Viola Wood
Viola Mae Wood, (Wahohbi Waste Wiya-Good Nest Woman), 81, died Sept. 29, 2025, in Billings.
She was born in Poplar on June 6, 1945, to TaShunga Hunga “His Horses Chief”, Harvey Bearcub and Hee Numpa Wiya “Two Teeth Woman”, Nellie Struck the Ground. She received her Nakota name from her grandfather Old Bearcub. She was a member of the HudeSana Red Bottom Clan and raised in both the Wicohan and LDS religions.
An outstanding horsewoman, she traveled with Lois Hansen to many rodeos to barrel race, adding to her buckle collection. Her red paint horse was called Red Bottom in honor of her clan. He’d only let her ride him. All others he tried or did bite them and bucked them off. She was Wolf Point Stampede Queen in 1968.
She married Larry Wood in Plentywood on Sept. 9, 1972. As a duo they traveled, attending many PRCA and INFR Finals. Many professional bull riders became lifelong friends. They ranched for many years, hosting many brandings and helping birth calves in the freezing cold until they retired a few years ago.
She and Beaver were lifelong supporters and participants of the Red Bottom Celebration Committee, serving and sponsoring grandchildren in various positions.
She graduated from Job
