Phyliis Kaye Grey Bear Olson “Mato-Hota Wiya” (Grey Bear Woman), 62, of Poplar, MT left Sunday afternoon, February 29, 2016 surrounded by her loved ones. She was the 7th child born to Lottie E Oldrock-Martin and Abraham A Grey Bear on July 18, 1953. The last of the Grey Bear children, Phyllis was raised in the Chelsea/Fort Kipp area. She went to school in Poplar and later in Havre, MT. She worked as a CNA at the Poplar Hospital, a dispatcher for the tribal jail, and as head cook at the Senior Citizen site. Phyllis spent her free time at tribal express visiting with friends and family. She also loved to cruise. Phyllis has 5 children, Kelly, Cerese, Mike, Judith, and Jordan, whom she fought tooth and nail for. There was quite a few on the receiving end of her wrath, sometimes her kids got the ear beating, along with her husband Robert Olson, the love her of life. They were together many years before they got married on March 12, 2004. She was also a strong believer in her traditional ways. She also worked in Alaska in the mid-80s.
She leaves behind her loving husband Robert, who was beside her through everything; children, Kelly (Joey) Frederick, Cerise, Mike (Danelle), Judith (James), and Jordan; many nephews, nieces, and grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren, Gabriella Solan-Clark, Aubrey Martell, Braydan Smith, and Hailee Martell, whom she loved with all her heart, they were her babies; 2 sisters, Judy (Dean) Grey Bear, Ava Marin; 2 aunts, Germaine Brady of New Town, ND and Deliah Johnson of Connelle, Washington; sisters-in-law, Vivian Grey Bear of Copper Center, Alaska, Lorraine Grey Bear of Fort Totten, ND, Julia Young, and Jonelle Menz; brothers-in-law, Kenny Olsen, Keith Olson, Irvin Olson, Levi (Margaret) Olson, Allen Menz, and Lester Menz; adopted daughters, Joanne Steele and Joel Ferguson; adopted sisters, Terry and Claudia Thompson, Pauline Boxer, Marzetta Iron Bear, Gloria Diserly, and Claire Raining Bird; adopted son, Francis Good Track; adopted brother, Arthur Grey Bull Jr.; adopted grandsons, Riley Loegering (RJ), Jake and Jeffery Flynn, and Daniel Horsman; special nieces, Lori Jo Grey Bear, Lizann Grey Bear, and Coretta L. Grey Bear; extended families, Oldrocks, Browns, Pipes, Red Elks, War Clubs, Bears, Jones, Long Hairs, Red Boys, Shields, and Walking Eagles of Brockton.
Phyllis joins her parents, Lottie and Able; brothers, Melvin Sr., Abraham Sr. “Judge”, Oral, and Galen; sisters, Vina Mae and Coretta Rose; and many nieces and nephews.
Eldoris Alexander says
So sorry to hear this, I will miss Phyllis playing machines! Sympathy’s to the family!
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls says
Our deepest condolences to the family. Praying for comfort and strength during this difficult time.??
Karen Garske says
I am at a loss. I heard my friend had passed. My deepest condolences to Phyllis’ family. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Galyn Rose Brown says
You always welcomed me with open arms. I will miss you greatly, hopefully I can day good bye one last time as you begin a new chapter in the spirit world! Love you grandma:'(
Kevin & Vicky Schindler says
Was very sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing. Know that we will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I will miss seeing her come into the Buckhorn to gamble. She always had a smile for me and I will miss her.
Louella Douglas-Contreras says
To the Grey Bear Family–my condolences & prayers to you
Carol Azure says
Goodbye my friend, will always remember those crazy times. Condolences to the family. RIP Phyllis Kay.
KELLY GREYBEAR-FREDERICK says
THANK YOU GUYS!
FROM: ROBERT OLSON, KELLY AND JOE FREDERICK, CERISE GREYBEAR-BROWN
MATHEW AND DANELLE OLSON, JUDITH AND JAMES LITTLE, Jordan
GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT-GRANDCHILDERN
Taizah Olson/Oldrock says
Love you grandma! ? always will! Miss you soo much, wish you could’ve at least stayed for my 8th grade graduation? love you grandma not a day goes by thinking about you! ????
Kimberly Thomson says
My name is Kimberly Thomson. I am Abraham and Vivian GreyBear’s neice from Alaska. I was fortunate enough to meet Phyllis and was so sad to hear of her passing. Much love and most sincere condolences to the entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss! Take care <3
Diana Diserly-Tuttle says
My sincerest condolences.. Phyllis was a good friend, she was always in the mood to laugh. I’m going to miss seeing her especially in Tribal Express. God bless you Phyllis & thank you for your friendship!
Roxanne Gourneau says
To the family of Phyllis, please accept my deepest condolences, I have known Phyllis for many many years and I will always remember her as a strong independent woman. May God bless you in this time of great sorrow.
Brady Relatives says
Creator, Bless each and everyone that are still here on earth. Watch over and bless all the family members. I pray that all will be well. Walk with us, guide us. Phyllis is in a good place where there is no pain and there is happiness. One day we will all be there with each other, once again.
Luella Montclair and Family says
Sending Prayers your way and our Sincere Condolences in your time of Sorrow and Heartache
Luella Montclair and Family says
Going to miss her joking around when we would see each other. Could alwayz make you smile no matter how bad of a day you had. She never hesitated to help someone in need. She was the best neighbor, friend, and machine player We knew.
Joel Rae Ferguson says
Mom,
I wasn’t ready for you to leave me. But I know you are home with your family., please watch over us Mom. I will never forget you. Thank you for everything. Until we meet again.. AHO MITAKUYE OYASIN
Roxann Smith says
Prayers for all the families affected by the loss of your dear mother. Heartfelt condolences for everyone.
Phyllis Greybear says
HI Grandma i never got the chance say good bye i miss you and i wish that you where here for my birthday this year and i love you
Francis goodtrack jr says
I would like to take this moment to say.
The evening of Friday July, 9th ,2005 stampede weekend around 9 to 10pm when I remember hearing a knock at my door. I chose to stay home and I still have my rodeo tix stub n all.
I answered & it was you. I just buried my birth mother ill remember you for the way you saved me that weekend you took me to your home with all your family and told them that you was taking me as a son. I never cried so hard on the inside b4. The love you shown me, you and yours is beyond words and I will always love you for the way you changed me. That’s when I learned the true meaning of a lakota virtue Compassion. So from the deepest part of my heart. Thank you so much if it wasn’t for that simplest act of kindness you gave me. Filled a void that i never thought would be filled. Left by my birthmother. I love u mom. And see you when my physical journey is complete.
Mitakuye oyasin
Phyllis Greybear says
I miss u so much i wish you were still alive cause i could not be in 6 different homes. I love you grandma i still think of you a lot i wish i can see i will see soon i will be safe i will do good i will be straight a student for i am going to succeed for grandma and grandpa. i will graduate and be a nurse to follow in your foot steps cause i look up too I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. RIP PHYLLIS KAYE GREY BEAR OLSON😭😭😭😭😍
ALT says
Grandma it’s coming up 8 yrs since you break all of our hearts to be with the other relatives
Miss you greatly
I wish I had more time to visit you and grandma Ava.