Melissa Cantrell
Melissa White Eagle Cantrell, Wichapi Ota Winyan (Many Stars Woman), 80, died Dec. 11, 2021, at the Billings Clinic in Billings.
She was born Jan. 4, 1941, and grew up around the Chelsea and Poplar area when she was a young girl. As a young lady, she moved in with her sister, JoAnn in California, where she met her husband, Courtney. They lived in California until the late 1960s.
While in California, she was encouraged to get a nursing degree. She became a licensed practical nurse. She worked as a nurse in California and Montana. She was a very caring person. After moving back to Wolf Point, she worked at the hospital, L& M Cleaners with her sister-in-law, Dorrine, who she said made work enjoyable. Then, she worked Faith Home till she hurt her back. She then worked at Silver Wolf Casino as a cook. She loved her job, especially her coworkers. They were fun to work with, laughing and having fun.
Some of the things she loved were family get-togethers, watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and school events and attending celebrations that her children and grandchildren participated in singing and dancing.
Later in life, she accepted Jesus Christ into her life. She attended the Overcomers Church, loved Bible study, revivals and retreats. When she was not able to attend, she enjoyed her visits with Pastor Lindsay and taking communion.
When she was able to travel, she loved visiting her girls who are scattered in the United States.
She was a listening ear for many who needed to talk throughout the years. She was encouraging and kind, but she could give you a talking to if needed. Her children’s and grandchildren’s friends became her friends also.
She is survived by her daughters, Della Pipestem, Juanita Cantrell and Jonny Lee Bearcub of Wolf Point, Rosalind Tompkins of Spokane, Wash., Georgia Dupuis of Columbus, N.J., and Carla Soto of Lacy, Wash.; son, Michael J. Cantrell of Poplar; sisters, Vivian Jones, Louella Contreras, Ida Rae Cantrell, Mary Wolfchild and Sylvia Cantrell; brothers, Jeffery Douglas, Leonard, Art, Otto Jr. and Virgil Cantrell; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Courtney R. Cantrell Sr.; father, James White Eagle; mother, Roselyn Davis; the aunt who raised her as her own daughter, Christine Davis Douglas; sons, Courtney R. Cantrell Jr. and Verle Cantrell; sisters, JoAnn White Eagle and Mildred “Midge” Clancy; brothers, Leroy, Steven, Arnold, William, Duane, Jesse and John Douglas; and grandchildren, Frederick Medicine Stone, Jeremy Stiffarm, Kipp Stiffarm and Winona Youpee.
Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 17, at the new Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment was at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel assisted with the arrangements.
