Caroline Yellow Robe Talks Different

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Caroline Yellow Robe Talks Different, who left us peacefully on January 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Caroline was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and community leader whose life touched many. She was born February 18, 1941, to Leo Norman Yellow Robe, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Grace Horse Capture, in Fort Belknap, Montana.

In 1960 she married Isaac Smith, Lakota Sioux, from Fort Totten, ND. Together, they had four children: Isaac Jr., Phyllis, Shirley, and Terry.

Caroline always loved children and her journey in education began when she became a Teacher's Aide at the Head Start Program in Havre, MT, where she was mentored and encouraged by the teachers and Program Director. Their support inspired Caroline to pursue her love of teaching, leading her to earn a degree in education and eventually her master’s degree. With her family, Caroline moved to Brigham City, Utah, where she attended Weber State College in Ogden, Utah. There, she laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to teaching and community service.

Her passion for education blossomed when she was hired as a teacher at Hays, Montana, teaching Kindergarten, which she remembered with great fondness for the children she had cared for. Caroline found immense joy in working with her young students, who were always eager to learn, and her classroom became a space of warmth and inspiration. She loved to tell humorous stories about teaching and what the kids would say. Her laugh was beautifully contagious as was her smile.

In 1985, Caroline married William ‘Bobby’ Talks Different, and together they created a loving home with unwavering support for each other. Caroline’s commitment to her community extended far beyond the classroom. She was hired as the Director of the Fort Belknap Head Start Program, where she continued her lifelong dedication to the education of children and youth. Caroline’s passion and leadership earned her a Fellowship with the Head Start Program in Washington, DC, and later, she became the Head Start Director for the Tulalip Tribe in Washington State.

After returning to her roots, Caroline worked for the Planning Department until her retirement, writing grants and always staying true to her love for helping others and improving her community. In all her endeavors, she was known for her kindness, dedication, love for her family, her tribe, and the children she taught.

Outside of her professional life, Caroline found joy in sewing, baking and dancing as a Women’s Traditional dancer at pow-wows across Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canada. Her heart was always tied to her heritage, and she shared stories of her childhood with her grandchildren, telling them to watch Little House On The Prairie to understand her life growing up in Little Chicago—where she lived without electricity or running water, rode in wagons, hauled water from the river, chopped firewood, and worked hard every day to help her family.

Caroline’s legacy will live on through her family and the many lives she touched. She was a rare, beautiful soul whose kindness, intelligence, and love for her family and community made her a shining star. A former co-worker beautifully said, "She was a bright light who will be deeply missed by all who knew her."

She is survived by her brother, Leo Steven Yellow Robe, Laurel, MT.

Predeceased by husband, William ‘Bobby’ Talks Different, 1995. Grandson, Amandio Melu Smith ‘MG’, 1993.

She is survived by her children: Isaac S. Smith, Phyllis Smith, Shirley (Mike) Pease and Terry Smith.

Her grandchildren: Shelly, Isaac III, Moses, Desiree, Daniel, Ilene, Caitlin, Justin, and Michaiah (Kaya). And great-grandchildren: Cedar, Fontaine, and Kysen.

Her family and community mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, but her spirit will remain with us forever.

Rest in peace, Caroline. You will always be loved, cherished, and remembered.

The family would like to thank the Heritage Home Health and Hospice of Pocatello, Idaho, for their high standard of care and support.

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