The University of Lethbridge expresses its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of former faculty, Senate member and alumna Johnel Rae 'Peaches' Tailfeathers (Armstrong), who passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018 at the age of 74.
Tailfeathers (BEd '89) taught as a member of the University's Faculty of Education and later served on the University's Senate.
Johnel Rae 'Peaches' Tailfeathers (Armstrong)
Peaches passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, June 25, 2018. She left behind many family and friends who cherished her and loved her deeply. She is survived by her children Gina (Tim), Tracy (Slim), and Dee Dee. Her Grandchildren Frankie, Benji, Clay James, Ruby, Rylan, Fallyn, McCarthy and Dylan. Great Grandkids, Rhyle, Cooper, Piper & Jamieline, adopted Grandkids, Charmayne, Trey, Chase, Rodie and Bentley.
Peaches was born in Browning, Montana on August 21, 1943 to Ursula Walters Higgins and John Armstrong, to the end of her life she cherished the memories of her father as she was named after him. Peaches attended school in Browning and later moved to Seattle with her family. They returned to Browning where she graduated high school in 1961, she made many life-long friends in high school which continued to this day. Peaches moved to Denver, CO and attended the School of Business. In 1972 she moved to Canada with her husband Butch where they raised their children. Peaches was an awesome Mom and Grandma, never too busy to pick up kids after school, sew costumes, make Easter bonnets, cook a meal or lend a hand. Her children and grandchildren were the centre of her life. Mom made everything better and always went above and beyond for her family she leaves her family with many happy memories. Peaches went back to school and received her Bachelor of Education at the U of L in 1989, from there she continued her education at the University of Montana Missoula where she received her Masters’ of Education and was the valedictorian, from there she worked for school district 51 in Lethbridge. Peaches then returned to the University of Montana Missoula and received her Doctorate (without Dissertation). She was a true supporter of education and encouraged young and old to go to school, as education is the key to personal growth and opens doors and minds. She then began working in the Faculty of Education at University of Lethbridge where she was a professor for 16 years, Peaches also taught at Red Crow Community College. She loved educating future educators. Peaches loved visiting with her students and hearing their stories and encouraging them, she was a true advocate for the power of education.
Peaches was a member of the University of Lethbridge Senate and also on the Kainai Board of Education. Johnel and her late husband traveled extensively and enjoyed learning of other cultures and customs but most of all they enjoyed meeting people. She was a very proud member of the Blackfeet Tribe and made many trips back to her hometown to visit her
family and loved meeting with the 60’s Reunion group. She loved spending time at the Cabin her husband built in St.Mary’s and visiting with all the lake friends. She is survived by her siblings Mona, Mary, Laurie, Patty, Kitty, Magoo (Jim). Predeceased by her husband Butch, her siblings, PeeWee (Dolores) & Don, Suni, her Mother Ursula, her father John and beloved Grandma Stella, aunts Nelly, Topsy and uncle George. Let Johnel’s mantra to treat everyone good and always be positive and supportive be remembered. Her grace and beauty will always be her legacy. She will always be remembered by her adopted sisters Audrey Eagle Bear, Dolly Creighton. The family would like to thank Dr. Szobota, Dr. Benke, the Nursing staff in Unit 3B at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital and the Nursing Staff at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for the compassionate care and dignity shown to her.
A Funeral Service to Celebrate her Life will be held at the SOUTH HILL CHAPEL, CARDSTON, on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in the Family Cemetery. Send condolences to: