Wanda Sandra Crane Chief
“Dolly”
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With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our mom, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Wanda Sandra “Dolly” Crane Chief on February 11, 2025 at Chinook Regional hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta. Dolly, as she was better known, was born on May 21, 1967 on the Blood Reserve to the late Clara Crane Chief and Morris Dejarlis. Dolly was the oldest grandchild of the late Dan and Eileen Crane Chief, who raised and spoiled her. Dolly was raised in the Little Chicago area along with all of her aunts, uncles and cousins. Being the first and oldest grandchild of Dan and Eileen, they called her “Babe.” Dolly received her education at Levern school and was a fluent Blackfoot speaker. Dolly was a kind and generous person, she was often helping her grandparents and her late uncle Martin Hairy Bull. Everyone knew if they were with Dolly, you would be fed! Dolly was often babysitting her nieces, nephews and uncle Martin’s grandchildren. Dolly was a good mother to her own children, she provided the best she could and passed on her fluent Blackfoot to them. Her baby boy’s Phillip and Cobin were very spoiled, she did a lot for them and made sure their every need was met. When Phillip and Cezary became parents for the first time Dolly was a huge help to them. Dolly was so proud when Naomi was born and would often share pictures and texts with family if her baby girl did something silly or cute. Dolly also had a fur baby, Fluffy, who was often by her side. Fluffy would eat and nap with Dolly and follow her around the house. Dolly also shared her life with the late Oliver Gros Ventre Boy, whom she loved very much. Dolly and Oliver had lots of love and respect for one another and took in each other's children as their own. Dolly had a strong bond with daughter Eleanor and her children. Oliver did anything and everything for Phillip,Cobin and Naomi. Dolly will be remembered as a kind and generous person. She always welcomed everyone to her home and cared for family. Dolly also had a strong belief in God and often attended church and camp meetings in Little Chicago. Dolly was often admired for her accomplishment of sobriety and often shared that it was God and prayer she gained strength from. Upon the loss of her children Abbigail, Preston and Jacy, she leaned on her faith for strength. Dolly truly exemplified her faith through her love and service to her family. She often supported her family with cooking, gas money, babysitting and being an anchor for all of her Crane Chief family. Visits, phone calls, texts and facebook posts from Dolly will be missed from her extended family and friends. Her community of Moses Lake and Blood Tribe Transportation team will miss her also. Dolly leaves to mourn her children, Phillip (Cezary), Cobin Crane Chief and Eleanor Bad Arm. Dolly also leaves to mourn her pride and joy, granddaughter Naomi. Grandchildren, Cassidy, Kaitlyn, Kaylee, Isaiah, Kiley, Justin, Taylor, Allesandra, and Kyrie. Also left to mourn Dolly’s passing, her brother Kelly Crane Chief, uncle Clarence Crane Chief. Relatives, Evelyn Across The Mountain (Patrick), Christine (Melvin) White Man, Lucille Across The Mountain and Pamela Bare Shin Bone. Adopted brother, Wesley (Noreen) Gros Ventre Boy. Uncles, Stan (Rose) Hairy Bull, Randy (Jayleen) Hairy Bull, aunt’s Rita Many Fingers, Elizabeth (Martin) Vielle and Mirna Chief Moon. Dolly was predeceased by her children, Abbigail, Preston and Jacy Crane Chief, husband Oliver Gros Ventre Boy, brother Lucien Crane Chief. Dolly will be deeply missed by her Crane Chief and Hairy Bull family, and all who knew her.
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A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, February 25 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm.  The Funeral Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, on Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 pm.  The interment will follow in Pioneer Cemetery, Levern, AB.