WELLS, Mary Ann

MARY ANN WELLS (NEE: Red Old Man)

1934 – 2021

Mary Ann, mother of Deborah, Bobbie (Tylin) and Stanford (Cloanne) passed away on Thursday. March 11, 2021 at the Cardston Health Centre.

Mom was predeceased by the Love of her life, her cowboy Robert J. Wells (Bob)

Mother’s grandchildren were Jacy (Horace), James and Lynzee

Great grandchildren – Tanner (Becky), Brandon (River), Jewel (Tylen), Presley (Kestin), Ashton, Riley, Wyatt, Hail, Madeline, Amethyst and Great-Great grandchildren – Hendericks and Braxton. Her fur babies Ciel (pug) and Yangy Bangy (cat).

Her adopted children Jeffrey Standing Alone, Bobby Healy, Kelly Weasel Fat, Frank, Tricia, Robbie & Caroline Big Wolf, Wanda, Sam Red old Man & Arnold, Jenny & Jacinta Fox and Children of James and Lena Russell.

Mom is survived by one sister Veronica (Wayne) Fox from Siksika.

She is survived by her Sister In-Laws Harriet and Beauty Wells

Predeceased by her Uncle Mark Wolf Leg Sr

Predeceased by Sister In-Laws Louisa Big Wolf, Mary (Victor) Chief Moon, Mary Jane (Patrick) Wells, Edith (George) Medicine Shields, Rosaline (Clifford) Many Guns

Predeceased by Brother In-Laws Jim (Molly) Wells, Dick (Katie) Wells, Albert (Phyllis) Wells and Arthur (Bertha) Wells,

Her brothers Steve and Louis Red Old Man and Joseph (Geraldine), George (Edith), Frank and Clifford Medicine Shields. Sisters Annie (Joe) Running Rabbit, Rosie (Adam) Solway, Christine (Waymond) McMaster, Jean (Harrison) Medicine Shields and Frances (Al) Many Bears.

Numerous Nephews and Nieces from Kainai and Siksika

Her Sisters in Christ Delphine Goodstriker, Christina Fox, Regina Fox, Alvine Low Horn and Kim Black Water and many more too numerous too mention.

Mary Ann lived the fullest life with all her loved ones and will be sadly missed and remembered for her: humour, laugh, fashion, and strength. In the beginning Mary Ann was born to Sam Red Old Man and Clarice Little Ration on June 14, 1934 at the Glecian Hospital, then after the passing of her parents she was then raised by her grandparents.

Growing up Mary Ann went to the day school then the Crowfoot Residential School; she really respected the nuns and priests and the Catholics church. Also mentioning that all parents should show their children to pray and be respectful. Mary Ann left Crowfoot Residential School at the age of 15 years old starting working at the Cluny Hotel, ranch work, beading and kept a clean house for her grandparents.

Mary Ann was very proud to attended the Calgary Stampede every year with her buckskin outfit on a decorated family horse. As she attended and rode in the parade she met Robert J. Wells (Bob) at the family camp. Then to her surprise she met Bob again at the Cluny Stampede; that was the beginning of her love life that lasted to the end.

Mary Ann became Mrs. Robert J. Wells then moved to Kainaiwa with her In-laws. soon after had their first bundle of Joy, Deborah Ann Wells at Brooks, AB. Seeking employment Bob moved the family to the states doing Ranch Work for different people then moved back home to settle on the family land in a little sugar shack that was kept well and shared with many. Living in the home she was honoured in caring for her son, Stanford Wade Wells. As both Mary Ann and Bob worked they were giving a home at the Farm Head Quarter where they helped raise their grandchildren, adopted children and all those that needed a place to call home. Mary Ann has been giving various recognition for her and Bob’s foster parenting from the Prime Minister. Mary Ann also worked as a Ranch Cook and at the Standoff Pool Hall.

Settled in Mary Ann stayed home enjoying her sewing and being with her grandchildren and husband. They were inseparable. Mary Ann enjoyed all religions, going to Gospel Meetings but was brought up in the Sundance and respected it. In the end she chose the Catholic Church, as she made her Cursillos she travelled with her Cursillo groups and families. Mary Ann never forgot her family back home in Cluny and Crowfoot, always there for them. During this time receiving another home with more memories to fill.

As her husband encouraged her to go back to school with her daughter he watched their first great grandson. Enjoying her schooling but her love became sick so she quit to care for him till his passing. Mourning for a year not leaving her room her sisters-in-law and her other family stayed with her.

As she regained her strength she was back, this time really travelling and had her own Catholic Business selling crafts like rosaries and a lot more. Mary still caring for her family and now growing with four more great grand children. Still travelling back and forth to Cluny, Siksika and Crowfoot Mom would bring the family to travel and introduce the additions. Mary Ann would also go travelling with her only living sister Veronica Fox and Wayne and had many stories to bring home.

Mary Ann then met her round dance friend, Annie Davis. They would travel all over, they were known as the round dance queens. Mary Ann enjoyed puzzles and coloring, she would always color with her nephew Jerry Wells during there stay at the Cardston Long Term Care; but as they colored she would get mad “ahh jerry your coloring outside the lines”

She loved dancing, singing and music especially Biggie Smalls. Mom also loved making rosaries, cruising, dressing up, but most of all being with her family, 4 great grandchildren and her 2 great-great grandsons.

The family would like to thank the Cardston Long Term Care and Cardston Health Centre Staff for the support and care for our mother and also Dr. Crawford.

On behalf of the family, we would like to extend our apologies to those we may have missed.

A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 – A Total of 20 people will be allowed in the building.)

To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.