SARAH WELLS, beloved wife of the late Luke Wells, of the Blood Reserve, was called home, surrounded by her children and family, at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre, on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the tender age of 90 years.

She leaves behind a large family and extended family in Canada and the United States, including her children: Dorothy Still Smoking, Judy and Allen (Jocelyn) Wells, Colleen (Pat) Thomas, Joanne (Jerry) Black Plume, Linda (Lewis) Little Bear and Carolyn (Kurt) Zuback; brothers: Frank Still Smoking, Alvie (Pearl) Still Smoking, Everette Still Smoking, Tommy Hawks Still Smoking, Leroy Still Smoking; sister Lillian Still Smoking; and adopted children: Isabel Sweet Grass and Rosaline Weasel Moccasin. She also leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins as well as brother-in-law Richard (Geraldine) Wells; and sisters-in-law: Bertha Weasel Fat and Marie Still Smoking and special friends: Annie Davis and Jeanette Blood.

Sarah was predeceased by her husband Luke Wells Sr; parents: Samuel and Mabel Still Smoking; brothers: Samuel Still Smoking aka Sam Brown, Albert Still Smoking, and Herbert (Patty) Still Smoking; sister Wilma Little Moustache; children: Sandra Ross, Barbara Eagle Tail Feathers, Kenneth Wells and Dickie Wells; grandchildren: Charmayne Wells, Raegen Wells, Arbutus Kaye Wells, Brooklyn and Charity Tailfeathers; in-laws Dick and Katie Wells; and sister-in-law, Janette Wells.

Sarah was born on February 19, 1931 in Durham, Montana on the Blackfeet Reservation. She was born to Samuel and Mabel Still Smoking and was the second eldest of ten siblings whom she remained close to throughout the years.

At a young age, she enjoyed her life out in Durham with her siblings and cousins. She often spoke of picnicking, drumming, playing cards, picking berry roots and horseback riding. Mom attended Browning High School in Browning, Montana and graduated in 1948.

In 1951, she married the love of her life, Luke Wells and together they raised ten children in the community of Farm Four on the Blood Reserve. She was a very caring and loving mother who nurtured her children and grandchildren throughout their growing years. She also raised her grandchildren: Dickie, Leo, Cody, Jodie and Pauline. She was an instrumental figure in their lives and cherished all her grandchildren.

Mom was a talented seamstress and could sew anything. She enjoyed making clothes, blankets, Halloween costumes and dolls for all of her children and grandchildren. The family relied heavily on her to mend the boys jeans and do alterations. Mom was an awesome cook and to this day, the girls are still trying to master her Fry Bread recipe. She was the foundation and matriarch of her family. She kept her family close by always ensuring they gathered together during holidays. She enjoyed hosting large family meals during Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and Indian Days.

Mom worked hard throughout her entire life. She had a strong work ethic and took pride in providing for her family. She was employed by St. Mary's School for 25 years and then four years with Kainai Board of Education. During that time, she made many lifelong friends. As a talented seamstress, she helped out with Home Ec by teaching moss bag making, sewing and repairing the sewing machines. Her kind, loving and gentle demeanor made her a favorite of the students and staff at St Mary's School. She was loved by all.

Mom was strong in her Catholic faith and made many yearly pilgrimages to Lac St. Anne with her family and good friend, Annie Davis. She enjoyed travelling abroad to such destinations as Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. One of Mom's most cherished memories was in 1995 when she traveled with granddaughter Melodie to Paris, France and Rome, Italy. The highlights of her trip included visiting the Eiffel Tower and Vatican City while enjoying the picturesque views of The Grace Kelly Gardens, Mediterranean Sea and The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Mom made many friends throughout her life because of her kind and generous personality. Many of her friends remained in her life up until her passing. Mom spent the last five years in the Kainai Continuing Care Centre. The staff were very fond of her as she was a compassionate and humble person; she wasn't one to complain. Despite being in the care centre, she remained active and continued to sew and craft. When mom started to slow down, her granddaughter Heather was instrumental in caring for her health and well-being throughout the duration of her stay.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Eagle Bear and the staff at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre for their compassion and support in the caring for Mom.

A Public Wake / Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a Wake Service to take place at 7:00 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 20 guests at a time. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM at OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION, All Saint's Parish with Father Derek Remus celebrating. Both the Wake Service on Thursday and Funeral Mass on Friday will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Sarah's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Sarah will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery.