Maas (Turnip) | Isskaíssápiakii (Looking Back Woman)
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Virginia Eagle Bear on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Cardston Health Centre surrounded by her family and friends.
Virginia was born at the Blood Indian Hospital to Stanley and Madeline Eagle Bear. She grew up on the Blood Reserve and received her education at the Day School in Standoff. She grew up in the time when wagons were still used to farm and travel, she would help with the harvesting of hay alongside with her siblings and cousins; she recalled the times that the family would pack up camping gear and ride a wagon to the fields and set up camp with family and they spent the summer working and playing. When there was a full load to sell in Magrath, she recalled that her dad Stanley had to get a pass from the Indian Agent to leave the reserve to sell the hay. She shared the times when family/friends would come to the house and visit for weeks or months, back then people still travelled on horses and wagons. She shared that it was a different time back then. Her parents instilled a hard-working ethic with her and her siblings; they all worked hard and contributed at an early age. She recalled going to community dances, and they would walk or ride horses sometimes a wagon to get there.
Virginia was working in Fort Macleod at the Westerner when she met the love of her life in the spring of 1968 (May). That summer they came back to the Blood Reserve and never left each other's side. They worked mostly for her dad Stanley but always travelled and worked in Yakima, Washington to pick apples during fruit season, and back then a lot of family would travel to the States to work. This was also their vacation time until they were blessed with their children Carl and Lee-Ann. Virginia managed her father’s business Stan’s Farm Sales / Virginia's Gas Bar from 1969 – 2005 and later rented out her building the Kainai Food Store. She also managed the kitchen at the former Red Crow Community College. Virginia took care of her mother until her passing. Travelling was a big part of her life, going to the States to visit her daughter and bringing her mom and grandchildren everywhere until she couldn’t drive anymore, then her daughter Lee-Ann became her personal chauffeur. Virginia began as a vendor at the powwow's and later began to watch the powwow's when family members started dancing. She was incredibly supportive and encouraged everyone to chase their dreams and do their best at anything they set their minds to. She started enjoying the powwow trail travelling with her daughter to Piikani, Ampskapi’piikani, Siksika, Nakota, Sarcee, Gathering of Nations, Denver March Powwow, and Crow Fair to name a few.
Virginia and Mervyn shared a love of gardening, and she took great pride in her yard and flowers. After having her fence rebuilt, Virginia found wagon wheels to decorate it, and each Christmas and New Year, her loving husband would add a greeting to the display.
Virginia enjoyed watching WWE’s Monday Night Raw and pay-per-view events with her son, as well as hockey with her husband and grandchildren, especially Dalton. She also loved Yellowstone and Cobra Kai and proudly wore any shirt she received as a gift—whether it was Cobra Kai or Budweiser, if someone gave it to her, she wore it.
Easy-going and loving, Virginia treasured time with her family and will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
After she retired, she would set up with her daughter at the BTA or at the powwows selling her banana cream pies. She loved meeting people and visiting. She had special relationships with all her nieces and nephews, and her home was open to all the kids growing up. Virginia was a very direct person; she tells it like it is, even if it meant hurting their feelings. She told the truth but never failed to show her love. Virginia made friends everywhere and loved to visit; she will be missed.
She is survived by her spouse of 58 years and 4 months, Mervyn Yellow Face; Son, Carl Eagle Bear; daughter, Lee-Ann Eagle Bear: sister, Phyllis Eagle Bear; Grandchildren, Sherri (Dillon) First Rider, Denim First Rider, Kashtin (James) Eagle Bear, Zackery Eagle Bear, Kristy Eagle Bear, Tucker, Lexie and Brady Rabbit, Waylon (Diandra) Heavy Runner, Elissa (Trevor) Heavy Runner, Sarah (Willie) Eagle Bear, Allie Healy, Dalton (Tyese) Eagle Bear, Raymond "RJ" (Kodi) Eagle Bear, Alex Eagle Bear; Great Grandchildren, Dillon, Gracia, Erica, and Elsie Apsassin, Taylon Ayoungman, Luken and Archie Eagle Bear, Raiden Rabbit, and Mia Weasel Moccasin; Nieces, Carolyn Wells, Natalie White Quills, Jana (Danielle) Day Chief, Kelli (Ray) Day Chief, Lisa (JB) Red Crow, Amanda Black Water, Cindy Day Rider, Olivia (Darrell) Good Striker; Adopted Son, Russell (Candice) Wells; Nephews, Andrew "Bunny" (Shannon) Black Water, Jesse Day Rider; Daughter-in-law, Kyla Crow; Aunt/Uncle, Dale Low Horn Sr., Ted Cross Child and Adeline Sweet Grass, Billy Cross Child, and Nora Cross Child; and Cousins, Rose Marie Sweet Grass, Karen (Keith) Russell, Rosabel Sweet Grass.
Virginia was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Madeline Eagle Bear; Siblings, Omar Eagle Bear, Raymond Eagle Bear Sr., Dorothy Day Rider; half-brother, Tyron Eagle Speaker; Adopted Son, Raymond Eagle Bear Jr.; Nephews, Cory White Quills, David Red Crow, Charles Yellow Face; Great Nephew, Wyatt Day Rider; Niece, Carmen Eagle Bear; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Special acknowledgement to the medical staff at the Cardston Health Centre, Dr. Lloyd Clarke and Justin Lowe. The nurses Mike (Kehan "Pedro") Chen, who referred to Virginia as Grandma and Sam Adeleke whom she was teaching Blackfoot to. The Indigenous Hospital Liaisons Natalie Creighton and Tracey Day Chief who were at bedside every day visiting with her. Blood Tribe Home Care Team Shastina Spear Chief, Alana Peyachew. The Jack Ady Cancer Center staff, Dr. Taleb (medical oncologist), the nurse practitioners Jenn and Bernice, and the nurse navigator Amanda. The family also acknowledges everyone who came to the hospital and spent time with Virginia.
Virginia's extended family includes Eagle Bear, Cross Child, Crop Eared Wolf, Shot Both Sides, Weasel Fat, Standing Alone, Mistaken Chief, Knife, Sweet Grass, Chief Calf, Low Horn, Turning Robe. Virginia has a large family whom she loved, and many cousins who she considered brothers and sisters, too numerous to mention. The family apologizes for any names not mentioned.
A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM.
A Blessing Ceremony will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by the Celebration of Life and Feast.