorated her home in them. She would often show someone her butterfly tattoo. Peggy always had a helping hand for whoever needed it. She spent a good number of her years volunteering and working for the Head start Program as a cook and teacher’s assistant. She loved working with the kids and they all knew her as Grandma. Peggy had a lot of grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she helped raise and love dearly. Peggy supported her grandchildren in everything they did whether it was school or sports. Always try your best she would say. Peggy lived a traditional life as a sundancer and pipe carrier, she would often dress up to dance in the local pow wows.
Peggy is survived by her son Jerreth Shawl; her companion Don Shawl; her babies Kaylynn “Sweets” Bad Hawk and Zayne Lambert; her adopted sons Nathan Chasing Horse, Duke Dionee and Barney Blessinger; sisters Barbara FastHorse of Wolf Point, Donna Ricker of Devils Lake, ND and Lauri Japp of Great Falls; adopted siters Carol Jones of Wolf Point, and Winifred Chasing horse of Las Vegas, NV; brothers Tommy Christian of Poplar and Ronald “Jiggs” Ricker of Wolf Point; adopted brother Joe Chasing Horse of Las Vegas, NV; her sundance tiospaye all over and all her nieces, nephews, grandcghildren and great grandchildren. Always remember, Peggy was proud of you and loved you very much.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents Helen and Joe; her sisters Betty Ricker and Jackie Perry; brothers Bonsy and Lucky Christian; sons Aaron Ricker, Sr., Arlon Ricker and Danny Lindsay, Jr.; aunts Beryl, Liz, Dorothy, Stella; uncles Howard, Gus, Rufus and Robert; nephews Tommy Dude and James; nieces Andrea and Bobbie; granddaughter Deanna and grandson Ares.
Clara Ricker McArdle says
Oh no! I can’t believe my wonderful cousin Peggy Ricker is gone! I wish I could have seen her again. I loved Peggy so much. Her Dad and my Dad Rufus Ricker were brothers. To my other cousin’s Ron Jiggs Ricker and Barbara Fast Horse I want them to know that I am very sorry for their loss. I have wonderful memories of Peggy that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. To my sweet cousin Peggy may you rest in peace and I know that I will see you again. I love you!
Joyce Growing Thunder says
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Going to miss my beautiful childhood friend. Prayers for everyone.
RHONDA MASON says
Will miss you cousin, but knowing your with Jesus and our ancestors is comforting. I’ve know you since we were little and I want to thank you for always treating me with love and kindness, you and Betty. Prayers of comfort for all your family and friends.
Queen of Alaska says
I enjoyed reading about Peggy’s full and giving life. Her testimony lives on through her family, and by the wonderful son she raised, Jerreth. May God be with all of her family in this difficult time.
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to her whole family.
Ruth Iron Shield says
To Peggys family, so sorry for the loss of a beautiful woman inside and out, I loved her laugh and her good advice, she took a liking to me son Rayce when he was small and one time gave him a table made out of cowboy boots, he was a cowboy, but anyway she was so excited for him to get this table and when he did, he cried he was scared of it, lol she laughed to when I told her, she was always finding something to do with a Cowboy for him and for me Ill never forget her bread making skills, she delivered me hot fresh gabooboo bread for Christmas one year, my family sure enjoyed it…she also donated lots of prizes to the Head Start program to raise money for the children, she had such a big heart and will be missed by all, thank you so much Peggy for the calls to check on me when I had open heart surgery and for having your family pray for me, Im going to miss seeing you my friend…
Rachael OCHO Martin says
Well your up there with my dad tell him hi for me grandma peggy and bout a few of our relatives Are up there glad ur smiling g down on all of us thank u
Rachaelblueearth says
Always helping and in a dress lol n hair up in a bun or pony tail
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Don and family, Deepest condolences and prayers. May you rest in the knowledge that Peggy has been welcomed to the other side and her love remains with you.
Donelle Buckles says
Sending my sympathy and condolences to her family. I enjoyed working and visiting with Peggy when she was a cook at Poplar center 2.
Ellissa Cyr says
Condolences to the family, my relatives the Okute-LeCaine tiospaye Lakota descendants from Cheyenne River & Wood Mountain. May Peggy Rest In Peace. Tokska ake.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Travel that Spirit Road with joy. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job in raising Jerreth and the many other children who needed you. Know that you are loved by many who will miss you but know you are healthy, safe and in the arms of our ancestors who welcome you home. Prayers of comfort and strength to those left behind and preparing to celebrate your Life.
Sue Johnson says
I am so sorry to learn of Peggy’s passing. She was a wonderful advocate for every child in her life. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ronette M Natal says
Im still in shock. Condolences to her Daughters Patricia Ricker & Shannon Lindsay🌹Peggy had a Twin Sister Bettie.
That was my Mother. I didn’t agree or understand my Auntie at times but inside I loved her. She was a strong person in life. Always there for everyone in the Family. I never imagined her not bring here. Our family lost a strong Lady. She helped me when I was dealing with addiction. I cant begin to thank her for the lessons she unknowingly taught me. I always loved when she got ready to go to a powwow. She looked beautiful. Her long hair out &
smiling. I never had to wonder what my Mom looked like. I know she is now with Grandpa Grandma her Sister, Brothers & her kids. Life wont be the same. With tears, I say safe journey. My kids & I will greatly miss you.
Ronette, Brittany & Santini
Cheryl Cantrell says
Lots of Love and Prayers for the family. I’ve had the pleasure of working with this Beautiful Lady. She had lots of stories n jokes. I loved her Style. She will be Missed!!
Laura Bleazard says
Don and family, I always enjoyed working with Peggy at Head Start and doing activities for the kids at Frontier. I think of that smile she had and her laughter and how she could be a “mama bear” to protect the kids. She was always caring for someone! May the Creator bring you peace in knowing she is with her relatives. Hugs and Prayer!
Neighbor Jake says
Sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family.
Tyger Ricker says
Hey grams, it’s been almost three years since you left us, I miss you dearly every day, every hour and every minute. Grams when you left it put one of the biggest holes in my heart. Every day I can’t help but wonder how you’re doing. I’m not sure how death works but I hope you’re in the best of the afterlife. I’m not blaming you for some issues I’ve been struggling with, Grams every time I was feeling alone or just by myself, I knew I could count on you to always answer my calls or have the answers to my hurt. You were my rock, and you’ll always will be. I love you and I can’t wait for when my time comes some day because I know I’ll be reunited with you again. Anyways please say hello to my dad for me as I miss him just as much as I miss you.
Love Tyg