George Bement

George Patrick Bement, 73, of Ashland, Montana, passed away peacefully in his home on February 25, 2024.

George Patrick Bement was born on October 19, 1950 to Jesse and Eldora Bement in Crow Agency, Montana. George met the love of his life, Georgia Lee Hoffman in 1966 at the St. Labre football field. After graduating from St. Labre Indian Catholic School in 1969, George and Georgia were married in 1969 by Rosebud County Justice of Peace, Faye Christopherson, in Ashland, Montana. George and Georgia went on to have three daughters Kimberli Sue, Joni Jo, and Pattee Jene.

George's work career is very extensive and across many different fields expanding over four decades including the BIA Roads Department, BIA Law Enforcement Police Officer, Follow Through Director at Lame Deer Public Schools, Montana Power Company, and St. Labre Print Shop where he retired at the age of 65. George never missed a day of work. He encouraged hard work, and set an example for his family regardless of challenges or obstacles.

George was a proven leader in his community, where his longevity on organizational leadership boards span across three decades. George served on the Endowment Board, Range Telephone Board of Directors, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, Steve Zimmerman Memorial Board, Lame Public School Board, and Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Board.

In a few words, George was an exceptional athlete, and his determination and physical ability drove all of his pursuits. His passion was basketball, where he was a member of the 1967 Montana High School Basketball State Championship team for St. Labre Indian Catholic School. George is still one of the few high school students to be a successful Pole Vaulter, which is considered to be one of the most technically difficult sports in the world. George was inducted in the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

As a member of the Morning Star Independent Basketball team with his two brothers and friends, they were well known champions throughout the northwest.

George was an avid golfer who always won the money. George played softball for many years.

For the early part of his adulthood, you could find George at the local rodeo where he rode Saddle Broncs and Bulls.

George was also a member of the Montana Officials Association for many years where he officiated interscholastic basketball, football, and volleyball.

George loved the great outdoors. He was a hunter, you could find him chasing coyotes on his snowmobile, tracking beavers in his canoe with his daughters, taking a trophy elk from the crows, and catching and breaking wild horses on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

George was an artist, he carved pipestone, elk, dear, and moose antlers. And in a word, George was curious and his inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all these pursuits, including putting his skills to work as a mechanic, and carpenter always working to maintaining, building, and restoring whatever his next project was. Whatever he did he was all in!

Of all these great accomplishments, George was the best husband, father, and grandpa to his loving family. George had an immense passion for his family and his nineteen grandkids. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them – and if you knew him, you knew it. George carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love until his last day. He will be missed dearly.

Preceded in Death by parents Jesse and Eldora, 2 sisters, granddaughter Jordynn Rayne, grandson Keyshawn Jesse, nephew Clayton Small, Jr.

Survived by wife Georgia, daughters: Kim (Jack) Knobloch, Joni Jo Bement Spotted Wolf, Pattee (Frank), NoRunner, Joanne (Shawn) Nedens, Aryn (Ryan) Bement-Kaline Ronnette Glenmore. Grandchildren: Kevin (Rhonda) Mason, Shilo (Nick) Atkins, Lane (Alex) KnowsHisGun, CJ Cryar, Kylee Knobloch, Kyle Nedens, Maleeya KnowsHisGun, Nicole Nedens, Jacob Knobloch, Dalton Nedens, Jaren KnowsHisGun, Patrick NoRunner, Annie, Conner, Colton, Dalton, McCade, Shayla, Maggie, Randilynn, Michael NoRunner, and Sione StrangeOwl. Brothers: Robert L Bement, James Bement, Sr. (Annie), Bobby Burns and the late Mickey Burns and Sister Darlene Bement-Small, (the late Jerry Small). Aunts: Aladine Spottedwolf-Spang, Lazonna Harris, Susie Wilsey. Brother-in-law: Jim Hoffman. Sister-in-law Marla Hoffman, special son in law Jack Knobloch Jr. Blood brother John Klein. Special nephews Lil' Jim Bement and Skeeter Conner and Special friends-too many to list.

Extended families: Spotted Wolfs, Burns, Spangs, Coopers, Real Birds, Whites, Fitzpatricks, Hoffmans, Seminoles, Harris, Kinzels, Flyings, Hurffs, Webers Edwards, Otts, Glenmores, Fishers, Rowlands, Robinsons, Dahles, Beartusks, Mcleans, Eaglefeathers.

Special Thanks to Dr. Portafield, Intermountain Health St. Vincents Cancer Center Nurses and doctors, Northern Cheyenne Service Unit-Lame Deer, MT staff. BIA Officers: K. Brady and M. Deela. Lil' Jim and Leric Eaton. Kim Studiner-PA. JC and Annie Bement.