Obituary - Leona Madeline (Oats) Swan, Wîhkaskwa 'Skwew Kamik (Sweetgrass Lodge Woman)

Leona Madeline (Oats) Swan, Wîhkaskwa 'Skwew Kamik (Sweetgrass Lodge Woman), 69, passed away March 26, 2024. 

Wake services will begin at 3 p.m. today, March 28, 2024, and will continue until her funeral service, which will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2024, all at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the Rocky Boy Cemetery. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Leona's online memorial page to send a card or leave a mesage of condolence for her family at https://www.hollandbonine.com

Leona was born in Fort Belknap, MT, to James and Madeline Oats, June 5, 1954. After high school, Leona attended the Southwestern Indian Polytechnical Institute and later graduated with an associate degree from Stone Child College. Throughout her career, she held various roles within the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Rocky Boy Schools and the Rocky Boy Health Center, retiring in 2020.

Following her retirement, Leona dedicated herself to her passions and exploring new interests.

Leona married Ron Swan and together they shared three decades of love and laughter. 

Weekends often found Leona and Ron in Havre, indulging in their shared passion for "garaging." In her leisure hours, Leona could be found tending to her garden, enjoying Hallmark movies, and connecting with loved ones online. Her greatest joy came from hosting large gatherings, where she delighted in visiting with and cooking for her extended family. Many times, these gatherings were for birthdays. She had a gift for remembering birthdays and made sure that those she cared for felt genuinely loved and recognized on their day. Known for her feisty spirit and sharp wit, Leona tackled life with determination and humor, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was the rock of her family, and her home was always open to those in need. Through her unending love, she ensured that all who came through her door left feeling cherished and nourished. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Madeline Oats; husband, Ronald Swan; son James Swan; and granddaughters Ashley Oats and Britney LaFromboise.

Leona is survived by her daughters, Heather (Charles LaFromboise) Oats and Jamie (Brian) Molina; sons Russell Houle Jr., Leon Houle and Dustin Webster; nine grandchildren, and many relatives.