Candace Bridges
A funeral service for Candace Bridges, 83, will be 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church in Poplar, Mont. Burial will follow in Poplar Cemetery.
Candace passed away Dec. 18, 2019, at CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson, N.D., surrounded by her loving family.
Candace Thelma Bridges was born Jan. 27, 1936, in Wolf Point, Mont., the daughter of Walter and Jessie Mae (Hart) Bridges. She grew up on the family ranch north of Poplar, Mont., where as a child she enjoyed the ranch work, helping her father ride on the cattle, care for the horses, put up hay and with other ranch chores. Candace attended Poplar High School where she was active in the band and was a majorette. She was crowned Wolf Point Stampede Rodeo Queen in 1953. Following her graduation, Candace attended Northern Montana College in Havre where she attained her two- year teaching degree. She then began her teaching career at Charlie Creek Country School in eastern Montana in the 1950s.
In 1958, Candace married John Fredericks Jr. and moved to Twin Buttes, N.D. Together, they had five children, Susan, John III, Casey, Shawn and Mary. In the 1960s, she continued teaching in Mandaree and Twin Buttes on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. After her children were born, she went back to college in the late 1960s and received her four-year degree in education from Dickinson State College.
She moved with her children to Medora, N.D., in 1971 and continued teaching and raising her children after her divorce. While in Medora, she traveled throughout each school year to various country schools in Billings County teaching classes. In 1975, she moved with her children back to Poplar where she taught in Poplar and Brockton, Mont.
Candace was an educator for over 40 years in eastern Montana and western North Dakota. She mentored many young people along the way, while remaining devoted to raising and nurturing her own children. She eventually retired from teaching in Brockton, Mont. Even after retirement though, Candace continued to do what she loved by tutoring and substitute teaching. In 2001 Candace moved to her son Casey’s ranch north of Dunn Center, N.D., and from there traveled to her kids’ homes staying at times with Susie and Mary on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. She was a lifelong learner, educator and mentor.
Candace enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her kids and grandkids. She was a wonderful seamstress, always sewing clothes for her kids, nephews and nieces as they grew up. Candace was an avid reader and loved to travel. Candace was very knowledgeable and was known to be a historian. She loved visit with everyone — always making people feel special.
Candace is survived by children, Susan Jane Fredericks of Mandaree, N.D., John (Wendie) Fredericks III of Mandan, N.D., Casey David (Kami) Fredericks of Halliday, N.D., Shawn Dee (Peggy) Fredericks of Busby, Mont., and Mary MaLee Fredericks (Marle Baker) of Mandaree; grandchildren, Michael Granbois, Jordan Granbois, Chloe Fredericks, Candace “Cate” Fredericks, Jesse Fredericks, Whitney Schroeder, Mariah Fredericks, Megan Fredericks, Casey Shay Fredericks; great-grandchildren, Will and Mara Granbois, Sampson and Charlotte Schroeder, Jubal Fredericks, Brylie Ohmstede, Chastyn Fredericks, Essence Garcia, Evalina Castro, Breanna Castro and Roman Castro; and brothers, Donovan (Claire) Bridges of Poplar, Mont., and Dallas O’Connor of Poplar, Mont.; and special sister-in-law, Danette O’Connor of Hinsdale, Mont.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Jessie Bridges; grandmother, Jettie D. Hart; and nephew, Darren Bridges.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome. com.
