Charlys May

Charlys May, age 66, began her journey to the spirit world on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Fargo, ND, surrounded by her family.

Charlys May was a strong, beautiful mother, a proud matriarch to her three daughters, and a cherished member of her community. As the eldest daughter in a large family, she grew up surrounded by love and responsibility, traits that shaped her generous and compassionate nature. As a young woman, she traveled across the United States, embracing life with adventure and purpose.

Charlys had a deep love for her culture and community. She found joy in taking her family to powwows, spending time with friends, and creating beautiful Indigenous crafts. She was especially passionate about beading and making regalia, preserving traditions with care and pride. Alongside her husband, Melvin “T-Man” May Jr., she also enjoyed participating in horseshoe tournaments, proudly winning many trophies with her partner and close friends.

A devoted mother, Charlys made it a priority to travel and vacation with her children, creating memories they will carry forever. She was also a driven and accomplished woman—co-founding May Construction with her husband and pursuing higher education later in life. She graduated from both Northwest Technical College and Red Lake Nation College, a testament to her commitment to growth and learning.

In 2004, Charlys served her community as the Little Rock District board’s community coordinator and treasurer, where she played a vital role in the restoration of Little Rock Park. A passionate activist, she was involved in the American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) and actively participated in meetings and gatherings both in Red Lake and Minneapolis. In 2011, she helped establish the Red Lake charter school, serving as its first secretary.

Charlys’s enduring legacy is perhaps most deeply rooted in her commitment to education. She proudly served on the Board of Regents for Red Lake Nation College for 17 years, helping to shape the institution and support generations of students.

Charlys is survived by her daughters and grandchildren: Tashina Clah, Charles Clah, Elia Parkhurst, Phoenix Parkhurst Brayden Brun, and Ahlena Johnson-Bellanger She is also survived by siblings on her mother’s side: Marie Bellanger, Diane Bellanger, Anita Bellanger, Judy Bellanger, Antone Bellanger Jr., Steve Bellanger Sr., Victoria White, Samuel White Sr. She is also survived by her siblings on her father’s side: Waneta Decatur, Lenalei McDaniel, Willa Lussier (and Barry King), Georgette Sears-Krueger, George Malcolm Schoenborn, George Alan Schoenborn, Shaun Schoenborn, Kevin Schoenborn, Avery Schoenborn, and Rose Schoenborn.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin Arthur May Jr.; her daughter, Naomi Blue; her mother, Ardelle “Joanie” Blue; her father, George Schoenborn; her sister, Caroline Bellanger; and her brother, Donald Bellanger.

Charlys will be remembered for her strength, love, dedication to her people, and her unshakable spirit. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

A traditional wake will begin at 10AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the New Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake and continue until the service at 10AM on Sunday, July 20,2025 with Zac Earley as Spiritual Leader. Active pallbearers will be: Pro Blue, Brad Blue, Charles Clah, Brayden Brun, Barry King, Chris “Sean” Blue, Anthony Fasthorse, Sam White, Sheldon Schoenborn. Honorary pallbearers will be: Louie Gurneau, Josh Stately, Trevor Schoenborn, Val Jourdain, Georgianna Jourdain, Dayton Carlson, Thelma May, Red Lake Nation College Colleagues. Burial will be at the Blue Family Burial Grounds in Little Rock. Arrangement provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack.

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