Linda Buck

 With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, Linda Marie Fleury Buck, Shungatonga Wakan Uha (“Her Holy Horse”), who began her journey to the Spirit World on June 13, 2026, at the age of 73.    
     Linda was the kind of woman whose love reached far beyond words. She was the quiet strength behind her family, the steady hand that guided generations, and the warm heart that made everyone feel at home. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, wisdom, and a sense of belonging. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched.
     Linda was born on August 26, 1952, at Fort Belknap Agency to Alice King and James Fleury. She spent most of her childhood in Hays, Montana, attending Mission School before graduating from Harlem High School in 1970. She later attended cosmetology school in Havre, where her natural eye for beauty, creativity, and care for others continued to flourish. Her younger sister, Kathy, often smiled when remembering Linda as “the boss” of the family while they were growing up. Even as a young girl, Linda possessed a quiet confidence and natural leadership that kept everyone on track. Those qualities would remain with her throughout her life. She became the person that family turned to for guidance, support, and reassurance; the one who always seemed to know how to make things right.
     On September 17, 1971, Linda married the love of her life, Duane Buck, Sr. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, ranching, and community. As a rancher’s wife, Linda embraced the hard work and sacrifices that came with the lifestyle, standing beside Duane as an equal partner through every season. Their home was built on love, laughter, commitment, and shared purpose. Together they raised two children, Gina Leigh and Duane Buck, Jr. and in keeping with Nakoda tradition, Linda and Duane lovingly adopted and raised their first grandson, Bud Buck, as their own son from the day he was born. Family was always at the center of Linda’s life, and there was nothing she treasured more. Though she would never have described herself this way, Linda was truly a pillar of her family and community. She was humble, gentle, and reserved, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes rather than seek recognition. Yet her influence was felt everywhere. She carried herself with grace, dignity, and kindness, setting an example that younger generations continue to admire and follow. Linda possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people laugh. She and Duane shared a lifetime of playful teasing, storytelling, and companionship that became one of the foundations of their marriage. Her love for her family never wavered. Through life’s joys and hardships, she remained steadfast, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional support.
     Her mother-in-law often said that Linda was the best wife her son could have chosen and was proud of how she was a good mother and grandmother. Those who knew Linda would agree wholeheartedly. Anyone fortunate enough to sit at Linda’s table knew they were in for a blessing. She was renowned within the family for her cooking, especially her baked beans and pies, which became cherished traditions at family gatherings. Her meals brought people together, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.
         Linda dedicated many years of service to her community. Throughout her career, she worked as a cook for Indian Health Service, served as an administrative assistant to the President of Fort Belknap College, Executive Assistant to the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, worked in various tribal programs, contributed to the Planning & Development Corporation before it became Island Mountain Development Group, and later worked at Harlem High School until her retirement. Wherever she worked, Linda earned the respect, admiration, and friendship of those around her through her reliability, kindness, and strong work ethic. Outside of work, Linda found joy in the simple things she loved most. She enjoyed beading, playing Candy Crush, decorating her home, tending her yard, and caring for her livestock. Her horses held a special place in her heart, and she cared for them with the same tenderness and devotion she gave her family.
     Linda’s faith was an important part of who she was. She was Catholic, while also honoring her Nakoda traditions and maintaining a deep commitment to the Native American Church and the Peyote way of life. She carried both paths with respect, humility, and reverence. Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Alice King and James Fleury; her brother, Jim Fleury; her sister, Arlene; her niece Cora Hawley and her beloved grandsons, Bud Buck, Jonah Buck, and Derek Dillon.
     She leaves behind her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Duane Buck, Sr.; her children, Gina Leigh (Martin Moreno) and Duane Buck, Jr. (Amanda Murdock); sister, Kathy Fluery; her special niece, Veronica “Cricket” Dillon, whom she loved as a daughter; her granddaughters, Tylee (Adriano Rides-Horse) and Derien (Cody Blackcrow, Sr.); her grandsons, Gabriel (Samantha Bilagran) Richard, and Angel; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Ashton Blue, Racyn, Archer, Aurora, Nora, Zara, Ember, and Baby Cody, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Myron and Sandra Shields, along with numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
     The loss of Linda leaves a space in our hearts that can never be filled. Yet her legacy remains all around us: in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, the family she nurtured, and the values she lived every day. Her strength, compassion, humor, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will continue to guide us. To her family, she was the rock. To her grandchildren, she was a source of comfort and wisdom. To Duane, she was a devoted partner and best friend. To all who knew her, she was an example of what it means to live a life of kindness, humility, and love. Though we grieve her absence, we celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the countless blessings she shared with all of us.

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