With faith in God’s promise of eternal life, we, the family of Dolly, announce that she was called home to be with the Lord on July 18, 2026. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, embraced by God’s everlasting love. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives, her love, kindness and the memories she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.

Dolly was born on November 4, 1956, to the late Frederick and Elizabeth Red Crow. She was also lovingly raised by her grandmother Anna, whose care and guidance helped shape the remarkable woman Dolly became.

Dolly grew up in the Cree Coulee area on the Blood Reserve near St. Mary’s Dam. She was surrounded by many cousins, including the Mistaken Chief and Many Grey Horses families, along with numerous other relatives whom she loved dearly and remained close throughout her life.

Dolly attended St. Mary’s High School on the Blood Reserve and was a Residential School Survivor. During her school years she enjoyed athletics and proudly played basketball with the Warriorettes. She also spent much of her youth on the Red Crow Ranch; where she developed a deep love for the western way of life, horses, ranching, hard work and the values of family and community.

Dolly met the love of her life Horace Day Chief; while they were in Grade 5, exchanging handwritten notes. Although they lost touch for a time, they reunited after high school and began a beautiful life together. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Craig, Janey and Kirby Day Chief.

Although Dolly was a devoted Catholic who faithfully attended the annual Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage, her faith reached far beyond tradition. She made her Cursillo and faithfully served the Church alongside Horace. Together they became beloved “Ma & Pa” for the Search Movement, welcoming countless young people into their lives. Over the years, they gained many sons, daughters, grandchildren and lifelong friendships through this ministry and to this day, they remain “Ma & Pa” to many.

Dolly was strong-willed, courageous and fearless yet she possessed an incredibly humble, kind and generous heart. She loved deeply and gave freely, always supporting her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and anyone who needed a helping hand. If someone was in need, she would truly give the shirt off her back to ensure they were cared for.

Dolly attended Lethbridge Community College where she completed the Administrative Assistant program. She worked for Indian News Media and later with the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project for many years.

Later in life, Dolly returned to school and earned her certification as a Health Care Aide. She worked at St. Michael’s Health Centre until her retirement where she compassionately cared for others and touched many lives.

Retirement allowed Dolly to devote even more time to what she loved most, her family. She and Horace helped raise their grandchildren and spent countless weekends travelling to rodeos proudly supporting their children and grandchildren in every arena. They also loved playing hand games and travelled to many tournaments where the friendships they made became an extension of their family. When they played virtually, they especially enjoyed playing with their baby grandson, Paxton.

Horace and Dolly treasured their retirement years together and were rarely apart. During Dolly’s illness over the past several years, the family is especially grateful to Carmen Blackwater, Rosie Many Grey Horses and niece Tessie Young Pine who lovingly spent countless hours caring for Dolly whenever Horace was unable to be by her side.

Dolly leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Horace Day Chief; her son Craig Day Chief and his children, Kale and Makeisha and their mother, Roxanne Jensen-Day Chief; her daughter Janey (Jon) LaPlante and their children, Jake and Jayton Ky Day Chief; and her son Kirby (Ashley) Day Chief and their children, Preston and Paxton.

She is also survived by her sisters: JoAnn, Anna (Dexter), Tara, Joni (Shane), Tina (Joe) Klepic, Laura (Joe) Blackwater; her brothers: Bruce and Cody her sister in-laws: Velma, Gloria, Dorothy, Theda (Floyd), Carol (Natashia), Sheryl (late Darren), Geraldine (late Richard), Rosabel (late Calvin) and the late Noella (Justin); her brother in-laws: Evans (late Delores), Ivan (Ritzie) and Sheldon; Also the Late James and Lena Russell’s Children Her Aunts: Ada Red Crow, Karen Hooper, Sharon Beddome, Rosie McHugh, Stella Red Crow and Teresa Mistaken Chief; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and extended families: Beebe, Mistaken Chief, Many Bears, Red Crows, McHughs, White Man Left, Eagle Bear, Blackwater, Many Grey Horses, Scout.

Dolly was predeceased by her parents: Frederick and Elizabeth Red Crow; her grandmothers Anna Anderton and Ada Kadonaga; her siblings Godfrey, Lucille, Baby James; nephew: Godfrey Jr. niece: Christy, great niece: Gracie and many cherished extended family members who welcomed her home.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Blood Tribe EMS, Blood Tribe Medical Transportation, Home Care nurse Pamela Cole, Father Pawel Andrasz, the staff of Chinook Regional Hospital, the Fort Macleod Renal Unit and the Jack Ady Cancer Centre for the compassionate care they provided.

We sincerely apologize if we have unintentionally omitted anyone.

Mom loved deeply and was deeply loved by so many. We are forever grateful to everyone who walked beside her throughout her life and especially during her final journey. Your kindness, prayers and support will never be forgotten.

A Wake will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, 355 Columbia Boulevard West, Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Pawel Andrasz, O.M.I. celebrant.

Following the Funeral Mass, Dolly will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain View, Alberta.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-07-18
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta