Our dearest Ruth passed peacefully in her husband’s arms in her home on the morning of Saturday, February 17, 2024.
Ruth Elsie Necklace Martinez, age 71, ‘Necklace Woman’, Nap’in Win, of Poplar, MT was born to Felix and Christine Necklace in Poplar, MT. Ruth was raised by her grandpa and Grandma Mr. and Mrs. John and Elsie Necklace. Ruth is the mother to Alphine Necklace Youpee, Meda Lukkasson and Arden Necklace Red Dog, Roberto Patino Jr., Amanda Necklace, Cordell, and Vernell Four Bear. Mama Ruth united with Terry Martinez, and they spent almost 45 years together living hand and hand on the red road.
Mama Ruth became a beautiful traditional dancer and lived a humble life, with her kindness and graceful heart. During the 1980’s she began to take in foster children. She mothered so many in her way, was grandmotherly to so many young hearts that many called her “Mom” and “Grandma.” Ruth always worked with children in various jobs. She worked for the Fort Peck Tribes Head Start for over 14 years before she retired. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family, creating and/or stitching star quilts. She also made breastplates with her Grandson PJ. She served on many powwow committees and supported them. She loved going to Bingo, playing machines, traveling to SD and ND for “doings,” powwows, ceremonies, and cultural events. She was a Water Protector and member of the Women’s Auxiliary. She was a war mother and took immense pride in her USMC son, Roberto. She was a part of the Pretty Iron Feather Dancers from 2016-2020. She quit traveling with the dance group when the coronavirus pandemic affected our area. She survived Covid three times. She was a fluent Lakota/Dakota speaker, and she was always sharing knowledge and teaching other women what they should and should not be doing. Ruth was a cancer survivor and she danced for those who were affected by cancer. She loved her family and her way of life. Ruth grew up with her sister, Cordelia Dust, her brothers, Russell, William, and Philmore Necklace.
Ruth is Grandmother to: Alphine’s children: Baby Michel, Philmore James Necklace, Felix John Necklace, Benjamin Necklace and Leroy “LD” Youpee Jr.; Meda’s children: Adam Samuel Lukkasson, Angelica Hawkins, Andrew, and Alivia Lukkasson. Ruth is grandmother to Arden’s children: Sioux Boy Necklace, Michel, Arnold, and Tristan Red Dog. Ruth is grandmother to Roberto’s children: Lacie Jackson of Wolf Point, Waylynn & Justice Bearcub. Ruth is grandmother to Amanda’s children: Ayanna and Alanni Necklace of Riverside, IL. Ruth is grandmother to Cordell’s children: Erika Boxer, Dae’Shanna, Aramani Katao aka “Cordell Jr,” Angel and Paul Four Bear. Ruth is grandmother to Vernelle’s children: Tiana, Taryn and Talia Four Bear of Macon, GA. Ruth is the Great grandmother to Angelica’s children: Aiden, Dalton, Levi, Arralynn, Jacob and Liliana; Justice’s son: Hance Chopper, Lacies children: Gabriel & Alexander Jackson-Cruz. Tiana’s children: Bryce and Evie.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Emanuel “Terry” Martinez,
Grandchildren: Hance Chopper, Philmore James Necklace, Felix John Necklace, Benjamin Necklace, Adam Samuel Lukkasson, Angelica Hawkins, Andrew and Alivia Lukkasson, Sioux Boy Necklace, Arnold and Tristan Red Dog, Lacie Jackson of Wolf Point, Waylynn & Justice Bearcub, Ayanna and Alanni Necklace, Erika Boxer, Dae’Shanna, Aramani Katao aka “Cordell Jr”, Angel, Paul, Tiana, Taryn and Talia Four Bear. Cousin: Vermae AkicitaWin Taylor.
HUNKAPI
Adopted Sons by Sioux Tradition: Dale Fox of Mandaree, Kristofer Boyd of Poplar, MT and Fort Peck Sioux Singers of Poplar, MT. Adopted Daughters by Sioux Tradition: Nicole Longee, Gloria (FastHorse) Diserly,
Adopted Granddaughters by Sioux Tradition: Amanda FastHorse-Boyd. Adopted Grandson by Sioux Tradition: Kevin Standing, Ethan Crazy Bull. Adopted Great-Grandchildren by Sioux Tradition: Jeorgie Cleo Fox and Bryce Lee Fox of Mandaree, ND, Victor Fox Boyd, Chante Was’aka, Mahto Witko, Georgia, Malcolm, Maddy, and Mason Boyd, Prairiedawn and Tahnee Thunderchild, Pretty Iron Feather Dancers, Treyjuan SuddenBrave of Little Eagle SD, Adopted Brothers by Sioux Tradition: Ron Eagle Chaser and Cody Eagleman. Adopted Siblings by Sioux Tradition: Sally (late, Ed) White of Parshall, ND; Veronica Serdahl of Mandaree, Greg & Mary Plante of Poplar, MT, ND; Georgia (Tommy) Atkinson and Georgia “Cissy” YellowHawk, of Poplar, MT, Yvonne Chase of Parshall, ND. Adopted Niece & Nephew: Perry & Imogene Lilley, Denise & Curtis Melbourne
She always made relatives wherever she went, and she had many adopted relations. You will always be Huunkapi, you know who you are.
Ruth is proceeded in death by her Parents: Felix and Christine Necklace, Grandparents: John & Elsie Kills Thunder Necklace. Brother: William “WJ,” Harold and Philmore Necklace; Sister: Cordelia Mae Dust, Charlotte Good Soldier; Daughters: Alphine Necklace Youpee and Vernelle Four Bear, Son: Roberto Patino Jr. Nephew: Melvin Good Soldier Grandsons: Michael J Necklace, Leroy “LD” Youpee III, and Venell Necklace-Brown. Niece: Morgan Marie Necklace. Adopted sister: Georgia Red Eagle. Beloved pet: Hoksila.
Extended Families: Kills Thunder, Necklace, Martinez, Four Bear, Packineau, Youngman, Chopper, Good Soldier, Michaels, Spotted Birds, Dust, Fox, FastHorse-Boyd, Plante
Friends & Family are too numerous to mention. If we have forgotten someone, it was not intentional.
Richelle mooch uriyah says
My condolences to the family and friends near and far, she was honestly the most beautiful person anyone would have been able to of known. She had the most beautiful spirit helping anyone when she had or was able too!! Love and miss you Ruth and thank you for being there when needed
Love and respect
Nicole says
Mom Ruth going to miss u so much my heart is shattered knowing u gone . Going to miss our visits and u coming into the Office and telling me a lot ..
Donald Boyd says
R.I.P. Elder Ruth Necklace Sending My Deepest Condolences And Prayers To The Necklace Family In The Days Ahead Another Great Elder Gone…
Cathy Wetsit says
RIP my friend Ruth. Condolences to the family.
Jolene Chopper-Jones says
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. My sweet, sweet Auntie, I’ll love and miss you forever. ❤️
Ramona Iceman says
Damn I don’t know what to say Ruth. I love you and miss you. Lord have mercy. Ruth my. Heart is broken. I can’t even rite. I’m sorry.💜💕🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿💕💜🙏🏻😎😭😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😢🥺🙏🏻😇💜💕
Ramona Iceman says
Terry, my heart goes out to you and yours. We love you all. Amen.💜💕🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿💕💜🙏🏻😎😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😭😭😭😭😢🥺🥺🥺❤️😇💜💕🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿💕💜🙏🏻😎
Ramona Iceman says
Missee. I’m sorry 😢 I love you my Beautiful Sister. Ruth will all ways be in my 💜 heart. Love and prayers. All the way to Heaven. Amen .😭😭😭😭😢😢😭😭😢🥺🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️❤️😇💜💕🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿💕💜🙏🏻😎
brenda red horn says
My condolences to Ruth’s family. I meant her years ago , she was always glad to see me when would see each which wasn’t often, RIP my friend
Barbara Perry says
I have known Ruth for years, also Terry. Ruth and I share the same birthday but different years! We would wish each other “Happy birthday” when we saw each other. The last time I saw you, we visited for awhile, and you looked good! Rest in peace, my friend!
Adrianne Perry says
Heaven gained a beautiful lady, with a big heart.. I know Vernelle was right their waiting. Son (Koko… lol) im sorry for your loss.. love you and hugs.
Ann, Liessa and Squeaky Toy. ♥️🙏♥️
Susie Kirker says
Going to miss you lady! May you Rest in Peace!
Frank DeMarrias says
Cuz I’m gonna always remember you and May always watching out for me when we was young. I can’t believe that your all gone now. Don’t you worry as long as I’m able I will take care of your grave, I’ll keep it clean like you liked things all the time.
Shari Daniels says
I can only imagine all the family you get to see. Renewed. Healthy. No pain. prayers for your family in the years ahead.
Manuelita Hairy Chin says
Rest in peace my Auntie Ruth 🙏❤️ I love you for all the things you did for my favorite leksi Terry 😍 U kept him safe n loved by your family and am always thankful for that 🌹 Love you and may you be in heaven with all your loved ones and don’t worry Leksi will always be by your side 🙏 Condolences out to her children and especially my Leksi Terry Lela techila 💙 Doksa ake Auntie Ruth 🩷
I am going to cone pay my respects.
Love always Rosette ❤️
Adrian Bruguier-Imus says
Imus family want to share our deepest condulences to the Necklace and Martinez family. Ruth will be missed. Love from the Bruguier and Imus families
Cheryle Cantrell says
Rest in Peace Cousin. Going to miss our talks n your laughter. I’ve all the ancestors a hug n in due time we’ll see each other again. Love you!
Amber Fisher says
I’m very sorry for your loss. Ruth was a great role model for the younger generation. They truly would have learned aoit from her teachings. She will be dearly missed but it’s just beginning for her safe travels. I’m very sorry Terri for your loss my deepest condolences.
Ron Ferrell says
Her spirit will live.
Richard WhiteOwl III says
Fly High Aunt Ruth, your with best of them. Give my Unci Donna a hug n kiss from me, has I’m sure you two alot of gayopi to talk about. Condolences to the family.
Sioux Necklace says
I love you gramma I can’t believe it I will see you later grandma Ruth.
Eunice Grey Bear says
I was so sad to hear of your passing my friend. I was in shocked to hear the news after how many months have gone by. My friend you were such a unique woman, I will always remember that big smile of yours, always so full of happy energy. Thank you for stopping by my house when you come down to North Dakota. Thank you for your beautiful friendship. R.Ì.P my beautiful friend 😥😥🙏❤️🙏