Velma "Zitga Washte" June Reum Haws, 76, of Saint Anthony passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021, in her home. She was born on June 19, 1945 to Eli and Idabelle Wilson Reum. Velma grew up in Wolf Point, Montana, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, where she received her Indian name, Zitga Washte (meaning Good Bird), and was a proud member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes.

In Velma's early adolescence, she had to attendboarding school at Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota. Right after, Velma decided to pursue a degree in nursing, but quicky realized she could not handle the sight of blood. Velma then moved to Saint Anthony, Idaho, and went into waitressing at the Star Bar before quitting due to her shyness. Next, Velma got a job working for Roger Brothers and then went on to workfor the state. With the state, Velma was a cook at the Juvenile Correction Center (JCC). She loved her job and all of the children she was able to serve. Velma retired from the JCC in 2007.

Velma had 2 children with Frank Birdsbill; Charles Dearborn and Darius Haws. She would later marryGlenn Haws in 1968 and have 3 more children; Kara, Dawna, and Chuck. This was followed by many children and even great grandchildren.

Velma found joy in cooking, and absolutely loved spending time with her loved ones and pets. When she wasn't spending quality time with family and her pets in Idaho, she was always up for an annual trip to Fort Peck. Velma was a natural when it came to whisper yelling and being sassy every chance she got!

Velma is survived by her children, Charles Dearborn of Sioux City, IA, Darius Haws, Kara (Simeon) Sanchez, Dawna (Roberto) Morillon, and Charles Haws all of Saint Anthony, ID; a precious brother, Clayton (Donna) Reum of Wolf Point, MT; grandchildren, Jessica Haws, Paige Dearborn, Jose Martinez, Marisela and Fabian Morillon, Ashley and Brooke Haws, and Brayden & Takoda Thomas, and 7 great grandchildren. Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Haws, parents, Eli and Idabelle Wilson Reum, and siblings, Thelma Reum, Donald Reum, Alvina Martinez, and Leighton Reum.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 1, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Bert Flamm Mortuary 581 E. First N. Saint Anthony, ID. The family will receive friends that morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery.