TAMA- Elizabeth "Josephine" Youngbear, 96, of Tama, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Carrington Place of Toledo under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the McIntosh Cemetery in rural Tama with Larry Lasley Sr. as speaker. A traditional wake will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Fox Clan Ceremonial Building on the settlement.
Josephine was born on June 25, 1915, on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama, Iowa. She was the daughter of James Mitchell and Susie Eagle Poweshiek.
Josephine graduated from Haskell Institute. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, Bingo, playing the slots, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed visiting family in other states.
Preceding her in death were her parents; four sons, Richard, Curtis, Victor, and Randy; two daughters, Juanita and Wanda; and two grandsons, Murray Youngbear and Jason Roberts.
Survivors include her sons, Ellsworth and Calvin Youngbear of Tama, Jonathan Youngbear of Memphis, TN, and Darrel Wanatee of Tama; her daughters, Judy Bender, Donna Youngbear-Wolf, Robin (Luke) Kapayou, Stephanie (Delmer) Whitebreast, and Lynn Kapayou Reed all of Tama, and Karlene (Arleigh) Armajo of Ethete, WY; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.