Wilma Werk

Wilma Werk (Nɔɔkɔ́
tiyéíhiiθááʔ.) “White Eagle Woman”, a proud member of the Aaniiih &
Metis Nations, 74, of Hays, Montana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on
March 25, 2026.
Wilma was born on December 4, 1951, in Hays, Montana, to Robert and Monica (Lambull)
Werk. She attended Mission Grade School and later, Flandreau High School in Flandreau, South
Dakota. In later years, she fondly reflected on her time at Flandreau, cherishing the experiences
and memories that stayed with her throughout her life. It was there that she met Larry Noland,
and together they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Marcy and Misti.
Later, Wilma met Charlie Barrows, and together they built a life of love and family, welcoming
two more children, Raechelle and Robert. They remained devoted to one another until Charlie’s
passing.
Wilma carried many titles throughout her life, each marked by hard work and a heart for serving
others. In her younger years, she spent time thinning trees and fighting fires, work that required
strength, courage, and determination. She then got her associate’s degree in nursing at the
University of Northern. She later became the head cook at Mission Grade School, where she
served for 36 years. Generations of students were nourished not just by her cooking but by her
kindness, presence, and care. Wilma had such a special way of making people feel welcome and
cared for.
Wilma found many hobbies throughout the years. She had a passion for gardening, canning, and
sewing. She also held her culture very close to her heart, always taking every opportunity to
connect with it. Powwow season was a highlight of her summer, and she always looked forward
to setting up her camp for the weekend. She recently took up beading her own dance regalia, as
she planned on dancing at the Metis Celebration in Lewistown this year.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Barrows; her parents, Robert and Monica
Werk; her siblings, Robert “Bubs”, Gary “Hoot”, Charles “Chicken”, Terrence “Uggy”, Greg,
Wendell “Ol’Baby”, and Glen; and her grandchildren, Janika Doney and Jerry Shawl. As well as
her godchild Willie Werk.
She is survived by her siblings: Andy (Darline), Phyllis, Bev, Milton “Toe” (Francis), Neil
(Nanette), Dean (Cheryl), Chuck (Farrell), and Jeanette (Josh). She is also survived by her
children: Marcy (Justin), Misti (Frank), Shawn (Taffy), Raechelle, Robert, as well as her
step-son, Charley (Sharon), and her adopted daughter, Jeannie. Additionally, Stevie Rose
Werk-Helgeson and John Paul Snell, her godchildren.
Wilma leaves behind a large and loving family, including her grandchildren Megan (Justin),
Duane, Terry, Vanessa (Drew), Brittney (Martin), Jory, Lindsay, Krista, Charles, Cina, Mahala
(Jordan), Jaz, Taz (Cesar), Russell, Jess (Paul), Victoria (Garrett), Ashley, Frank Jr., Jace, Sarah,
B, Bryce, Brystal, Grayson, Blaze, Roger, Ruben, Brandon, Damien, Justin, and Charles, as well
as 55 great-grandchildren, all of whom were such a huge source of joy for her.
Wilma’s life was marked by quiet strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family and
community. She will be remembered for her warmth and the way she made others feel at home.
A wake/rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Mission Rec Center.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Mission Rec
Center, with burial and a feed to follow.

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