Elizabeth Ann Brown

Our beloved Elizabeth “Liz” Ann (St. John) Brown passed peacefully surrounded by family at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT on October 18, 2025. Liz was born & raised in Veblen, SD, on April 27, 1939, to Elmer St. John & Martha (Big Talk) St John from Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation.

Liz was the second oldest of 12 children. During her tiny tot years, Liz attended Tekakwitha boarding school then in high school she survived Stephan Indian Mission. Right out of high school Liz joined her older sister, Philista, and began her life journey by moving from their little hometown to the big city of San Jose, CA, to be a nanny. During her nannying experience she took care of great children, so great, she maintained a relationship throughout her lifetime. From her nanny days she transitioned to the Indian Relocation Act of 1956. She met the love of her life, Don, at the American Indian Center located in San Francisco’s mission district during a social dance where Don stated, “I will take the short one.” About six months later they were happily wed and an even shorter nine months later they started their family. Even during her childbearing years, she maintained her role as an Indian activist.

Don & Liz had five children, saw so many areas of the western United States. Liz spent most of her married days as a home maker, raising her children in their rich culture along the way. From the “Occupation of Alcatraz” to Doug Allard’s dance group which performed traditional native American music & dance performances throughout the bay area including a performance at San Quentin State Prison. In 1970 they settled down to make Polson, MT their forever home. Their first job while in Polson was working for Robert & Mary Clairmont at their laundry cleaning business. Later, Don began working for Kicking Horse Job Corp and Liz continued work with Mary at her daycare center. Liz avidly attended and supported her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren’s, schooling events. She loved purple, gold, red, white & black from football, volleyball & basketball, to band, to choir, to theater and everything in between.

Throughout Liz’s life she loved to travel, to OR, to WA, all the way to SD or wherever, no matter whether rain, snow or shine. More of her favorite things were wild tarantulas straight from the desert; her Golden State Warrior, Klay Thompson; her Seattle Mariners, Edgar Martinez & Ichiro Suzuki. Some of her actors & singers were Rip from Yellowstone, Bobby Darren, Rod Stewart, Buddy Red Bow & George Straight. Liz’s grandkids remember enjoying with her Bob Barker on the Price Is Right followed by drama of Young & the Restless. Another memory from her grandchildren was how much of a diehard Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raider’s & A’s fan she was. We remember those scary thundering nights from feet rumbling, hoots & hollers during a raider’s game, win or lose. A few of her favorite games were Dr. Mario & Tetris on the first Nintendo home console, a good game of aggravation & late nights of rolling the dice with a good game of Yahtzee. And lastly, we will forever remember, one of her favorit-ist games of all, and the last event she was planning to attend. Bingo. We remember those bright colored daubers in the backseat, that musty smell of those old crusty bingo cards & those sweet snacks she needed in order to play. Liz was, is and will forever be loved!

She is survived by – Sisters: Patricia Apkaw, CA, Anna Lisa (Wayne) Schmasow of WA, Lita St. John, SD. Children: Elmer (Peggy) Brown, WA. Donna (Art) Lafferty, MT. Donald Brown Jr. MT, Gina (Carla) Brown MT, & Jennifer Brown MT. Grandchildren: Dawn (Josh) Griffin, Danielle (Tony) Keller, Whitney (Bo) Bourdon, Erik Brown, Charla (Trent) Kirkaldie, Bryan (Chrystal) Yazzie, Riane Brown, Natasha Lafferty, Josh Lafferty, Marcus Morigeau, & Trisha Lafferty. Great grandchildren: Krystalyn (Joe) Martinez; Brenden (Krista) Griffin; Wica-ta-wi Hoksina Brown; Justice, Josh Jr., & Keiland Griffin; Toria & Bryan Yazzie Jr.; Arlo Keller; Trent Kirkaldie Jr.; Kinglsey Morigeau; Lakota Mahkuk-L afferty; Zoey Morigeau; Auggie Bourdon; Buzzy Lafferty; River Kirkaldie & Archie Bourdon

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Donald L Brown Sr. Parents Elmer St John Sr, Martha (Big Talk) St John. Sisters: Philista St. John, Sharon (St. John) Hata, Bonita St. John, brothers Elmer (Sonny) St. John Jr, Henry (Hank) St. John, twins, & grandbaby, Baby Boy Lafferty.

A service will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, at The Lake Funeral Home.