Obituary - Arleta Mae Plummer

October 21, 2024, Arleta Mae Plummer passed peacefully at home with her family surrounding her.

Arleta was born July 15, 1943, in Fort Belknap, Montana. She was raised by Norman Plummer and Marie (Werk) and Virgil McConnell.

Throughout Arleta's life, she held various roles including telephone operator, restaurant manager, a teacher and counselor for West Harrison Schools. Arleta's favorite roles were mom and grandma.

Arleta had six children who were her whole life for so many years that even her children's friends called her "Mama Leta". Many of Arleta's activities centered around what her children did. In the summer when her children were young, she would be found cheering them on at swim team meets. She was a CampFire leader who led so many young children in organized activities, fostering their love of the outdoors. Arleta presented her Native American culture to numerous classrooms throughout her life. Thanks to Arleta, her children know the importance of family and support each other in all their endeavors.

When most of her children were grown, Arleta married Donovan Burress. Together they had many Siberian Huskies that were her "babies". They lived in Colorado for 19 years and enjoyed their many drives through the mountains. Arleta and Donovan returned to Iowa in 2021 to be close to their family and grandchildren. Arleta loved her grandchildren and created many memories with them.

Preceding Arleta in death are her parents Norman Plummer and Marie McConnell and Virgil McConnell, siblings Shirley Kirkaldie, Barbara Plummer, Virgil A McConnell, Frank McConnell, and Rhonda Snell.

Remaining to cherish Arleta's memory are spouse, Donovan Burress, and her children: Twila (Shannon) Firmature, Starla (Tom) Salter, Rhonda Reep, Rob Firmature, Sabrina (Kevin) Howes, and Shauna (Joe) Cihacek; her stepchildren: Shawn (Jennifer) Burress, Shane Burress, Troy (Vicki) Burress, Kelli (Bob) Pietramale, Damian (Nikii) Burress, and Dan (Amber) Burress. Her aunt Gert Werk, brother Floyd (Angie) McConnell, sister Trenda DuBois, special nieces/daughters Ione Snell and Jean Lynn (Todd) Pease, 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make time to play a card game with your family, and in memory of Arleta, don't let the kids win.

A special thank you to Myrtue Hospice who helped our family in the final months. Thank you to our angel, our adopted sister, Katie Klein who was with us at the end.

Celebration of Life Gathering will be in the summer of 2025 in Hays, Montana.

Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home. Online Condolences, https://www.hennesseyonline.com .