Deloris Lyda BlackBear was born in Elbowoods, ND, on September 10, 1936, to Joe BlackBear and Cora (Smith) BlackBear. She was a member of the Prairie Chicken clan and a child of the Knife clan. Lyda had five siblings: Kale, Clara, Joe Jr., Curtis, and Zelda. She was the only baby that survived childhood, resulting in her being extra cherished. Lyda would comment how she was surrounded in love by her parents and beloved grandmother, Grows Every Summer. They lovingly raised her to be a kind, gentle spirit with a strong work ethic. She enjoyed spending time with her treasured grandmother and horse, Croppy. Her first language was Hidatsa, and she eventually learned English when attending schools in Elbowoods and Rolla, ND. The family relocated their home to Mandaree when the Garrison Dam was built and flooded Elbowoods. She held fond memories of her original home and, when driving through the area, would point out landmarks and tell stories of her girlhood days.

Lyda married Saunders BearsTail in 1954, and they welcomed 5 children: Harriet, Saunders Jr., Delreen, Lori, and Vida. She provided for her family, often working two or three jobs at a time. Her most memorable work was done at the Mandaree School for 30 years as a cook. She loved every minute of nourishing the babies of the Mandaree community, which is partly how she became Grandma to everyone. She gave special attention to each child and made sure their mornings started with a full tummy and knowing they were loved.

During the summers, Lyda was a bus driver so she could spend time with her own children and take them to summer activities. Every weekend they traveled the US and Canada attending powwows. Lyda loved watching her children dance and making their regalia. When she became a grandmother, she taught all her grandbabies how to dance in her kitchen. She was ever present for her family, traveling many miles attempting to be with everyone for everything possible.

In 1999, Lyda retired from the Mandaree School, but not being one to stay inactive, she found new work with the Mandaree Elders Program. She would deliver meals to the elders, help clean their homes, and take them to appointments and shopping. She would also help cook for community gatherings.

Lyda's faith was the foundation of her life. Any time spent with her, you would hear a testimony of the goodness of God. She was known to coordinate church services in her home or anywhere available. Ultimately this led to her establishing a church, Living Waters Family Worship Center, located near her home. Lyda made a promise to the Lord: that He had a place to feed souls, and she would feed their bodies. Every Sunday, Lyda joyously made home-cooked meals to serve after church.

Lyda was the epitome of love and light. She loved to laugh and joke, tease, and tell stories. Her family was her most prized possession. Her kind, generous, loving spirit will be missed by many. However, she would be the first to tell you not to be sad, for she is now happy in her eternal home. Her greatest prayer would be for everyone to find salvation through the Lord and enjoy everlasting life.

On September 25, 2026, surrounded by her family, Deloris Lyda BlackBear BearsTail was called home into the arms of her Heavenly Father. We thank God for the Earthly example of God’s beauty and love that He shared with us for 90 amazing years, and we rejoice in the fact that one day we will see her again for a joyful reunion to praise God together for eternity!

Lyda's legacy of love: Children, Harriet Goodiron, Delreen Robertson, Lori (Claude) O'Berry; Grandchildren, Ivan, Corey, Joe, Jay, Jazz, Lyda Jade (Denver), Beau (Alison), Sky (Jachelle), Harriet, Tamsen, C.J.(Carissa), Cordell, Mychal, Theo (Miranda), Echo (Dana); Great-grandchildren, DaMya (Kobe), Asjha, Gavin, Shantel, Sean, Kiara, Cora, Jackie, Joely, Alexander, Noah, Eva, Kale (Sheena), Koy (Tara), Kasten, Dion, Taven, Colt, Nazarene, Saunders, Pistol, Jazzy, Pre, Kalee (Jesse), Elyza (Devin), Jahden, Madison, Arrow, Numakshi, Ezra, Chauntay, Nathan, Collin, Beau Jr, Kyler, Jace, Sapphire, Jax, Lydan, Jurnee, Alyda, Dreah, Elsie, Xavier, Ella, Boy, Baby Theo, Melody, Natie, Leah, Cora, Kale, Kothe, Pierce, Zane, Lara, Lyndee; Great-great-grandchildren, Colten, Paisley, Devyn, Callum, Lyla, Kora, Ellie.

Welcoming her into Heaven: Her parents, Joe and Cora; grandmother, Grows Every Summer; Children, Jr. and Vida; Grandchildren, Nate and DeRae; Great-grandchild, baby O'Berry; Siblings, Kale, Clara, Joe Jr., Curtis, Zelda; sister, Mary Jo Packineau.

Memorial Contribution