Ivy Louise Black

Ivy Louise Black “Bille” was born to Fred and Louise (Big Crow) Ruff on Dec. 20, 1938, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. She passed away on March 19, 2023, in Billings.

In 1956, Bille was joined in marriage to Donald Ralph Black. From this union came four children: Jerry, Donnell, Michael and Kelly Black.

They settled in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she raised her family and worked for the BIA until she retired. She then filled her time as a volunteer at the hospital, then working at Aberdeen Central High School, where she loved working with the Native students.

After Don passed in 1985, she later met Delano Claymore. They enjoyed traveling abroad and visiting family across the United States. They always had an adventure on their travels.

Bille is survived by her children, Jerry (Jackie) Black, Michael Black and Kelly (Derry) Fritz; her sister-in-law, Iva Jo Ruff; her brother-in-law Richard (Darelene) Black; also her grandchildren, Eric (Marie), Shanda (Eric), Janessa (Ryan), Alex, Stephanie (Matt), Jennifer (David), Derek and Daniel. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Jack, William, Beau Waller, Jacob, Noah and Natalie Blumhardt, Cohen Carpenter, Austyn, Masyn and Gresyn Fawcett, and Rylee Reicker; her five sisters, Jane Harrowa, Bobbie Pond, Lola Lessert, Vina Bohling and Emma (Roger) Hutchenson; and sister-in-law Charlotte (Paul) Ruff.

Bille was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Black; her partner of 32 years, Delano Claymore; daughter Donnell Black; father Fred Ruff; mother Louise Ruff; maternal grandparents Raymond and Theresa Big Crow; two brothers, Paul and Sonny Ruff; and two sisters, Inez Patton and Marguette (Ruff) Young.

Bille spent much of her youth with her brother Paul and Charlotte Ruff.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Yellowstone Country Club.

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