Ernestine Jewel Fox-Mountain, Red Medicine Wheel Woman, 75, went home to the spirit world November 20, 2012 at the Mandan Living Center.

She was born July 14, 1937 to Ernest Red Fox and Veda Azure Fox in Minot, ND. She was raised and educated in Elbowoods and Minot. She met Edison Bradfield with whom she had two daughters, Linda and Brenda. She later met Vincent White Owl with whom she had Glen and Sandra. In 1962, she met and married Joseph Mountain Sr. and from that marriage had Jacqueline, Jolita, and Stacey Lynn.

She and Joseph raised their family in the Minot area up until they relocated to Belcourt to be closer to her mother. During this time she was employed as a housekeeper at the Rolla Hospital.
In 1973, she moved her family to Glasgow MT to attend Mountain Plains where she got a degree in Hotel Management. After receiving her degree her family returned to the Turtle Mountain area until 1976 when they moved to Mandan, ND. At this time she worked as a teacher's aide at what was the State Industrial School. When her mother became ill, she quit her job to stay home and take care of her. She then moved across the river to Bismarck where she resided and attended United Tribes Technical College where she received her Certificate in Food Services. During this time she served as the President of the Indian Club. In 1985 she moved with her family to Grand Forks, ND so that she could attend the University of North Dakota. After completing 3 ½ years of college pursuing her degree in Social Services, she had to quit school due to an accident. At UND she also served as the President of UNDIA. During this time in Grand Forks, her niece came to stay with her and she "adopted" her nieces daughter Kyla, with whom she lived with until 2011 when she went to stay at the Living Center.

After leaving Grand Forks, she moved "back home" to the Ft. Berthold Reservation to babysit her granddaughter Mercedes. She became a member of the Unity Riders as well as "US Guys" of which she was extremely proud.
In 2004, she moved back to Bismarck where she resided until her passing.

Mom loved doing crafts in her free time-beading, quilting, sewing. She loved attending pow-wows to watch her kids and grandkids dance and also spending time with family. She loved playing the guitar and singing and taught many of her grandchildren to play the guitar. She believed in the importance of strong family ties and keeping our traditions alive. She worked hard to instill strong morals in her children and grandchildren and taught that the strength of love leads us to overcome all challenges. She also had a great sense of humor that she generously shared with everyone she came across. She was teaching the aides at the Living Center to speak Arikara, and they in turn showed their appreciation through respect and kindness.
She loved playing bingo and Pokeno and listening to Jims Jam Session at the Living Center. She also enjoyed watching the UTTC Thunderbirds play and tried to attend as many home games as possible.

She is survived by 2 brothers Leland and Rocky both New Town, sister, Roxanne New Town. 4 daughters Linda Gourneau (Bill)Bismarck, Sandra Gayton (Michael) Mandan, Jacqueline Howlingwolf White Shield, Jolita Grinolds Bismarck and son Glen Fox (Nation) Lincoln. Grandchildren Brendan, Loren, Cissy (Brandon), Ness (Nathan), Eddy, Ronnie, Aja, Kyla, Eesah (Rainbow), Matt, Vincent, Tyler, Jon, Mercedes, Myan, Liyah, Erin, Larissa, Kenzie. Great grandchildren Torri, Alex, Gordo, Tish, Mitch, Zayden, Josh, Brandy, Austin, Maddie, Ben, Syndal and Brenda and one great great grandchild Avery.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Joseph Mountain Sr., brothers Buster, Teddy, Kelsey, Dennis, and Ferlon. Sisters Beans, Beverly, and Toni. Niece Sonja. Two daughters Brenda and Stacey Lynn.

Wake services will be held Friday, November 23, 2012 at 5 p.m. at Ralph Wells Memorial Complex White Shield, ND.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Complex. Burial will be at Congregational Cemetery White Shield.

Funeral arrangements are with Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison ND.