Madge Francis Dent-Artman

Madge Francis Dent-Artman went to be with her Lord on Friday, March 6th at her home in Newkirk at the age of 71. Francis was born August 23, 1943 to Abraham and Wilma Daily Dent. She was the granddaughter of the last hereditary Otoe-Missouria Chief Ralph Dent and Madge Pettit Dent. She was the great granddaughter of Chief Hoke Dent (Chief Blue Hair) and Miriam Harragarra Dent and Chief Dave Pettit (Chief Wach'ehi Manyi) and Ada Saunders. She was a descendant of Chief Big Soldier, Chief Harragarra and the great Chief Ietan (Chief Sumanyikathi). Francis was raised at the family allotment between Red Rock and Perry, OK with her nine brothers and sisters. She was a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. Francis was Bear Clan. Her Indian name was Thigranyimi. Francis attended Perry High School and also attended Northern Oklahoma College and Pioneer Area Technical Vocational School where she studied nursing. She became a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and worked for St. Johns Treatment Center in Wichita, KS and Hazelton Treatment Center in Hazelton, MN. For the last 15 years she worked for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. Francis loved crafting and making jewelry, but her passion was collecting jewelry, purses and shoes. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and her beloved dog "Baby Girl". She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Francis was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Ira Hoke Dent, one sister Patricia Dent and a great grandson Hania Slade Slavin. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Briner and husband Michael of Ponca City, her sons Larry Payne of Newkirk and Eric Payne and wife Heather of Ponca City; grandchildren Casey Slavin and wife Tiffany of Seale, AL; Derek Payne and wife Brandy of Ponca City; Francis Buster of Lawrence, KS; Bryce Payne of Ponca City; Damion Payne and wife Kerstin of Newkirk; great grandchildren Hanci, Hayden, Harlee and Harrison Slavin; Jackson Payne and Faith Payne. Francis is also survived by her sisters Rose Lane of Red Rock, Carol Aquero of Perry, Rhoda Dent of Ponca City, Edith Habibi of Enid, Joan Aitson of Edmond and three brothers Joseph Dent and wife Rita of Red Rock, Abraham Dent Jr. and wife Debbie of Pawnee and Dana Dent of Perry; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Traditional tribal services will take place at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Building Monday, March 9 at noon with internment to follow at Otoe Cemetery. Casket bearers will be her grandsons. Services are under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pawnee, OK.