Harris Gail Rock, (Sitting Rock Iyaiyodanga)

Harris Gail Rock (Sitting Rock Iyaiyodanga), 88 passed away on March 7, 2019 at Northern Montana Hospital.

Harris was born on July 23, 1930 to Gus (Above & Beyond) and Nina (Blue Hawk Women) Rock at the Ft. Belknap Hospital in Harlem, MT. Harris graduated from Harlem High School in 1951, and then went on to serve our country, by joining the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While in the army he was stationed in South East Asia. He was then honorably discharged on May 28th 1953. Later he attended Northern Montana College and graduated with a nursing Degree in 1970. He then went back to Aaniiih Nakoda College to earn his Class 7 Certification for the Native language.

Harris worked for the Indian Health Service from 1954 to 1968 as the Ambulance Driver and then worked for UPS from 1974-1993. He then went into teaching the Assinniboine language at Aaniiah Nakoda College and Harlem High School. Every one of his students knew him as Grandpa Harris.

Harris was an international Champion Grass Dancer in the U.S. & Canada. He loved competing throughout his life. He also enjoyed collecting Avon, antiques, and sand depression glass.

Harris married Rosemary (Bunty) LaFromboise and had 8 Children, Susie, Gaile, Kellie, Leslie, Avis, Deanna, Roger, and Harris Keith. Bunty and Harris later divorced in 1973. Harris then married Luetta Van Holland on May 29th, 1976 and had two sons, Titus, and Neil E. Rock. He also has 4 adopted daughters Julia, Geraldine, Vikki & Vivian.

Harris is preceded in death by both of his parents, Gus and Nina, wives Rosemary (Bunty) and Luetta, sister Ruth (Geeja) Long Knife, and son Titus.

Harris is survived by his children, Susie(Charlie) Hay, Gaile (Pete) Torres, Kellie Rock, Leslie Rock, Avis Rock, Deanna (Dail) Hardinger, Roger Rock, Harris Keith Rock, Julia (Edwin) Doney, Geraldine Rutherford, Vikki & Vivian Johnson, 23 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

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