Mavis 'Mickey' Avon Failing

Mavis "Mickey" Avon (Buckles) Failing, (Chatga-Wiya), Left-Hand Woman, 77, passed on to the other side on Monday, June 2, 2014, at the Billings Clinic with her loved ones at her side.

She was born Oct. 25, 1936, in Poplar to Walter Buckles and Beulah Archdale. She was a proud member of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Family was important to her. She lived her early years in Frazer, where she attended school. She met the love of her life, Wayne Failing, in Poplar in 1955, and they were married in 1956. To this union six children were born. They had just celebrated 59 years of marriage.

She was known as Auntie Mickey or Grandma to countless children throughout the years. Her life was filled with helping others. There were no strangers at her house. It was as if she was put here on earth to help those in their darkest time of need, whether it be medical, legal, financial, social, ministerial assistance or if they just needed someone to listen. Her entire life was devoted to helping a multitude of people.

She was a devout Catholic and would freely share her faith in the Lord. Family gatherings and Christmas were important to her. She made sure that each family member (and whoever else was there) had at least one gift to open. Her family thinks she had a Wal-Mart store connected to her bedroom. She would go in there and bring something for everybody. Her eyes smiled with delight in watching the little ones enjoy their new toy.

In her early years, she was one of the first teacher aides at the Poplar School. She then went to work for the Indian Health Service, where she dedicated the next 41 years of her life, enjoying each person that came to her for help in some way, retiring in 2011.

She had a penchant for fashion. She loved her shoes and made sure that each outfit she wore had a matching pair.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Mervin; and one nephew, Raymond. Until we meet again, Rest in Peace.

Survivors include her husband, Wayne Failing; five children, Marvin and his wife, Jeanette, Carl, Rose Marie and her husband, Denver, Allison and Jerry; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Florence White Eagle and Patricia Bushman; five brothers, Rocky, Walter, Jim, Dennis and Perry; and one adopted daughter, Rose Morsette.

A vigil service was said Friday, June 6, at 7 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m., all at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment was in the Poplar City Cemetery.

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.