Frances Bighorn
Frances Cookie Doney Bighorn, Gamnéza A’ú Wį́yą,, 80, died Jan. 15, 2026, at NEMHS Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point.
She was born in Poplar Feb. 3, 1945, to Tom and Rose Doney. She grew up in Wyota and attended school in Nashua until she graduated from high school. She then went into college at Montana State University - Bozeman and received her bachelor’s degree in business.
She later moved to Denver, Colo., where she married Charles Eagleman and had two daughters, Cherie and Cissy Eagleman.
She was employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs while living in Denver.
They moved back to Montana to raise their children and to be closer to family.
They later divorced and she met and married Dean Bighorn. Together, they raised her grandson Catlin Eagleman.
She went to work at the Bureau of Indian affairs again but in realty, then later for minerals for a few years and then finally she ended up moving into a position with law enforcement for many years. Her last job was with Global Geographical until she retired.
She enjoyed taking care of her plants, birds and took great pride in her lawn and flowers. She enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and especially her love for her cats. She was known for making her pies, soups and bread. Many people across Fort Peck loved her cooking. Her favorite pastime was playing machines.
She was very proud to come from the Nakona, Dakota, Chippewa/Cree people. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl “Cherie” Eagleman-Rodrigues and Carlene “Cissy” Eagleman, both of Poplar; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her great-granddaughters, Malaia “Sister” James and Tianna Redman. adopted son, Joray Four Bear; adopted brother, Charlie Four Bear; brothers, Jim and John; and sisters, Mary Alice Redman and Mary.
A vigil will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
