Verdell Birdsbill

Surrounded by his family, Verdell Birdsbill, age 79, of Wolf Point, MT began his journey to the spirit world on November 12, 2011 in Billings Montana.

Verdell was the oldest child of 17 siblings, born February 11, 1932 to Charles Birdsbill and Mabel Newman Birdsbill. He was adopted into the clan of the “Awaxia” (Dripping Dirt).

His Indian name is “White Raven” Beericga Ixodagi given to him by Charles Parshall. As a young child he was called “Angry Bear”.

He attended the Shell Creek Day School before moving to Wolf Point where he attended school until the 8th grade.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952, and received a Honorable Discharge in 1953. He returned to Wolf Point after serving his country and met and married Barbara Swift Eagle. To this union, 3 children were born, Carmen Birdsbill, Colleen Birdsbill-Reddies and Charlene Birdsbill.

In 1961, Verdell was part of the Relocation Program and moved his family to San Francisco California and went to school for Carpentry. He returned to Wolf Point and worked various construction jobs, and worked for the Fort Peck Tribes Plant Management, Carpenter for the Fort Peck Housing for 7 years and worked for the Indian Health Service as Maintenance for 29 years and was still employed at the time of his passing.

Verdell had a sense of humor like no other he was sharp as whip; he was always teasing. He had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a hand when called upon. He was our “Mr. Fix It”. He liked listening to his Indian Music, going to powwows, playing bingo, eating ice cream, baked bread, and rummage sales. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara of Wolf Point; daughters, Colleen Birdsbill and Charlene Birdsbill of Wolf Point; grandchildren, Tamara Birdsbill, Loni Birdsbill of Browning, Margaret McCormick Lapawai, Idaho, Benjamin Reddies, Courtney Reddies of Billings, Elizabeth (Biz) Birdsbill, Billings, Emorie Healy, Daniel (Bushie) Healy of Wolf Point; great grandchildren, Bailey, Avery, Christian, Micheala, Tade, Mae Belle, Ricco, Rebel, Rydell, Lakeleah, Karmyn Leah, Madrox; canine partner “Sparky”; siblings, Vernon (Dooney) Birdsbill, Michael Birdsbill Sr., Darrell Birdsbill, Alan Birdsbill, Royce Birdsbill, Gloria Knudsen, Shirley Soldo, Patricia Birdsbill, Kathy Birdsbill, Vanchon (Annie) Birdsbill, Dorean (Osta) Birdsbill, Jessica White Eagle. Verdell also had 2 adopted daughters, Linda Weeks and Lois Weeks of Wolf Point; and a niece whom he considered his daughter, Jackie Morsette.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Birdsbill, Mabel Newman, his son Carmen Birdsbill, brothers & sisters, Vanchon (Bernadine) Birdsbill, Bobby Birdsbill, Phoebe White Horse, Anthony (Tony) Birdsbill, Fannie Perkins Whiteman.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 16 at the Silver Wolf Casino in Wolf Point. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, November 17 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Verdell will then be taken to New Town, ND where a wake will take place 5 p.m. Thursday, November 17 at the New Town Civic Center. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 18 also at the New Town Civic Center. Interment will follow at the Shell Creek Catholic Cemetery in New Town.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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