The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Rita Josephine Bradley, 85 years old, "Girl" Ithay, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunty, cousin and friend, peacefully began her journey to the Happy Hunting Grounds on October 13th, 2016 at 7:00 a.m., in the comforts of her youngest daughter's home in Fort Belknap, surrounded by loved ones.

Rita was born to George Bradley and Mabel Mann, on October 9th, 1931 at the Fort Belknap Agency Indian Hospital. She was the fourth child of eight and was raised in Hays, Montana. In her childhood, she was always helping her Mom, whether it be with the other children, running errands or helping with chores around the family home. She also had a love of riding horses. Her and her friends would ride all summer, all over Hays. She attended St. Paul's Mission school in elementary and high school, though not able to finish as she had her first child, Dan Bradley, on March 31st, 1948. After having her first child, she also helped take care of Myrna, her sister Elizabeth's first born, after Elizabeth passed from kidney failure. This would create a lifelong bond between Myrna and Rita as they would get together as often as they could over the course of their lives, and their favorite thing to do, was play bingo. In her late teens, she met James "Snowman" Snow at one of the local dances while he was home on leave. They married on December 20th, 1952 and of this union, 12 children were born, 6 boys & 6 girls. They later divorced and she lived in Harlem for awhile where she would meet her second companion and of this union, one son was born (Lonnie). She worked at the local café to keep an income coming but after a few years, she decided to take her two youngest children and move to California as she had relatives and friends already living there through the Relocation Act of 1952. She lived there for about 3 years, sharing time with her children with their Dad. It was during this time, she met her third companion and had her youngest and last child, Sam. She also lost her twin daughter, Crystal, to cancer while living in California. That is something that always stayed with her and is probably enjoying her reunification with her right now. Not long after, Rita moved home to help care for her Mother as she became very ill who later passed away from her illness. One year later, her Father would follow, whom she also cared for. Rita was always caring for people, even in her transition to the spirit world. Her love of family was something that everyone who knew her could feel and will always be remembered. Before her Father's sickness called her home, she spent some time at Billings Business College and took classes to become a bookkeeper. She wasn't able to finish but it was these skills that would carry her through a career of bookkeeping for numerous organizations/businesses over the years, her own home of Fort Belknap included. As she got older, she grew tired of the constant changes that come with tribal politics and decided to retire to care for her grandchildren while their Mothers were in college and/or working. She would always say this was one of the best times of her life. Being a grandmother was something she thoroughly enjoyed and was the best at. The memories created in her home over the years, are something many will remember for the rest of their lives. It was her way of continuing to support her family. She never stopped being a Mother, even though her children were all grown and had children of their own. She always found ways to help or lend a hand when any of them were in need & that is how she would spend the rest of her life, taking care of those that she was able. You knew you could always go to Grandma's house and get a warm meal and a place to sleep if you needed. She never said no. Throughout her life, our Mom/Grandma had dealt with the loss of many friends & relatives, and to know she is reunited with all her loved ones whom she so dearly missed is a feeling of peace and comfort. Though we will miss her so very much, we know that she is at peace & in the comforts of our eternal home, with Creator & all those who've gone before us. She is resting. And we could hope for nothing more, for than her peace and comfort, after a long, full life and life's adventures, struggles, love, happiness, & everything that life brings. Rest, Mom/Grandma. Your love lives forever in our hearts. We love you and will miss you so much.

Rita is survived by her children, James "Scott" Snow IV, Ivy Snow, Amy Snow, Curt Snow (Corrine), Lyle Snow, Duane "Duey" Snow (Sandy), Jo Jimy "Joey" Snow, Spencer "Spooky" Snow, Lonnie Brown, Sam McKay, her baby brother, William Jacob "Willie" Bradley, her granddaughter, Melissa "Missie" Snow, her 44 grandchildren, 84 great grandchildren, 6 great, great, grandchildren, and her best friend, Pat Bear.

Rita is preceded in death by her Mother, Mable Mann, her Father, George Bradley, her children, Dan Bradley, Elizabeth "Witchy" Snow, Nona "Pixie" Snow, Crystal Snow, and Shawn L. Snow, her brothers George Milo, Alfred Joseph "Nifty", Herbert, and Gilbert David, and her sisters Elizabeth and JoAnne. Edwards Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Visit edwardsfuneralhomemt.com to leave condolences.

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