Lillian Hopkins-Smith

Lillian "Cissy" Celina Hopkins-Smith, "Medicine Woman," was called home to the Creator on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the age of 85.

She was born Aug. 23, 1931, to Abel Hopkins and Fola Bigby in a tent, alongside Enemy Swim Lake in Sisseton, S.D.

Per the traditional way of life, her older brother was given to her grandparents to be raised, thus placing her into the role of the oldest child. She cared for her siblings as she did her own children.

With intentions of changing her way of life, she began to work as a nurse's aide. After discovering her ability and fondness of the caring profession, she decided to pursue a nursing degree. Though she knew this decision meant hard work, she obtained her GED and raised her seven children alone. She received her four-year nursing degree from Carroll College and pursued a long career of care and compassion.

She lived her life both as a traditional Assiniboine woman and Christian. Through these teachings, she lived a full, thoughtful and abundant life.

For the last six years of life, she lived alongside her youngest daughter, Toni, and her children, Walter, Lillian, Catherine, Alex and Michael, while still maintaing her independence. In these later years, she continued to help others by volunteering at a local food bank and giving herself to others when needed.

She enjoyed her long life attending powwows and ceremonies, being outside, cooking, visiting and spending time with her large family.

She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings.

She is survived by over 40 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and seven children, Larry Hopkins and his wife, Marlys, of Glasgow, Bruce Plummer and his wife, Sande, of Fort Belknap, Marty Plummer of Glasgow, Alex Plummer and his wife, Lori, of Glasgow, Randy Plummer and his wife, Roxann, of Glasgow, Lenore McGarry and her husband, Jim, of Whitefish, and Toni Plummer-Alvernaz and her husband, Tony, of Glasgow.

A wake was held on May 13, at 6 p.m. Sunday Services were held on May 14, at 2 p.m., at the Red Whip Center in Fort Belknap. Burial followed the Sunday Service at Pony Hill Cemetery. A traditional memorial feed took place after burial at the Red Whipp.

Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Kirkwood Funeral Home.