It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved relative “Payoot Ohkomi - Calling Back From Afar” Margaret Jane First Rider - Pruitt beloved wife of the late Emmitt Pruitt. Payoot Ohkomi was born of the Short Robe Clan, on the Blood Reserve, Alberta on February 8, 1931 to Mr. & Mrs. George and Jane First Rider.
Mother was fortunate to be brought up in our traditional way of life by our Grandparents Dog Child and Only Handsome Woman. During her younger years, Margaret attended St. Paul’s Anglican school. Mother pursued many activities; she had a unique ability to handle horses. Her talents included trick riding, horse racing as well as being a chuck wagon outrider. Mother worked in several nursing homes and hospitals in Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle. She was our family chef; she could whip up various kinds of meals. Her talent in cooking lead her to a position as Head Cook at Crowfoot Sunrise Addiction Treatment Centre in Calgary.
Mother loved to sew, embroider, knit, make jewelry and most of all enjoyed the challenge of a good word puzzle. The latter part of her life was devoted to Niitsitapiipaitapisinni - Our Way of Life attending the Sun Dance and participating in ceremonies in Canada and the United States. Margaret enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, children and extended family.
She is survived by her children Blair, Annabella, Amethyst (Leroy), Farrell (Camille), Robyn, Iris (Anthony) and her siblings Herbert (Elsie), Mary, Clive (Pearline), Rosabelle (Kenny) Nora, Irvin (Ramona) her grandchildren Davina (Jody), Pat (Marsha), Alvin (Shondell) Crystal (Dwayne), Hawk, Daylin, Natella (Anthony), Jan, Dean, Anna May, Shy, Marquita, Anthony. Also extended relatives from the Blood Reserve, Siksika and Browning. Margaret is also survived by many adopted children and grandchildren, Billie-Dee, Toby and Shawn Buffalo.
Margaret is pre-deceased by her Grandparents Dog Child & Only Handsome Woman and her parents George & Jane First Rider, Jocelyn (sister), Meridan (sister), Randolf (brother), Edward (brother), Esther (daughter), Mamie Jane (granddaughter), Sylvestor (grandson), Ray Turner (brother-in-law), Dan North Peigan (adopted brother). Margaret will be forever remembered and sadly missed.
A Wake will be held at CHIEF MOUNTAIN CHAPEL, Moses Lake, AB, on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. with Canon Allan McCuaig Officiating. A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, First Avenue, Cardston AB, on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 11:00 A.M., with Canon Allan McCuaig Officiating.
Interment to follow at the First Rider family plot. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca
