Martina Denise Mattson (Blueshield)

Martina Denise (Blueshield) Mattson “Miss Bingo”, 59 of Tokio, ND made her journey home on Monday, August 12, 2019 at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital with her family at her side.

ON May 27, 1960, Martina was born at Devils Lake, ND to the late Herbert Blueshield and the late Joyce Smith. She was educated in Tokio until the 6^th grade. From there she went to Warwick Public School.  She furthered her education at UTTC (United Tribes Technical College) in Bismarck, ND and received a degree in carpentry. 

In 1977, Martina married Stanley Cavanaugh and to this union was born Richard. During this time she also raised Joshua Fox and Travis Blueshield as her own sons.  She raised many children and was also a foster parent to many and god mother to Elijah, Denise and Donna.  She treasured the most being a Grandmother.

On September 5, 2003, Martina married David Mattson. To this union was born Sandra Mattson.  Martina and David worked at the Spirit Lake Casino until her health issues, no longer allowed her to work.  They made Tokio their home through the years. 

Martina served on the Election Board and also the Elderly Board.

Martina loved her beads and always had a beading project to do. She enjoyed playing BINGO, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku.  She loved driving around visiting family and friends and helping others whenever she could and where ever the need. 

Martina was so happy and proud of her daughter Sandra, when she was elected “Miss Spirit Lake”.

She will be missed by her dear family and many friends.

Martina’s loving family include her husband David Mattson; sons Richard Cavanaugh, Joshua Fox, Travis Blueshield and Kris White; daughter Sandra Mattson; step daughter Shawna Mattson; daughter-in-law Samantha LeftBear; her special granddaughter Madison “Maddy Dee” Cavanaugh; sisters Valerie (Stan), Delilah, Lynette, Julie (Roland), June, Sheila, Darla (Larry), Karen (Kenny), Adeline (Duane), Joan (Troy), Lorna (Ronnie), Monica, and Tammy (David); brothers Kevin, Alvin, Eric, Aaron Sr., Clayton, Harlen and Edward “Rocky”.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert Blueshield and Joyce Smith; sisters Sandy Blueshield, Rachel Blueshield and Patty DuBois; brothers Joseph Blueshield, Peter Blueshield, Faron Blueshield and Ron Greywater; niece Meryl IronHawk; nephew Devin Fox and many loved ones that have gone before us.  

Active Casket Bearers will be Joey Blueshield, James Bear, Elijah Green, Delson Little, Dayson Jackson and Paul Thiele.

Honorary Bearers will be Judy Burton, Martina’s mother-in-law, Amber Burton, Shawna Mattson, Lori LaRocque, Debbie Little, Lori Slater, Germaine Thompson, June Blueshield, Julie Johnson, Sheila Belgarde, Clarice and Jose Lawrance, Bud and Renita Shaw, Helena Littleghost, Libby Littleghost, Elaine Robertson, Pauline Greywater, Janice Feather, Angie Feather, Dalyce Wambdiska and Family, the Hall Girls, Judi Ami and Family, Tammy Lightning, Candice Lightning, Joy Davidson, Greg DeMarris, Jay DeMarris, Matt DeMarris, Violet and Calvin Smith and Robin Redroad Thompson. Special Thank You to Spirit Lake Ambulance Service and the CHI Emergency Room Staff.  Please forgive us if we forgot to name someone, it was not intentional.  Martina treasured the friendship of you all.  God Bless You.   

The Wake for Martina will be on Friday (today), August 16, 2019 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Dakotah Oyate Lutheran Church, rural Tokio, ND. A time of prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m.  The procession to Dakotah Oyate Church will leave on Friday (today) at 3:00 p.m. from the River of Life Parking area. 

Funeral Services for Martina will be on Saturday, August 17^th at 10:00 a.m. also at Dakotah Oyate Lutheran Church with Reverend Larry Thiele officiating.  Our beloved Martina will be laid to rest in the Native American Cemetery, rural Tokio, ND.