Lydia M. Sutherland, 85, passed away due to natural causes on Friday, November 13, 2020 at her residence.  Wake services will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2020, all at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow in the Warriors Burial Grounds Cemetery.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Please visit Lydia's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at www.hollandbonine.com .

Lydia was born on September 11, 1935, in Rocky Boy to Malcolm and Caroline (Whitford) Mitchell.  She was raised in Rocky Boy, attending schools there.  In 1972, Lydia graduated from Northern Montana College with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  She taught school in Browning.  Lydia worked for many years as the Dean of Academics at Stone Child College.  She also served as the Director of Rocky Boy Headstart as well as Director of the Rocky Boy Health Board and the Chippewa Cree Housing Director.  She was also elected to the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council and to the Rocky Boy School Board where she was instrumental in creating Rocky Boy High School.

Lydia loved to read the Bible until her eyes failed her, and then she watched Joyce Meyer on television.  She really enjoyed visiting with her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Caroline Mitchell; daughter, Linda Sutherland; son, Clifford Sutherland, Jr.; granddaughter, Jennifer Decoteau – Chief Stick; and all of her brothers and sisters.

Lydia is survived by her husband of 66 years, Clifford Sutherland; son Pete (Barb) Sutherland; daughters, Faith and Kathy Sutherland; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends