Linda Driver

New Town

Linda Lauren Driver, Aaxiiri’taa-sh (Evergreen), was born September 27, 1946, in Shell Creek, ND to James Jr. and Verna (Turtle Head) Driver. Linda was a member of the Water Buster clan and a child of the Knife Clan. In her young years, she danced traditional and grass dance and traveled to many powwows and rodeos. Linda attended Mandaree High School where she was a cheerleader and ran track and field. In 1963 attended Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota and a few years later transferred to Haskell Indian School in Kansas.

While in Kansas, Linda met her first husband, John Michielssen and they moved to Oakland, CA. They were blessed with a son, John Peter. They made their home in Oakland, CA, and later moved to Denver, CO. Upon their separation, Linda returned home and lived with her sister, Hazel Blake.

In 1970, Linda met Gainus Little Soldier in Bismarck. They were united in marriage on March 4, 1972. To this union, they welcomed their four daughters, Surran, Skeeter, Tillie Gus, and Clover Jane; and John Peter was officially adopted.

Throughout her life, Linda worked various jobs in Oakland, Denver, and Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from North Dakota State University in 2002. She worked at Fort Berthold Community College in their Ag program. She was on various boards: Economic Development, Fort Berthold Livestock Association, and Four Bears Elders Board, to name a few. Linda was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 300 Little Shell.

She had many hobbies including gardening and canning, berry picking, and collecting rocks. She enjoyed traveling, attending powwows, learning taekwondo, and playing bingo. She also liked listening to her old country music and watching her favorite Turner classic movies.

Linda was a hard-working and kind woman who left a remarkable legacy. On Friday, February 23, 2024, surrounded by her family, Linda Driver passed away at the age of 77. May she rest in eternal peace.

Linda is survived by her children, Surran Little Soldier of New Town, Skeeter Little Soldier of Four Bears, Tillie Little Soldier of Bismarck, and Clover Little Soldier of Parshall; 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren with another on the way; brother, Marvin Driver of Shell Creek; sisters, Eunice Lone Bear and Evelyn Jimeniz both of New Town.

Linda was greeted in death by her parents, James Jr. and Verna Driver; son, John Peter Little Soldier; sisters, Miriam Bullseys, Hazel Blake, Christine Driver, Geneva Driver, Dorothy Rabbithead, and Claudia Mason; brothers, Francis Driver, Paul Driver, Delvin Driver, Edward Driver, Russell Driver, and Pete Spotted Wolf; grandsons, Zachery Sandberg, and Dailray John Connor; great-granddaughter, Scarlet Peterson.

Family and Friends Gathering: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 2-4 p.m., at Linda’s home (3732 97th Ave NW, New Town)

Wake: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 5 p.m., at Thomas Johnny Bird Veterans Memorial Hall, Dragswolf Village, New Town

Funeral: Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, New Town

Burial: Holy Family US Scout Catholic Cemetery, Shell Creek, New Town.

(Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com)

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 27, 2024.