Obituary of Rosella AYOUNGMAN (Ootskaimmooniisa’ki)

October 20, 1941 – Siksika, Alberta
October 11, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Rosella Ayoungman (Ootskaimmooniisa’ki) of the Saayiiks Clan of the Siksika Nation was called by our Creator early Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the age of 78 years for a joyous reunion with our heavenly ancestors.

Rosella attended the Old Sun Indian Residential School at Siksika, Western Canada High School and Mount Royal College. She attained a Child Care Certificate and was an Education Assistant and Early Childhood Educator both in the city of Calgary and at Siksika Nation. In the early 70’s, Rosella taught at Old Sun School and also drove a bus for Blackfoot Bus Co-op as one of the first females, until she became an entrepreneur, owning and operating her own school bus. During her younger years, she enjoyed the Ayoungman ranch activities and owned several horses, enjoyed participating in sports as a young girl and took pleasure in beading. She actively supported and travelled with the family to Powwows in Canada and the USA; she always ensured that her family were well outfitted for their dance categories. She rode in many Calgary Stampede parades to represent the Ayoungman tipi. Rosella was a single parent and worked hard to provide for her family, whom she loved unconditionally. She encouraged them and supported them in all the family celebrations and accomplishments. A rare gem like her parents Arthur and Nora Ayoungman Sr., Rosella had a true heart of gold with kindness, love, forgiveness and laughter for everyone, along with a positive and humble nature.

She is survived by beloved daughters, Lenora (Elroy) Rabbit Carrier and Nora Ayoungman Jr. (Edward Sr.); son Brian Ayoungman Sr.; and her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Wayne, James, Nicole, Brian Jr., Paul, Taylor, Randy, Strater, Terrence, Makayla, Edward Jr., Royce, Graci, Alexi, Karma, Nate and Amina. She is also survived by brothers, Matthew (Georgina), Teddy (Lucille), Enzio (Anita), and Jerry Blackhorse; sisters and best friends, Elaine (Rod) Clifton, Vivian (Philip Jr.) Beaumont, Angeline, Tina and Judy Blackhorse; sisters-in-law Lorraine and Louise; Aunt Rena Sinclair, Muriel Rose McArthur, other traditionally adopted siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.  Other survivors are from the large extended families of Water Chief, McMaster, Peacemaker, Blackhorse, Old Woman, Back Fat, Ayoungman, Gladstone, Sinclair, Weasel Child and many others from the Siksika Nation and other Blackfoot Tribes.

Rosella was predeceased by her daughter Rena Pearl Runner, grandson Cory, parents the Reverend Arthur and Nora Ayoungman Sr.; brothers: Randy, Arthur Jr. and Jonathan; maternal grandparents William and Mary Waterchief, Paternal grandparents Anthony and Rosie Ayoungman, Floyd W. Runner, Brian Solway Sr. and many other close relatives.

Public Viewing will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour. Graveside Service to follow at Cannon Stockton Cemetery Siksika Nation.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Rosella’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Rosella Ayoungman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, CALGARY, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.