Sylvia “Sheba” Strange Owl Garcia
Sylvia “Sheba” Mary Garcia (Strange Owl), her Northern
Cheyenne name was Nah’ Ka’a (She Bear), 72, of Polson, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2010, at her home of natural causes. Sylvia was born at home on July 6, 1938 in Kirby, Montana, as the fourth child of eleven. Sylvia was a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Lame Deer, MT. She received her LPN license in Fort Collins, CO.
She began working at St. Joseph’s Convalescent Center of Polson and St. Luke’s in Ronan and worked as a nurse for 18 years until retiring in 2000. Sylvia was a very hard worker and she also enjoyed and perfected her hobbies of beading, sewing, baking, picking Huckleberries, gardening (the best strawberries), watching her favorite Elvis movies, reading the latest trend magazines, watching her two favorite shows E TV and CNN.
On July 2nd, 1988, she married Don Garcia at his house on Minesinger Trail, Polson where they made it their home for the next 22 years.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents John Strange Owl and Gertrude Bullthigh; maternal grandparents Henry Redneck and Mary Looksbehind; parents David and Grace Strange Owl; Uncle Ralph Youngman; her siblings, Elaine Strange Owl, Gordon Strange Owl, Alfred Strange Owl, David R. Strange Owl and other relatives.
Sylvia is survived by her husband, Don; siblings, Ann (Dayton) Raben of Colorado, Eva (Jim) Lee of Wyoming, Florence (Mike) Running Wolf, Rachel (George) Magpie, Charlotte (Thomas) Rockroads, Ruthie (Don) Shoulderblade and Barbara (Otto) Braidedhair, all of Northern Cheyenne of Montana; three daughters, Selma Swank of Helena, Lisa Spotted Wolf of Polson, and Jenny (Tom) Stark of Helena; four step-children, Donald Garcia, David (Linda) Garcia, Tracy (Jenaya) Garcia, and Chris Garcia; eleven grandchildren, Patrick, Chastity, Nicole, Brooke, Jenna, Tamberly, Tim, Danielle, Zachary, and Tyson; nine step-grandchildren, Josh, Mike, Sammi, Mike, Dominic, Logan, T.C., Tristan, and Trevor; five great-grandchildren, Jewel, Na’tyus, Ashtyn, Tyhren, Tyshea, and Haivyn; and numerous close cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will hold a public viewing on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson with a memorial service on Tuesday, at 1:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials be sent to the local Tribal Diabetes Program. The family thanks: Dr. Smith, Nurse Debbie, and the nurses that helped comfort Sylvia these past years with her health.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Garcia’s family.
Uncle Don, Selma, Lisa & Jenny;
Deepest condolences to the loss of my Auntie Slyvia. I’m sorr we can’t be there for the services. I’m very sad I didn’t get to see her in the last year. Just now your all in my prayers and I will miss Auntie. I love her so much along with all the other “Aunties”. I know she couldn’t make for my brother RJ’s funeral and know she was here in spirit during our time of mourning. For those of us can’t be there in person we are there in spirit. Love always, “Little” Ann.
Lisa, Chastity, Ashtyn and Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. “Grama-Grama” fought a hard battle, and is not suffering any longer. Be strong for her, and continue to make her proud.
You have all been in my thoughts since I heard the sad news on Saturday. I lost a brother to cancer last May (2009). He was sick for a couple years and even when you know their time on this earth is near it is still some how unexpected when they are no longer here. Be well!Remember her and all the good times she gave you all. Tell stories to the kids and keep her thoughts and traditions alive for the younger generation who may not have heard all her wisdom. My deepestest simpethies to Don Senior.
Don, Lisa and Selma….
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved to visit with your mom when I would see her out and about. When I first got out of job corp, I worked with her at The rest home in Polson. I always walked away from our conversations with a smile. know that my family is praying for you during this difficult time. Miss Sylvia will be missed.
Sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Barbara, Selma, Lisa and Jenny. It has been a while since I seen you ladies.
Selma & Family… I was sad to hear of your Moms passing. Sylvia was such a kind lady and I was so fortunate to have known her. Selma, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I will terribly miss my lovely friend Sylvia. She was always such a wonderful person and we’ve shared many, many memories. I wish I could be there with all of you. Nothing will be quite the same without Sylvia. Please accept my love and condolences. Evie
I hope you know how very sorry I am to hear about this. Sylvia and you girls have been a part of our lives since I was about 10 years old, and a world without Sylvia just isn’t right. She offered so much strength to me over the years as I lost loved ones, and she always encouraged me to learn more about the cultural things- as light as I am. She was the main reason I learned to bead. Not very good at it, but I try! I know we don’t always keep in touch regularly, but I love you all so much. She was an incredible woman. Craig is here visiting in Oklahoma, and he also sends his love. Please know we are thinking of all of you. Love, Tisa
Sympathy to you.
florence
i did not no you buti think all of my family will miss you i dont really have much to say.