Frances Scalpcane

Frances (Turner) Scalpcane was born a twin on Jan. 5, 1937, to Allen Paul and Gladys (Bassette) Turner at Elbowoods, N.D. Frances is a member of the Dripping Dirt Clan and a child of the Knife Clan. Her parents raised her in the old Independence district. Her family later moved to Fargo, N.D. Frances attended Independence Day School, Pierre Indian School and Wahpeton Indian School.

Frances was known to everyone as Sissy. She moved to Lame Deer in 1968. She was employed with the St. Labre assembly line, making plastic native dolls, and baby-sat.

She met Henry Rudolph Scalpcane and they were united in marriage on March 10, 1970. They were blessed with two children, a son, Henry Otto Scalpcane, Jr., and a daughter, Mary Gladys Scalpcane. Sissy loved her children dearly. Sissy's adopted son, Walter Black Wolf of Lame Deer, was a nephew of her late husband Henry. Sissy had one grandson, Allen Charles Scalpcane, of whom she was very proud and she spent as much time as she could with him.

Sissy spent many hours sewing quilts and beading. She had a great love for cats; she felt sorry for homeless cats and she would take them into her home. Sissy loved to ride horseback. She had a great love for all animals. Her beadwork was very beautiful. Sissy enjoyed a variety of music; she liked listening to rock and roll, country and gospel music. She enjoyed the gospel music the most since she gave her heart to the Lord many years ago. She would talk about the Christian way of life with her loved ones. Sissy never left home without saying a prayer first, even when she went for short walks. Prayer was the foremost foundation of her everyday life.

Frances is survived by her sons, Henry (Jessie) Scalpcane, Jr., and Walter Black Wolf; one daughter, Mary Gladys Scalpcane; and one grandson, Allen Charles Scalpcane, all of Lame Deer. She is survived by three dear sisters, Primrose Morgan, Central Point, Ore., Tillie Lone Fight, Mandaree, N.D., and Rebekah Canyon, New Town, N.D.; many nieces and nephews.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 27, in Mandaree.