Viola Wood

Viola Mae Wood, (Wahohbi Waste Wiya-Good Nest Woman), was born in Poplar, MT on June 6, 1945, to TaShunga Hunga “His Horses Chief”, Harvey Bearcub and Hee Numpa Wiya “Two Teeth Woman”, Nellie Struck the Ground. She received her Nakota name from her Grandpa Old Bearcub. She was a member of the HudeSana-Red Bottom Clan and raised in both the Wicohan and LDS religions.

An outstanding horsewoman, she traveled with her buddy Lois Hansen to many rodeos to barrel race adding to her buckle collection. Her red paint horse was called Red Bottom in honor of her clan. He’d only let her ride him all others he tried or did bite them and bucked them off. She was Wolf Point Stampede Queen in 1968.

She married Larry Wood in Plentywood, MT on September 9, 1972. As a duo they traveled, attending many PRCA and INFR Finals. Many professional bull riders became lifelong friends. They ranched for many years, hosting many brandings, and helping birth calves in the freezing cold until they retired a few years ago. Vi and Beaver were lifelong supporters and participants of the Red Bottom Celebration Committee, serving and sponsoring grandchildren in various positions.

She graduated from Job Corp in Clinton, Iowa and followed that with her Associate and NAES College bachelor's degrees focusing on early Childhood Education. She began working at Head Start as a teacher aide in 1968 and worked her way up to becoming the Director. Upon retirement after 52 years of employment, she continued serving her beloved Head Start Community by serving as consultant, board member, and advocate for tribal children.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Nellie BearCub; brothers Adam, Archie, John, Lee, and 3 baby brothers; sisters Etheline Iyola, Dolly, and 2 baby sisters. She is also preceded in death by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is survived by her husband, Larry Wood; her niece raised as her sister, Jonny BearCub and family, LaFon Copenhaver who she took as her daughter and family the Copenhavers, and the families of Mayme Tattoo, Melda Hopkins, Morris Tattoo Jr., Velvet Schneider, Gaynell McClammy, Vincent BearCub, the Bearcubs of Fort Kipp, the Bearcubs of Washington state, the O’Watches of Canada, Headdresses, Fourstars, Jacksons, BigLeggins, Beauchamps, Spotted Birds, Suggs and many others. Viola came from a very large extended family and if we did not name you, please forgive us because it was not intentional.