Obituary - Madeliva Russette

Madeliva Russette, 60, passed away Friday, June 14, 2019, due to natural causes at her Rocky Boy home surrounded by family.

Wake services began at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019, at the residence of her aunt Wilma Morsette, 2126 Laredo Road, and continued until she was moved to St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 16, 2019. Her wake continued there, and a Rosary was held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services took place at 10:00 a.m. today, Monday, June 17, 2019. Burial followed in the Russette Family Cemetery on Lower Road.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Madeliva’s online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Madeliva was born April 1, 1959, in Havre to William and Madeliva (Mann) Russette. She was raised in Rocky Boy, and attended high school at Chilocco Indian School, graduating in 1978. Upon graduation, she returned home to Rocky Boy, where she lived with her aunt Wilma. She soon met William C. St. Marks, with whom she had two children, and they later separated. In the early 1990s, Madeliva attended Stone Child College, where she obtained her associate degree in education. She continued her education at Northern Montana College, but began working for the 4-C’s Casino before she finished her degree.

In the late 1990’s, Madeliva met Dennis Doney, and the couple remained together until his passing some years later. After Dennis passed, Madeliva returned home to Rocky Boy.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren; playing bingo, the machines and cards, and visiting with her friends.

Madeliva was preceded in death by her parents; significant other Dennis Doney; grandson Xavier Russette; and siblings Lena Alexander and Bill Russette, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Star St. Marks and Jimmy Darrell Russette of Rocky Boy; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; siblings Loretta Russette and Louis “Deuce” (Mary) Russette, all of Rocky Boy, and Mike (Dena) Longknife of Arizona; second parents Kermit and Wilma Morsette; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.