Thelma Joan Steele was born April 7, 1941, to Mary Agnes Scott Steele and William “Billy” Steele. She had eight siblings, all of whom have predeceased her: Frederick Richard Steele, Sr., Dorrance Dean Steele, Sr., Carlene Florence Steele, Theresa Catherine Steele Smoker, Trivian “Tiny” Scott Moore, Lonnie Ray Steele, Marlene Agnes Steele Talks Different, Mary Rose Melbourne Longtree. The Steele family moved to Portland, OR. After the 1948 Van Port Flood, the Family moved back to Poplar. Thelma attended high school in Poplar and Frazer. Her education was interrupted by marriage and raising children; she earned her GED in 1970. Thelma married George Buck Blount, Jr., on February 2, 1959. She and Junior had seven children and one adopted daughter: George William (Candy); Robin Wayne (Colleen); Sidney Rory (Theda); Natalie LaRae; Angela Pearl; Loni Geordean (Todd); Delane Faye (Angie); and Lynette Adams.
Two daughters, Natalie (2 ½ years old) and Angie (14 months old), tragically died in a house fire in Frazer in 1968. Thelma later had two more daughters, Loni and Delane. After the loss of her two baby girls, she always believed the Lord gave her two daughters to replace the two that were lost. Junior was killed in a car accident on March 25, 1973, 2 ½ miles east of Frazer on Highway 2. Thelma later married Larry Hamilton, they were divorced within a year. She lived with her long-time companion, Elliot Lynn Todd, for 22 years, until he passed in 2008. Together they built the Iron Horn Ranch south of Frazer.
Thelma endured great heart-breaking loss and, as a result, she became a strong woman of faith. Life events that could have made her weak and bitter, instead filled her with strength and resilience, love and compassion. She was known for her great hospitality; if you visited her, she would always feed you and invite you to stay and visit. Thelma was known for her quilt-making and ceramics. She loved the Frazer Community and invested her life there, as an educator and school board member (22 years), child and family advocate (12 years), tribal housing representative, post office assistant (6 years) and town mayor. She owned and operated her own business, Pahin Wakpa, an arts and crafts and convenience store, for three years.
Thelma was Mom, Grandma and Auntie to many, attesting to the respect, love, care and affection she bestowed on all whom she met. She had 8 children, 18 grandchildren and 53 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Family relations are the Blount, Steele, Scott, Culbertson, Red Eagle, Foote, Red Bear, Long Hair, Buckles, Raining Bird, Talks Different, Smoker, Wallette and Round Face.
Thelma will be buried in Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery, next to her husband Junior, her son Sidney and her two daughters, Natalie and Angie. Services will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Frazer School.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 26, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 27, 2024
Frazer High School Gym
Frazer, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 26, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 27, 2024
Frazer High School Gym
Frazer, Montana 59255
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Donna Black Dog says
My heartfelt sympathy to Thelma’s family. She was a kind hearted woman. She will be missed by all her family. Prayers for comfort, healing and blessings to all that knew Thelma. God be with you all.😥🙏🌹❤
Annette (Berge) Vegge says
I’m so sorry to hear about Thelma. She was always such a sweet lady. Prayers for the family. May your memories comfort you all during this difficult time.
Hope Belcher says
I never got the chance to tell how much I appreciated her laughter,her smile,her compassion. My condolences to the family.
Brian Azure, Sr says
I’m so sorry to hear about her passing. My prayers are with her family…
Roxann Smith says
Sending prayers for all of Thelma’s families. She was a gem of a lady. She will be missed. Much love to you as you travel Ms Thelma.
Candace ElkShoulder says
Sending condolences hugs and prayers to Thelma’s family. She became a good friend to me the years I lived at Ft. Peck. She will truly be missed.
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Farewell cousin prayers for your family and you.
Eric Bruguier says
Condolences and prayers to Blount family.
patricia martin says
condolensenses to thelmas family knew the lady for years and she was a kind soul rip……
Shari Daniels says
My prayers and condolences to all of your families Thema. It was definitely a grand time with you around.
Donna Bigleggins says
Condolences to the Blount family I have known Thelma for a couple years she was such a a cowgirl with a big heart I will cherish all the memories we had together you will be missed love you grandma you a beautiful angel xoxo tell we meet again
Meryle Montclair says
Sincere condolences to her family!! Thelma was a beautiful woman inside and out!! She was so kind, she was a great person to know!
Dyan Jorgenson says
My condolences to the extended families…
She always had a smile and a joke to tell me. I’m gonna miss her
Rest easy
MCGEORGE DEMARRIAS JR says
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
Dale Buckles says
My condolences to the entire Blount family. Please know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace Aunty.
😢🙏
Dale
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to the families.
Eloise Young Man says
Thelma, we were the best Roller Skaters. In our days. You were my bestest friend ever..
I will never forget you. You were so much fun, and always had the last say💜💜💜. I’ll miss you my buddy, my friend🙏🙏🙏
Love ❤️ you 💜
Roxann Smith says
Sending my condolences on the loss of your mom grandma , auntie. She was always such a nice lady. She knew my dad and our family over on east end. Prayers for your families.
Marcella Joyce Grey Bull says
It’s a hard thing to realize that you passed away dear cousin 💔 I haven’t seen you in years but always thought of you..my regret is not visiting you more..our sincere Condolences to all your loving family and friends..we will all miss you..fly high with the Angels my beautiful cousin 💜💙 give my Mom n all the family hugs..til we all meet again..doksha 💙💜🙏
Colleen says
My condolences to the family of Thelma. She sure was a nice lady with a kind heart. When ever I would run into her she would always greet me with a big smile and hug. I know your family in the spirit world are celebrating your return. Rest in Paradise my friend, your work is done here on earth.
Frances Weeks says
Condolences sent to your family at this time. One of the best memories I had was visiting with Thelma and feeling accepted by this strong lady. She had a kind way about her and I was always happy to see her on my travels to Frazer. Till we meet again, may your family find comfort and strength in their time of mourning.
Brenda Eder & Gloria Chopper says
Condolonces to the family of Thelma, you are going to be missed dearly. god wrap your arms around her family during this time!
our prayers are with you all!
Jo Culbertson Zollinger says
Thelma and her siblings were our cousins. During World War 11, we were neighbors in Vanport, Oregon which was the second largest city in Oregon. When the town of Vanport flooded in May 1948, we relocated to Portland, Oregon. The following month in June, Thelma was selected to ride on the Vanport float during the Portland Rose Festival parade, to commemorate Vanport’s existence. It was an honor.
Patt Iron Cloud says
God bless your beautiful family and children and Takojapi. I love you dear Delane and Angie, I know your hearts are broken. I love you Miss beautifulThelma. God be with you this day as you travel to the beautiful camp of our Ancestors. Hugs . I love dear Thelma and all of your family members and Takojapi, Grandma Patt
Rita Weeks says
My thoughts and prayers are with Thelma’s family. Thelma was a a sincerely sweet person. Always kind and caring. Always fun to visit with. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Peace be with you.
Traci Sibley says
I’m so sorry to hear this. She was one of my very favorite people. I could sit and listen to her tell stories for hours. She will be dearly missed. Condolences to her family.
Robin HayesHernandez says
I enjoyed working and knowing her. My thoughts and prayers