Arlene Marie Ramey

Arlene Marie (Thomas) Ramey, of Osakis, MN, formerly Bismarck, ND and Standing Rock, enjoyed a life much longer than expected for a Native American girl who grew up during the Great Depression. Her 94 year earthly journey was filled with joy and discovery. She lived in far-away places, met and made dear friends wherever she went, raised a family of three beautiful daughters, and steadfastly maintained the spiritual faith she gained in her youth.

This loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, entered the Spirit World March 6, 2026, surrounded by family at Galeon Community Home, Osakis, MN. A celebration of Arlene’s life will take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fort Yates, ND, at a later date that will be announced. The family invites friends to share remembrances of her at the website of Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory, Alexandria, MN.

Arlene Marie Thomas was born March 12, 1932, in Portland, OR, and raised among the family of her mother, Margaret Taylor-Thomas, on the Standing Rock Lakota/Dakota homeland near McLaughlin, SD, and in Fort Yates, ND. She is and always will be remembered as a proud citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Her Lakota name, Waste Cante win, meaning Good Hearted Woman, suited Arlene well. Her early education began at the mission school of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where she became a devout Catholic, going to church every day and learning spiritual rituals that sustained her throughout her life. She attended Fort Yates High School and in 1981 earned a vocational certificate at Bismarck Junior College.

In 1948, Arlene became the bride of James Ramey, a career Navy man from the Zahn family of Standing Rock, introducing her to a world of adventure and travel to metropolitan cities on the west coast like San Francisco and San Diego, CA, and naval bases on the islands of Hawaii and Guam. During 24 years as a military wife, she centered the family, managing the household, raising children, working at jobs, and moving the household to new locations, often alone as a single parent, while her husband was away at sea serving the country in three different wartime conflicts.

Still, Arlene delighted in new places and meeting people. Wherever she went, she always made friends and kept in touch over the years with handwritten letters and cards, and visits. Her outlook embraced the opportunity to move, which she often did!

Upon returning to North Dakota, the family lived in Mandan and Fort Yates, and eventually settled in Standing Rock’s Porcupine District on the wide prairie west of Selfridge, ND. Her work brought her in touch with elementary school youngsters and their parents; she assisted her husband setting up and operating the Standing Rock Youth Ranch; and she served United Tribes Technical College as receptionist and switchboard operator.

After the passing of her husband Jim, she later reunited with a childhood friend and began a new chapter as the life partner of rancher David D. Harrison Sr., devoting 22 years to their prairie home and ranching life in Standing Rock’s Kenel District.

Her journey also led her to Bismarck, ND; Sauk Rapids, Prior Lake and Sartell, MN; and more recently Osakis, MN, where she resided in Westview Assisted Living Center.

Wherever she lived, she continued attending church. She nurtured her faith in God, prayed earnestly for the wellbeing of family and friends and guided others toward a life of worship. She herself endured the suffering of many illnesses and surgeries, and was comforted by her deep faith and prayers for recovery by priests, family and friends.

Arlene’s social life revolved around the people she loved. She made friends promoting Cathey jewelry. She enjoyed dancing and became an Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance studio instructor in Los Angeles. She loved country music and spending time with others talking and laughing. She was always on the go, an active grandmother, earning the nickname “Gramma Go Go.” The many trips and holidays included a memorable return visit to Hawaii with her daughters and a limo tour of New York City coordinated by a grandson. She was particularly fond of her six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed their visits and was especially proud of how they navigated life’s challenges, earned an education and became confident young adults.

To remember her, it was Arlene’s wish to have family and friends join together, dance to a country song, tell a few stories and have fun, because she loved to make people smile and laugh. Her last wish was to return home to Standing Rock.

Arlene’s life is celebrated and her memory held dear by her daughters: Joanie Ramey-Neumann (Dennis), Bismarck, ND and Margaret Ramey-Claymore (Gus), Alexandria, MN; grandchildren: Andrea Marie (Jim) Polk, Bismarck, ND; James David (Jenny) Miller, Lakeville, MN; Jamie Carmel (Lance) Gomez, Encinitas, CA; Severyn Gernell Claymore, Arvada, CO; Taylor Daine (Amiee) Heck, Baxter, MN; and Zachary James Heck, Shoreview, MN; great-grandchildren: Turner James Polk, Shea Marie Polk, Liam James Miller, Quinn Michael Miller, Nadia Grace Miller, Alec Thomas Miller, Kylie Jennifer Kohfler, Noah Gomez, Cora Rae Claymore and Tilly Mae Claymore; nephews & nieces: James Ramey Thomas (Rachel), Sue Thomas-Nettum (Dan), Tara Thomas-Lisburg, Greg Thomas, Randy Thomas, Terri Thomas-Leno, Debbie Thomas-Snider.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Margaret Taylor-Thomas and Frank Thomas; grandparents Mollie Marsh-Taylor and William Taylor, and Magdalene and Jacob Thomas; husband James Ramey; special friend and partner David D. Harrison, Sr.; daughter Tammy Jo Ramey-Heck; brothers Franklin W. Thomas and James D. Thomas; and great-grandson Aiden James Miller.