Richard Dale Russell also known as “Ditchy”, 48, left to be with the Lord on June 7, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. Ditchy was born on October 23, 1966 in Poplar, MT and was raised by his Grandma/Mom Vida Muskrat since birth. Ditchy began his life of traveling at an early age, determined to experience life off the Reservation, starting with the Mormon Placement Program at the age of 10.
From there he went into the Chemawa Indian school where he stayed until his junior year. While attending Chemawa, he was a star football and basketball player for which he was featured in the 1984 Chemawa yearbook. After leaving Chemawa he met Karen Harrison in 1985 and from that union they had a son Darian Travis Russell. He is now 27, looks a lot like his dad and lives in Grand Ronde, Oregon.
In 1993 he had the opportunity to model and was featured in the American Indian Men Calendar, for which he was very proud of.
One of his many dreams that he had his heart set on was to attend the American Indian Arts Institute to study art and silver smithing so he can one day open up his own business. Ditchy also did landscaping and yard/garden work. His work was immaculate therefore many people would hire him to edge their lawns and put in rock gardens.
No matter where Ditchy was he always found a way to write or call home to check on Grandma Mom and to tell her how much he loved and missed her. In one of his letters he told her he was going to come home for a visit finally. Of the many states he traveled through, he finally settled in Iowa where he lived the past 15 years.
He left behind numerous friends and a special friend, Carol Young, all of the Des Moines area whom he was also known to as “Rick”. He will be missed dearly by all his family and friends. Ditchy is survived by his Mom (Vida Muskrat) of Poplar, MT; his son Darian Russell and his mother Karen Harrison both of Grand Ronde, OR; mother Joann Russell; father Pierre Youpee, Sr. both of Poplar, MT; sisters Farrell (Dennis) Simons of Poplar, MT, Tracy RedDog of New Town, ND, Danette Scott, Poplar, MT; brothers Kalijah GoodSoldier, Cliff and Cory Youpee, Pierre Youpee, Jr, all of Poplar, MT; aunts Bonnie Menz of Ft. Kipp, MT, Joanne Browning, Ilona, Mary, Pauline, Burma and Corina Youpee all of Poplar, MT; uncles John, Alan, Lloyd, Leroy and Bernard Youpee all of Poplar, MT plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Thursday June 18, 2015
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
416 G Street
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 19, 2015
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
416 G Street
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Thursday June 18, 2015
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
416 G Street
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 19, 2015
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
416 G Street
Poplar, Montana 59255
Cissy Eagleman says
Journey well Ditchy….
jeff hart says
A nice man. Finally free of suffering. Alcohol is truly a tool of despair.
Julie Brown says
I only knew him as “Chief” but he was always very kind. He came into the Des Moines Catholic Worker House where I work almost daily to enjoy a meal and fellowship with his friends. Everyone here is devastated and miss him a lot. His camping buddies talk about him daily. Just a few days ago I sat down and had a conversation with him where he told me all about the jewelry that he loved to make and the stones he loved to use. He also talked about it being really hard for him to create these days because he was an alcoholic. I know he is in a better place and free from suffering. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Joel & Marcella Grey Bull says
To all of Ditchy’s family
Our sincerest condolences to all…I remember him growing up with Grandma Vida..It’s been a long time since I seen him, but I sure do remember him growing up around us as well….My prayers for strength and comfort be with you all from all of our families.
Linda Lezard says
my prayers to the family, I hadn’t seen Ditch in along time, I remember when JoAnn had him , I remember helping Joann with him she used to tell me your his mom I just carried him lol . Joann (sister) im so very sorry for your loss and to Vida to.
Gina says
Fond memories of Ditchy only. Gave us the slip many times with a smile and a chuckle.
See ya when I see you.
Condolences to FAM and the many whose lives he touched.
Kent Balduchi says
I knew Richard for many years in Des Moines. He was a kind and gentle man. He was always pleasant to work with. I will miss my frequent visits with him. We are very saddened by his passing.
Anonymous Des Moines Nurse says
RIP-your pain is over. You will be remembered by many at work. You were a kind sweet soul and now your spirit is free.
Leah Boe says
You will always be carried in my heart and memories. Now you are free and at peace. May your spirit fly and find your dreams while looking down at those who loved you, smiling and laughing at our own journeys. Remembering the good and bad times we shared.
patrick venn says
i have known you for 10 years my friend you and me shared some good times and many stories of our lives i will miss you and will join you on your new journey one day i am proud to call you friend … patrick