Annabelle W. Eagle, matriarch of the Eagle family of the Southern Ute Tribe, passes on to the Spirit World on May 14th at her home in Ignacio, Colorado. She was born in Ignacio November 22, 1924 to Olive Tyler and William H. William. For sixty-five years, she was married to Clifford House Eagle, who passed away ten years ago.

Annabelle was born to a traditional Sundance family and lived the tenets of the Sundance throughout her life. She taught her children, grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren the importance of family, friendship, hospitality, generosity and respect, especially for tribal identity and community.

Annabelle was a teacher at the BIA schools on the Southern Ute and Navajo reservations. She was the first So. Ute woman to be appointed as Tribal Court judge, and worked on the development of the tribe's first law-and-order code. In the 1960's, she was one of the So. Ute elders who helped develop the template for the So. Ute Tribe's future financial and social transformation.

Annabelle served on many committees, ranging from housing, education, health, the elders committee, Animas-La Plata Project and Ute Language Committee. Among her many interests in the cultural development of the young tribal members were the Powwow and Miss Southern Ute committees. In 2013 she was honored for her long record of public service by having the national Christmas tree in Washington D.C. named after her.

Annabelle Eagle was preceded in death by her daughters: Beverly Harlan and Teresa Eagle; her sons: Clifton and James Dean Eagle. She is survived by her son: Sage Douglas Eagle Remington; daughters: Linda and Ramona Eagle; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 18, 2015 in Ignacio, CO.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on May 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Annabelle Eagle

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

6 Entries

Marla Pardilla

July 27, 2025

I remember Mrs. Eagle fondly. I was one of the young girls at the federal boarding school where Mrs. Eagle worked, looking after all of us, about 200 girls, from grade school to high school. Especially for the very young, being away from home, away from our mothers and fathers, it was traumatic at first, until we made friends and got adjusted. While other White caretakers were cold and stern , Mrs. Eagle understood our situation and treated us kindly with warmth and respect. She did not talk down to us, she looked into our eyes and listened to our concerns. Even with just holding our hands felt good. She was more like a mother than a service matron. That´s what I remember about her and Mrs. Catherine Curry, our other `mother.´ I´m sure the Lord gave her a special place in heaven. God bless her.

Bruce Windsor

October 30, 2024

I cannot imagine all of the suffering and indignities that Annabelle Eagle endured. What a shame that white Americans like myself did not prevent her unnecessary suffering. But, she endured and served her people well.

Sharon

July 16, 2021

I am so saddened to learn of Annabell's passing, now this many years out.
I used to help take care of her, and she and I formed a relationship. I also was able to be in relationship with her immediate family, whom I greatly respected.
We shared stories, and spent quiet times walking around the lake in the park.
I cherish every memory of her and will always be honored to have had her in my life.

Jaymi Eagle Joseph

March 26, 2020

I know its been 4 5 years since you past. I miss you every day. And it feels like it could really never be the same since you past. I miss and love you a lot. Its honestly hard thinking about you. Everything seems like its been going down like its been really hard. And i will see you again. Love you so much.

Phyllis

May 29, 2015

Please accept my condolences for your loss. It is difficult to loss a love one. May you always find solace in the wonderful memories shared.

Grandma Pooh

May 25, 2015

With heartfelt sympathy, I wish you the gift of memory whenever you need to know, the one you love still walks and watches over you wherever you may go.
My sincere condolences to Jaymi Rose and Treon Amos Eagle-Joseph always remember and cherish the precious time you shared with your Great-Great Grandma, her genuine caring and her wisdom of being a strong native woman lives on like a gift of love that will always be with you both. Keep strong...

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