Lorena Writingbird

Lorena Chapoose Writingbird, age 72,  started her journey home to her Creator and loved ones on January 22, 2026 at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, Montana.       

She was born March 15, 1952 in Roosevelt, Utah to Conner Chapoose and Ruth Nannatz Chapoose. In 1964, Lorena joined her brothers Ernie, Lynn, and Billy at her brother and sister-in-law’s home in Salt Lake, Robert Sr. and Connie Chapoose, after the passing of her biological mother. They were her bonus parents and she also gained 4 siblings - 3 brothers (Bobby, Vernie and David) and a little sister (Leslie Ann ‘Sis’).   

Lorena graduated from Granger High School in 1970 and then went on to further her education at Dixie College in St George, Utah where Bob and Connie had both attended. While at Dixie, Lorena was active in school activities and sports. She participated in intramural tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball and powder puff football. She also played extramural softball where she pitched and served as team captain several times. Lorena received the "Most Points Award" from the Utah Women's Intramural committee. She was active in  the Lamda Delta Sigma Sorority and she competed in the “Miss Dixianna”pageant and was selected as 1st attendant. Lorena learned how to and then participated in the Polynesian Dance Club. After graduating in 1972 Lorena continued her education at Utah State University in Logan, Utah studying business and majoring in nutrition. 

While attending USU she met John Martin Sr. They married and had 2 boys, John Jr. and Anthony Talkingbird Martin. After they divorced she met the love of her life, Ken Writingbird Sr. He swept her away to Rocky Boy, Montana where she resided for the past 30+ years. They had 2 daughters, Taralyn and Leanna Rae. While in Rocky Boy she worked as a paraprofessional at Rocky Boy Elementary and as a teacher with Head Start.        

Lorena was a very traditional woman. She not only honored and participated in her Ute traditions; Ken taught her his Cree ways which she openly supported. She would help him at sweats, Sundance, and other ceremonies in Rocky Boy and Fort Duchesne. Lorena was also an avid handgamer, traveling to as many tournaments as she could alongside Ken Writingbird (he was never just Ken). She traveled ‘home’ to Fort Duchesne as much as she could to visit, play handgame, go to the 4th of July pow-wow, and attend Sundance and Bear Dance. And If you didn’t know where she was, you could find her at the casino playing the machines or live poker.
 

Lorena was a devoted wife, loving mother and the best grandmother ‘Kokum’ you could ask for. She loved her grandkids unconditionally and spoiled them every chance she had. She never passed a chance to hug them, kiss them or tell them she loved them. They were her world. 

Lorena was a smart, beautiful and strong Ute woman. She was unforgettable and always stood up for herself. Lorena’s greatest asset was that she loved unconditionally and credits that to her mom, Connie. She will be greatly missed.
  

Lorena is survived by her children; Duncan (Kristen) Morris, Anthony Talkingbird Martin, Taralyn and Leanna Writingbird, stepchildren; Ken Jr., Stephanie and Raven Writingbird, grandchildren; Gage, Seth and Samantha Morris, Nevaeh Caballero,  Talliyana and Treycen Sutherland, Darrin Writingbird, Remedy and Kenzley Taveapont, dear Utah grandkids; Dre, Taya and Conner Angel, Dani Santio, Tsinina Cesspooch, and brother-in-law; Earl Arkinson.

She was preceded in death by both sets of parents, husband; Ken Writingbird Sr., son; John Martin Jr., stepson; Daniel Writingbird, siblings; Bob, Haskell, Ernie, Billy, Lynn, InaLou, Gloriann, Earl and Toby Chapoose, Marietta Reed, Gertrude Willie, Nataline Santio, Mary Sue UncaSam, Hannah and Gerald Grant and Nancy Moya.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Ft. Duchesne Community Building.  A wake will be held after 4:00 PM on Wednesday at the same location.  Following the services they will have lunch with her and then bury her in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery.