Armella Ruth Charwood

Armella Ruth Charwood, “Ogichidaakwe” of the Waabizheshii Clan, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Sanford Neilson Place, Bemidji, Minnesota. Armella was born on October 2, 1939, in Red Lake, Minnesota, to William and Margaret (Stillday) Perkins. She grew up in Obaashing and attended school in Red Lake. In her younger years, she worked summers at Isle Royale near Grand Portage, MN and later became a Home Health Aide, having earned her CNA Certificate at Itasca Community College. Armella returned to Obaashing and met Meryven (Max) Charwood. They married and moved to S Lake where she raised her family of five children. Eventually she relocated to Grand Rapids where she served the community for many years as a caregiver. After retirement, Armella moved to Bemidji to be closer to her family.

Armella is lovingly remembered first and foremost as a mother and grandmother who showed unconditional love for all of her family.  She remained involved in their lives and continually watched out for each one of them. She also leaves behind a great many clients and friends who loved her, often leaving her special gifts which she treasured. She enjoyed powwows where she became friends with others on the powwow trail. Even after retirement, she developed a circle of friends who played her much-loved Bingo. Armella loved to travel with her family accompanying them many places. In addition to her family and her clients, she was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings (she bled purple) and the Minnesota Twins.

Armella will be deeply missed by her children Gary Charwood, Maxine Charwood, Donald Charwood, and John Charwood; grandchildren Melissa Urrutia, Gary Charwood Jr., Margaret Charwood, Walter Charwood, Giniw Charwood, Cody Charwood, Daniel Washington, Derek Washington, Jessica Kingbird, Elizabeth Washington, Kimberly Rush, and John David Swanson; 12 great-grandchildren, and many other family members. Waiting to meet her in the spirit world are her parents, infant son Michael Charwood, daughter Sharon O’Brien, grandson Hubert Urrutia, siblings Isadore Perkins, Robert Perkins, Caroline Perkins, Evelyn Johns, Darlene Johnson, Alberta Dow, and Edward Perkins.

A traditional wake for Ogichidaakwe will begin Sunday, April 18, 2021, at 6:00pm at the S Lake Community Center, S Lake, MN, and will continue until the service on Monday, April 19, at 10:00am. Allen Hardy and Jeff Coleman will serve as Spiritual Advisors. Serving as Pallbearers are Ogimaagiizhig, Makoons, Biiwaash, Vincent Rush, Stephen Dow, Earl Fairbanks, and Robert Schaaf. Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Dow, Bill Bedeau, Alton Bebeau, Mason Bryan, and Larry Bryan. Interment will follow at the Round Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements are being provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, Walker, Minnesota.

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