Gloria Jean Whitefeather-Spears

Gloria Jean Whitefeather-Spears

June 28, 1956 ~ May 2, 2021 (age 64)

Gloria Jean Whitefeather-Spears, Ozaawindibe "Brown Hair", Ogishkimanisi "Kingfisher Clan", age 64, of Redby, MN, entered the Spirit World on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Sanford Medical Center in Bagley, MN.

Gloria was born on June 28, 1956 in Red Lake, MN to Leroy Whitefeather and Mary Jane Jones. She graduated from Riverside Indian School in Oklahoma and went on to attend college at Bemidji State University. She began working for the DNR / Forestry as a Forestry Technician in a career that spanned 41 years. She travelled throughout the United States for her job / firefighting. She specialized in greenhouse nurseries, growing trees from seeds that were harvested from pine cones, and caring for them until they were large enough to ship around the U.S for planting. She received the Woman of the Year Award for her service at Red Lake Forestry. She dedicated her award to her mother, Mary Jane. She married Clarence Spears, Sr. in Las Vegas on March 26, 1996.

Gloria had many hobbies and interests beyond the Red Lake Forestry Green House, which was her favorite. She loved travelling around to pow wows and was a traditional dancer. She was a 4th Degree Midewin and was a Water Carrier from the four directions. Gloria enjoyed gardening. She loved to pick blueberries and made the best fry bread around. Gloria also loved to go to rummage sales. She was well respected and always willing help people in need, even driving long distances if need be. Gloria, was the person everyone looked to for guidance and advice. Above all, she loved her family and looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren.

She will be missed by her husband, Clarence; her children: Yvonne "Von" Spears and Clarence "Bud" Spears, Jr.; two grandchildren: Brielle and Le'Emery; sisters: Jacqueline Whitefeather, Georgianna Whitefeather and Ramona Whitefeather; her brother, Martin Whitefeather; special nieces: Carrianne Spears and Leah Whitefeather; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

A traditional wake will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the Ponemah Boys & Girls Club and continue until the service at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. The Spiritual Leader will be Allen Hardy. Active casketbearers will be family / co-workers. Honorary casketbearers will be her friends and co-workers at the DNR/Forestry. Interment will be in the family burial grounds in Ponemah. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, Walker, MN.