Ruth “Ruthie” Marie BigLake
Seibeesei’ (Woman Walks Far)
May 18, 1946 – February 6, 2025
Ruth “Ruthie” Marie BigLake, known by her Native name Seibeesei’ (Woman Walks Far), passed away on February 6, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on May 18, 1946, in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, to Joseph Goggles, Sr., and Emma (Friday) Goggles.
Ruthie was a dedicated lifelong learner, graduating from Flandreau Indian School before continuing her education at Haskell College, Central Wyoming College, and the University of Wyoming. She achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching in 2002 and was a proud member of the University of Wyoming Alumni.
Throughout her career, Ruthie was deeply committed to serving her community. She worked in Sheridan, Wyoming, as a CNA and CHR for the tribe before finding her true calling in education. She spent 32 years as a beloved teacher at St. Stephens Indian School, where she was also a certified Language Linguist Teacher and Instructor. Her dedication to preserving Indigenous language and culture led her to serve as the chairwoman for the Bureau of Indian Education for Region 5.
A woman of strong faith and spirituality, Ruthie was baptized into the Catholic Church while also embracing her role as a Native American Spiritual Traditional Healer and Elder. While she spent time in Sheridan and the Crow Reservation, her heart was always with her home on the Wind River Reservation, where she ultimately returned in 1976.
Ruthie loved attending powwows and social gatherings, always finding joy in the company of her grandchildren. She enjoyed crafting wreaths, teaching, organizing, cleaning, and watching her favorite TV shows on Lifetime and LMN. She was an avid shopper and a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, always cheering on her team with passion.
She is survived by her sons: Vance Woodward, Brandon Brown, Malcom Bowers, Sterling Black, Charlie Black, John Goggles, Richard Brown, Kenny Brown, Vernon Harris, Donald Oldman, Austin Kitchin, Kobee Kitchin, Bridger and Bert Hanway, Alan Warren, and Telano Returns to War; daughters: Edie Big Lake, Lucy Harris, Angie Warren, Naomi Yellowbear, Dorene Whiting, Ruth Oldman, Dona Oldman, Felicia Antelope, and Arlene Oldman; brothers: Rupert D. Goggles, Sr., John (Alberta) Goggles, Owen Goggles, Robert Fraizer, and Keith Frazier; sister: Catherine RedCloud; eight grandchildren and five generations of great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by extended families of Redman, Underwood, Willow, Bearing, Trumbull, Hecrows, BigLakes, Oldman, Trosper, Friday, Warren, Moss, Shakespeare, RedCloud, LittleBears, Blackburn, Black Elk, Ridgeley, Fasthorse, Kitchin, Hereford, Shoyo and Woodward.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Emma Goggles; daughters, Loretta BigLake and Toniette BigLake; and son, Gary BigLake.
Services for Ruthie will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at St. Stephens Catholc Church, with burial at Arapaho Catholic Cemetery. A vigil service with a Rosary will be recited at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 followed by wake at 882 Rendezvous Road.
Ruthie’s legacy of love, education, and cultural preservation will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed.
On-line condolences for Ruthie’s family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.