MILDRED CHRISTENSON obituary

HAYS Mildred Mary Christenson, 92, whose Gros Ventre name NEE-NA-AH-NAITHA means “Whirling Women,” died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at her residence in Hays due to cancer.

A wake service began Monday afternoon at the Mission Recreation Center with rosary recited at 7 p.m. Her funeral Mass was scheduled to be celebrated today at 11 a.m. at the Mission Recreation Center with burial at Mission Cemetery. Mildred was born to Robert and Annie (Walker) Mount on Nov. 11, 1914, at Hays. She was raised in the area, attending St. Paul's Mission Elementary and high school at Flandreau, S.D. Mildred married Frank Mann Sr. In 1933, and they later divorced. She married Norman Christenson, and they divorced. From 1972 to 1977, she worked at the Indian Education Center in Great Falls. From 1977 to 1979, she worked at the rest home in Fort Belknap and Hays. She worked as a cook at Hays Head Start from 1979 until retiring in 1996. Mildred's hobbies included playing cards and bingo, known as Grandma Bingo, with her grandchildren. She did a lot of sewing, making clothes for her children. She also enjoyed making Indian dolls and quilts, embroidering, talking walks, playing cards, watching all sports on TV, being with her friends, being around grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and braiding rugs. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marie LaRoque; brothers, William Mount, Donald Mount, Tommy Mount, J.J. Mount and Louie Mount; children, Madeliva Russette, Mabel Mann, Norman Christenson and David Mann. Survivors include her children, Gertrude Werk of Hays, Frances Russette of Rocky Boy, Frank Mann Jr. Of Torrance, Calif., Donald Mann of Hays, Wilma (Kermit) Morsette of Rocky Boy, Christine (Billy) Oppelt of Great Falls, and Christabell (Perry) Main, Nicki (Joey) Kirkaldie and Dorothy (Mick) Hawley of Hays; sisters, Caroline Brown of Harlem, and Barbara Long Knife and Monie Messerly of Hays; numerous grandchildren; many greatgrandchildren; and many greatgreat- grandchildren. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.