Frances "Dolly" May

Frances “Dolly” May, Migiziins “Little Eagle” of the Bear Clan, age 69, began her journey to the spirit world on Monday, April 7, 2025 at her home in Bemidji, MN. 

Dolly was born on May 1, 1955, in Pike Bay Township to Vera Belt (Wakemup) and Leland Hoagland. Dolly was gifted with her hands and was known for her excellent beading skills and handmade regalia. She loved to attend and dance at powwows, travelling extensively throughout the United States to participate. Dolly loved road trips and trying her luck on the Cleopatra Keno slot machines at the casino. She enjoyed sitting around visiting and drinking coffee with her sisters and brother.  She looked forward to Christmas in July family gathering. She was generous with her time, always willing to help people and adored spending time and caring for her grandchildren. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Keith May Sr, Jennifer May, Annie Granroos, Janice May; sisters: Betsy May, Cheryl Jensen, Rhonda Hoagland, Wendy Hoagland; brother, Mark Hoagland; special grandson, Markell, who she raised; grandchildren: Crystal, Katrina, Aundraya, Justice Sr., Taylor, Keith Jr., Christopher, Vaughn, Kyle, Makayliegh, Kaitlyn, Kasey, Brayden, Nygel, Beigek, Markell, Ava, Perseus, Benjamin, Karley, Cedar, Zane, Zack, Cherish, Kolten, Joleigh, Bryce, Adrianna, Leonidas, Ma’iingan, K’Vonte, Anastasia, Angel Jr, Jada, Justice Jr; Malakai, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. 

Those greeting her in the spirit world are her parents: Vera (Wakemup) and Leland Hoagland; sister, Joyce Day; brothers: Richard Wakemup, Donald Hoagland, Earl “David” Hoagland, Ted “Theodore” Hoagland; and son, Naanan “Robert” May Jr. 

A traditional wake will begin at 11AM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Old Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake and continue until the service at 10AM on Saturday, April 12, 2025 with Zac Earley and Mike Needham as spiritual leaders. Active pallbearers will be: David May, Jordan May, Tyler May, Justice May, Sr., Joe Hoagland, Wendell Hoagland, Rory Wakemup, Jon Lambert and alternates: Juan Love and Danny Lambert.  Honorary pallbearers will be all of her Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great-Grandchild.  Burial will be at the May Family Burial Grounds in Red Lake. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.  

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