Lena Marie Blackbird

Today we are celebrating the life of Lena Blackbird, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend to many. There are so many good memories to share, so here are a few. Lena was awarded the Cherokee National Living Treasure on August 31st, 1996. She was a master craftswoman of traditional basket weaving and quilting. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, spending time with family, singing in Cherokee and listening to gospel bluegrass music. The family enjoyed Sunday chicken and biscuit dinners. It seemed that there wasn’t a Sunday that someone didn’t come over to eat. The scent lured in visitors to feed and there was always enough. Her delicious dumpling making skills were passed down to her girls. The last pie ever made was raisin, and it was made for her son Bird’ birthday.

She made extra money selling her baskets and was a very good saver, usually by stashing her money in a “safe” place. Once her daughter-in-law worked as her PCA and was doing her laundry. For some reason, she decided to check the load and there was money floating on top. Peggy grabbed it all up to show her and she said “Oh! I forgot that was there!” Turned out to be $1200.00.

Many family memories to share. Like worrying about the boys coming out of the woods or climbing the deer stands. She would say “Has Bruce come out yet?” She loved her pets. Even threatened to take Christmas away from the great grands for being mean to her pets. Lena was very patriotic and was so proud of her military family. She always made sure to put flags on the veteran’s graves. You could always count on her to read her daily devotions and pray. If you got the chance to sit with her during the day, her Bible would be open.

She is preceded in death by grandparents Ed and Sallie Smith, parents John and Nancy (Tail) Rackliff, four brothers, Scott, Jess, Barkie, Bill, and three sisters, Lula, Emma, and Bessie and two infant sisters. She also joins one grandchild, Nathan Blackbird one great grandson, Tucker Nation, and brother-in-law, Wayne Russell.

Her memory is cherished by her children, Dave Blackbird Jr. and Peggy of Rocky Ford, OK, Bruce Blackbird and wife Tammy of Oaks, OK, Lisa Forrest and husband Wayne of Rocky Ford, OK, Karen Blackbird of Rocky Ford, OK, and Robert Blackbird and wife Bobbie of Rose, OK. She leaves one sister, Bessie Russel of Rose, OK. She lives on in her 15 grandchildren, Shauna Sanders and husband Mike of Oaks, Thomas Blackbird and wife Melissa of Kenwood, Malinda Blackbird and companion Justin Clayton of Tahlequah, Logan Reasor and wife Allie of Oaks, Sue Nation and husband Steve of Siloam Springs, AR, William James Leach and wife Jessica of Rocky Ford, Keri Leach and husband Billy of Rose, Joshua Snell of Locust Grove, Jeremiah Snell and wife Miranda of Tahlequah, Derek Doshier and wife Lydia of Springdale, AR, Cameron Doshier of Rose, Jeremy Chuculate and wife Jerika of Westville, OK, Huk Blackbird of Rose, and Stevie Ray Blackbird of Rose, OK. She also leaves 25 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and loved ones.

Funeral services for Lena Marie (Rackliff) Blackbird will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Ford Community Center. Bro. William James and Pastor Craig Sands Leach will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Bill Batt Cemetery. Pallbearers for Lena include Thomas Blackbird, Joshua Snell, Jeremiah Snell, Huk Blackbird, Tallon Nation, Stevie Blackbird, and her escorts, Cameron Doshier, Derek Doshier, Tiajer Russell, Big Bear Russell, and Braylon Nation. Honorary pallbearers are Dave Blackbird Jr., Bruce Blackbird, Robert Blackbird, Wayne “Booley” Forrest. Her flower girls include Jaden Smith, Talisha Russell, Jasmine Moreno, Kaybree Blackbird, Nv-ya Jackson, and Ella Snell.

She will have a visitation on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel. Online condolences for her family may be left at www.reedculver.com.