Vernita Elaine Bear was born on February 17, 1960 to Josephine Spotted Bird and Earlwin Bear in Poplar, MT. Vernita passed away on August 20, 2022 in Poplar surrounded by all that loved her.
Vernita was raised in Brockton the 6th child out of 7. She attended school from grade school to the 11th grade at the Brockton School. Vernita took care of her oldest sibling, Merlin Yellow Owl, until she started her own family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren. She also has 14 great grandchildren in South Dakota. Vernita loved spending time with family and friends, so many to mention. Vernita also took in a son, Theo Crow and a granddaughter, Kiera Bear that she raised like her own. Vernita loved music, visiting, doing her crossword book, and her lottery tickets. Enjoyed going to church, loved cook out, especially doing birthday parties for her family. Vernita loved her job as a bartender at Buckhorn Bar. There is so much more to mention that defines our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandma, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, Vernita Bear. Our family Angel will never be forgotten, forever loved, and missed. We were so blessed to have Vernita for 62 years.
Vernita is survived by 5 children, Melody , Merlino, Waverly, Wayan, and Randen Bear; 9 grandchildren, Joslynn, Merlina, Tefton, Treyvin, Zaylin, Meisha, Rileigh, Malanni, Amari and many more; 2 nieces, Jody (Monte) Thompson, Emma Grey Bull of Sisseton, SD; nephew, Donald Iceman III of Brockton; 14 great-grandchildren from South Dakota; auntie, Doris Spotted Bird; adopted sisters, brothers, cousin, nephews, and nieces too numerous to mention.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Josephine Spotted Bird; father, Earlwin Bear; brothers, Merlin Yellow Owl, Gerald Bear Sr., Lyle Bear, Elwayne Rush; sisters, Glenda Crawford, Evelyn “Connie” Bear, Wilma Bear; nephews, Edwin “Jack” Crawford Jr., Gerald Bear Jr.; nieces, Jonita Bear, Miranda Crawford; grandchild, Abrielle Jackson; great-grandchild, JR Eastman; son-in-law, Edwin “Nickey” Crawford Sr., maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; sorry if we forgot to mention some, she comes from a big family.
A 2 day wake will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, August 27 at the Bear Residence in Brockton, moving to the Brockton Cultural Center for services at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, August 29 at the Brockton Cultural Center. Interment will follow at the Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Wake
7:00 p.m.
Saturday August 27, 2022
Bear Residence
113 1st Street
Brockton, Montana 59213
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 29, 2022
Brockton Cultural Center
Brockton, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Wake
7:00 p.m.
Saturday August 27, 2022
Bear Residence
113 1st Street
Brockton, Montana 59213
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 29, 2022
Brockton Cultural Center
Brockton, Montana 59255
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Jim BigHorn says
My condolences to the family.
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolescences to the family of Vernita Bear. Prayers to her children. I had the privilege to know Vernita. She was a quiet, soft spoken lady. She was very proud of her children.
Connie Bird says
Sending Prayers to her family. To My Sister Vernita Thanks For All The Memories Until We Meet Again Love You Sister
Miles Lilley says
My condolences to the family, our prayers are with you.
Lawrence Melbourne says
Safe Journeys Vernita…
Donald Boyd says
R.I.P. My Elderly Friend And Sister In Christ Vernita Bear 🐻 This Is A Shock To Everyone Who Knew You And You’ll Be Greatly Missed At Church…
Ramona Iceman says
We love you sister,vernita. Till we meet again. We will always love, and miss you. Safe travels.Amen. Ramona Iceman and family.
Cissy Eagleman says
Prayers for the families and friends of Vernita. Maaaan she was one sweet person. It was sure a blessing to know her. I know that we will meet again.
Amber White Bear says
I WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY. AUNTY VERNITA, CUZ. I LOVE YOU 💘. WISH WE HAD MORE TIME TOGETHER. HUG YOUR GRANDSON THOMAS DRAKE FOR ME AND I’LL SEE YOU SOON.