Our beloved matriarch Florence M. Fourstar “Lightning in the Clouds Woman,” age 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Benefits Medical Center in Great Falls, Montana. Losing our preeminent maternal figure is especially hurtful and difficult.
Florence was born on December 25, 1949 at the IHS hospital in Poplar, Montana to Leslie Sr. and Freda (Redstone) Fourstar. Florence was a member of a large family which included nine other brothers and sisters. In her earlier years, Florence was raised in a two-room log house on her father’s original allotment in the Wiota Community. Florence often referred to the somewhat destitute lifestyle in which they resided. Despite these struggles, she had a compassionate spirit and was a caring central figure, helping to raise her siblings when her parents were absent. In later years, the family moved to the Frazer community, where she was a well-loved fixture. She always made time for everyone who crossed her threshold. In spite of their social status, she also cared deeply for and provided support to those who lacked the ability and resources to provide for their own well-being, expecting nothing in return. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. Anyone who knew her knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that’s all that ever mattered to her. Most importantly, she was literate in and actively practiced her cultural and contemporary lifeways.
Florence obtained her GED from the CEP Institute in Helena, Montana and her AA Degree from Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana. She had a lengthy career of employment in Head Start, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the State of Montana Department of labor, including the Child and Family Services as a successful social worker, as an advocate for women and children at risk at the Family Violence Resource Center, Integrated Solutions and was currently the Chairman of the Fort Peck Tribes enrollment Committee. She was most proud of her tenures in the CNA occupation, particularly during her duration of employment at the Deaconess Medical Center in Billings, Montana.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Delores McConnell; brothers: Leslie Jr., Victor Sr., Tony, Phillip, Terrance and three sons. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis; brothers, Vernon (Debbie) of Spokane, Washington and Rick of Frazer, Montana. Survivors include her spouse, Rodney Miller; daughter Lana of Frazer, Montana; grandchildren which include Brent, Breah, Brielle, Dominique, Darnell, Kyra, Marlon, Azarea, Tonisha, Chryss and Vivian; great-grandchildren: Brady, NaZiah, Kyrie, Hailyn, A’Raya, Cyn’Cere and Aurealyus “Bubba” Alkire and numerous nieces and numerous biological and adopted grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and others who also considered her as their surrogate aunt or mother. Her family is extremely large, if anyone has been omitted, it is not intentional.
She had a compassionate spirit and worked tirelessly in always providing earnest support and undying love for her large biological and extended families. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Florence. Just because she is no longer here and in a better place, free from hurt and joyously reunited with her loved ones who preceded her, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight.
A Wake will be held 7:00 p.m. at the Freda Fourstar Community Hall in Frazer, Montana Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Funeral services will be at the Freda Fourstar Community Hall, 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024 with burial following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Frazer. Condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.