Obituaries
Trevor Dean Johnson
October 23, 1993 – December 31, 2025
FORT HALL — It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Dean Johnson, 33, on December 31, 2025, in Fort Hall, Idaho.
Trevor was born on October 23, 1993, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Laurie Kniffin and Kelly Johnson.
He is survived by his partner Brodie Beasley and children Lila, Echo, Owen, and Emma Johnson, his parents Laurie Kniffin and Kelly Johnson. His siblings Dulton Johnson Sr., Shayann Johnson, Shayla Johnson, Julian Kniffin, and K’chele Johnson, his Grandmother Tina Kniffin and Grandfather Teal Earl Johnson, numerous nieces, nephews, and many family members and friends who will cherish his memory forever.
He will be joining his grandfather Gerald “JK” Kniffin, Grandmother Izella Jim, Great Grandparents, Julian and Annie LaVatta Kniffin, Willie and Jessie Teton-Jim, his Auntie Audra Goodrider, Niece Julie Moss, Nephew Jared Moss Jr. and many other family members and friends.
Trevor attended schools in Fort Hall, Blackfoot, and North Dakota, later earning his GED. He worked hard throughout his life, holding positions at Fort Hall Trading Post, Cannon Builders, and Premiere Asphalt, and was actively enrolled in a Carpentry Construction Apprenticeship Program, where he earned numerous certificates in construction.
Trevor was known for his big smile, loud voice, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. He loved giving big hugs and was happiest when those around him were happy. His passions included making knives and swords, cooking, fixing things, and spending time with his family. He is a believer in our traditional and Native American beliefs. Always ready to help anyone in need and was a constant source of support for his loved ones. The joy of his life is his children—Lila, Echo, Owen, and Emma.
Services: A memorial service will be held at Hawker Funeral Home on January 7, 2026, at 6 p.m. Following the service, Trevor will be taken to his home on Sheepskin Road until the time of burial on January 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Mission in Fort Hall, Idaho.
Life might be much quieter without Trev, but as he would say: “Just smile and say it loud.” “JOHNSON.”
Manuelita Marie Waterhouse
FORT HALL — Manuelita Maria Waterhouse, 59, passed away January 2, 2026 at Eastern Idaho Regional Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho from liver and kidney damage, along with congestive heart failure.
She was born December 6, 1966, daughter of the late Ira Waterhouse Sr. and the late Alfreda Punkin-Waterhouse, She attended Tyhee Elementary School, Hawthorne Junior High School, and graduated from Highland High School in 1986. She participated in the Occupation and Training Class in Fort Hall. She attended a secretary training course at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.
She lived on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation all her life. Manuelita Waterhouse and the late Mathew Stacey Sr. had a son LyDale Ira Stacey and he passed away in December 2011.
She was currently working with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes Language and Cultural Program as ancestral researcher for four years before she became ill. She worked at the Shoshone Bannock Tribes Enrollment Department for 24 years. She was a member of the Native American Church. She enjoyed going to casinos, enjoyed traveling to powwow's, enjoying going on adventures, traveling to different states. She enjoyied spending time with family, she liked going to the movies and the drive in. She enjoy going to the craft fairs and participating in food sales, helping with family events and local events. She used to do beadwork, sewing dresses and making shawls. She liked going on outings with Language and Cultural Program. She enjoyed doing research on our family tree. When she was younger, she used to dance fancy shawl and traditional. She liked listening to powwow music. She was a member of the Ross Fork Creek Singers. She help raise her nephew Lawerence Stacey, helped raise her grandson Trenton Evening and granddaughter Elise Tendoy.
She is survived by her sisters: Bertha Waterhouse, Iralene Waterhouse (Richard Reed Jr.), VanDalia Farmer (Kidd Farmer), Uncles: Doyle Punkin, Glenn Fisher, Morgan Poog. Aunts: Lusandra Pubigee, Theora Punkin, Cousins: LaGrand Coby (Donna Thompson.), Sherman Poog (Amerette Poog), Edgar Ponzo, Paulette Quagigant, Greg Dewey, Finley Fisher, Eldon Fisher, Adolph Appenay, Walton Appenay, Gary Ellsworth (Ernestine Ellsworth), Nathan Ellsworth, Adonnis Ellsworth, Maryann Appenay, Ilene Williams, Lena Poog, Candace Racehorse, Glenda Fisher, Kari Merill (Mike Merill), Crystal Wetchie, Shannon Wetchie, Bernita Appenay, Wanda Appenay, Brenda Appenay. Nephews: Aaron Waterhouse (Jammie Waterhouse), Lawerence Stacey, Chasen Coby (Sadee Nappo), Keno Coby (Jackie Nappo), Leslie Baker, Bryson Hall, Terrence Appenay, James Martin, Talen Eagle (Eleanor Surdam), Dallon Yokoyama, Clifton Ballard, Wendall Ballard, Weston Ballard, Franklin Miller, JuniorRay Miller, Steven Ponzo, Owen Todazokie, Evan Eagle. Nieces: Maegan Waterhouse, Reesah Tendoy, Olivia Yokoyama, Bridgette Poog-Appenay (Darrell Appenay), Calandra Ballard, Ashley Miller, Nicole Hevewah, Stoney Eagle, Melanie Ellsworth, Valenica Norato, Patience Fisher, Venitta TwoEagles, Shantele Coby. Grandchildren: Trenton Evening, Elise "Gamu" Tendoy, Anastasia Lora, Chloe Lora, McKenzie Waterhouse, Humble Coby, Wayland Coby, Alissa Santistevan, Talon Santistevan, LaShya Baker, Lilly Baker, Develyn Hall, Norma Hall, Ian Hall, Chevelle Miller, Elsie Dewey, Emily Dewey, Tia Worley, Kendrick Ballard, Spirit Ballard, Tony Appenay, Lola Appenay, Kimberly Appenay, Lola Sanchez, Kaylyn Todazokie, AJ Coby, Tempest Coby, Trevon Coby, Jaydce Ballard, Danielle Murphy, Koby Murphy, Maria Norato, Carlos Norato. and other numerous relatives.
She was preceded in death by her Son LyDale Stacey, Parents Ira Waterhouse Sr., and Alfreda Punkin-Waterhouse, Grandfather Andrew Punkin Jr., maternal grandmother Ellen Lewis-Punkin, paternal grandfather Willie Waterhouse, paternal grandmother Nellie Waters Waterhouse, great grandparents Ton Waterhouse and Yam-ba-ropy Waterhouse, great great grandmother Jeanette Lewis, brother Ira Waterhouse Jr., sister Lynda Waterhouse, and half-sister Joyce Patty; grandmothers Clara Punkin, Lucy Waters Jr., Peg-o-ga. Aunts, Loretta Punkin,-Quagigant, Bernita Punkin, Marcella Punkin-Meeks; cousins Aaron Broncho, Vernon Clark, Wilford 'Salad' Ballard, Clint Ballard, Wade Ballard, Tonea Ballard, Estelle Broncho, and other relatives.
She was taken to Buffalo Lodge at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 for viewing. Funeral services were at Wilks Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. Traditional burial is Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Ross Fork Cemetery.
Patricia R. Kniffin Tandy
FORT HALL — Patricia R. Kniffin Tandy, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on April 24, 1944, in Elko, Nevada, to Lydia Roberts Kniffin and Thomas Phillip Kniffin. She passed away January 1, 2026.
She lived a life defined by creativity, devotion to family, and a quiet, enduring strength that touched everyone who knew her.
On December 21, 1993, Patricia married the love of her life, Kenneth W. Tandy. Their marriage was one of deep devotion, companionship, and mutual respect. Together they built a life filled with love, shared memories, and unwavering support for one another. Kenneth preceded her in death on May 16, 2025, and Patricia carried his memory with her always.
Patricia was a devoted mother to her children: JC Potria, Constance Weiser, Jenniffer Poitra, and Shannell Ward. Through her marriage to Kenneth, she also lovingly embraced his children, Tom Tandy, Jimmy Tandy, and John Tandy, as part of her extended family.
She is survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy in her life.
Patricia is also survived by her siblings Allen Lee Kniffin and Andrea Wrighter, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Clarke Kniffin & Spud Thomas Kniffin.
An avid quilter and beader, Patricia expressed her love through her art, creating beautiful pieces that became treasured family heirlooms. Each stitch and bead reflected her patience, creativity, and generous spirit.
Above all, Patricia will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family is under the care of Hawker Funeral Home. No services are planned at this time.
Adeline Matsaw
FORT HALL — Adeline Matsaw, 77, passed away December 31, 2025 because of medical complications at the Portneuf Medical Hospital.
Adeline was a member of the Native American Church and was a well-known water woman throughout Indian country. Her parents were the late Emma Hope Matsaw and Edward Matsaw Sr. and she was born May 11, 1948.
Adeline attended school at Fort Hall Elementary, High School in Chiloco, Oklahoma and Sherman Indian School in California.
She married the late Glen Leonard Dixey in Elko, Nevada in the late 60s and they later divorced. To that union they had three daughters, Damonica Dixey, Glenda Dixey and Serene Dixey. She has five grandchildren Stephon Dixey, Nelson O’Brien, Dixie O’Brien, Adenah Eagle and Asalique Dixey. Seven great grandchildren, Audicelly Garcia, Layla Dixey, Aniah O’Brien, Anaiah O’Brien, Aleah O’Brien, Anika O’Brien, Frankie O’Brien and Kehiw Ray Bad Soldier Stacey. Numerous nieces and nephews.
She later remarried Linford Ponzo, there were no children to this union, they divorced sometime in the 1990’s.
Adeline started her career in Nursing and attended Idaho State University for LPN training. She worked as a Community Health Representative (CHR program). She left after some years and went onto Law Enforcement with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Police as a dispatcher, worked her way up to sergeant was there for 13 years. Then she moved onto the Tribal Courts and was a clerk of the court and she was there for 11 years. She retired after 30 years of service with the Tribe in 2004. After she retired, she stayed home taking care of her family. She would serve as an election clerk for many years when selected and served on the Citizen Review Board for eight years. In 2024, she would return to work at the Fort Hall Casino, as a Guest Service Ambassador. She enjoyed working meeting and greeting the patrons. She resigned from her position in August 2025, after being diagnosed with cancer.
Adeline enjoyed doing beadwork, traveling to different places with family and helping others when she could.
Adeline is survived by her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, sisters and brothers. Adeliene is the last of 21 children.
She was at her home on 77 S. Bannock Rd until the time of funeral services. Funeral services were at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Saturday January 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. Burial took place following the services at the Mission cemetery at 1 p.m. She was placed by her sister Emaline George.
Howard Doore
FORT HALL — Howard Carlson Doore - NAA-TOO-CII-PIST-TO (Holy Owl), 87, passed away on January 2, 2026.
Howard Doore, a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation, a devoted nurse, a ceremonial leader, and a respected public servant, passed away after a lifetime defined by compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the people and his family. Born in Browning, Montana, Howard carried the heart of his homeland with him throughout his life, honoring his culture through service, ceremony, and community leadership.
Howard’s calling to care for others began early. He attended the Missoula School of Practical Nursing, graduating in September 1963 as one of only four male students and the only Montana Native American in his class. His achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable nursing career that touched countless lives across Montana, Washington, and Idaho.
He began his work at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula before returning home to serve at the USPHS Indian Hospital in Browning, Montana, now the Blackfeet Community Hospital. It was there that he met the love of his life, a fellow nurse whose dedication matched his own. Their shared passion for caring for others became the foundation of a lifelong partnership. Together, they worked side by side at Cut Bank Memorial Hospital, the U.S. Merchant Marine Hospital in Seattle, and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Pocatello. They comforted the sick, supported grieving families, and encouraged younger generations, especially Native youth, to pursue nursing and return home to serve their communities.
Though he hoped to continue his education and become a registered nurse, Howard made the difficult decision to leave nursing to better support his growing family. He transitioned into legal work, spending 30 years as a paralegal, where he brought the same integrity, patience, and fairness that defined his nursing career. His deep sense of justice and commitment to his people eventually led him to serve as a judge, where he was known for his steady wisdom and respect for cultural values.
Howard also served as a Tribal Councilman for the Blackfeet Tribe, dedicating himself to the well‑being, sovereignty, and future of his Nation. His leadership was grounded in humility and guided by a lifelong belief in service. He carried the voices of his people with him in every decision he made.
Beyond his professional and political work, Howard was deeply respected throughout Indian Country for his knowledge of Blackfeet beliefs, ceremonies, and traditional ways. He was inducted into several sacred societies, including the Slickfoot Society and the Original Crazy Dogs. He was a pipe carrier, a member of the Thunder Pipe Ceremony, and a trusted advisor in ceremonies across the Blackfeet Reservation. He also participated in the Horns Society in Canada, strengthening cultural ties and honoring traditions that spanned generations.
To many, he was simply Grandpa, a mentor, a guide, a man who never hesitated to correct with honesty, teach with patience, and remind others to follow proper protocol. He was never afraid to say when something was wrong, but he always did so with the intention of preserving the integrity of the ways handed down to him. His wisdom was steady, his presence grounding, and his guidance invaluable.
Today, the Blackfeet Nation mourns the loss of a great man. Howard’s passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of his family, his community, and all who walked with him in ceremony, in council chambers, or in the quiet halls of hospitals. His legacy is woven into the lives of all who knew him, patients he comforted, families he supported, young people he encouraged, and the many who sought his counsel.
Howard Doore will be remembered as a healer, a leader, a cultural keeper, a devoted husband, and a proud Blackfeet man whose life was guided by service and love. His legacy will continue to echo through the generations he inspired.
He will be deeply missed and forever honored.
A funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 333 S Treaty Highway, Pocatello, Idaho. Viewings were from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6 at Wilks Colonial Chapel, 2005 S 4th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho and at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Burial followed the service at Sandhill Cemetery, Fort Hall, Idaho.
Tena Ione Martinez
FORT HALL — Tena Ione Martinez, born October 4, 1978, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away suddenly at her home in Fort Hall, Idaho on January 2, 2026.
Tena grew up in Oregon and Idaho and attended Independence High School. She later became a long-time resident of Fort Hall, where she built a life rooted in love for her family, friends, and community.
She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Tena was known for her kind heart and gentle spirit. She enjoyed going on walks, listening to music, and searching for rocks and crystals. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends, along with her beloved wiener dogs, who brought her so much joy.
She is survived by her longtime partner, Ronald Marsh; her parents, Angel and Ron Bailey; her brothers, Ronald, Danny, and Jacob (Josie) Bailey; her children, Tanisha (Taylon), Mariah (Skylar), Amelia (Carter), and Adam Vallely; her granddaughter, Taymora; her nephew, Jakobi; and her nieces.
Services will be held Thursday, January 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hill Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot.
Tena will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Rodney Jorgensen III
FORT HALL — Rodney Jorgensen III “Lil Man” passed away January 1, 2026.
He was taken to the Ross Fork Community Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026. Traditional viewing continued January 4, 2025. Burial was at 1 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2026 at Cedars Cemetery in Fort Hall.
