Cedar Zaagiidiwin Blue Ryan

Cedar Zaagiidiwin Blue Ryan, age 3, of the Bear Clan and Bemidji, MN, journeyed to the spirit world after brave and courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, April 1st, 2024, surrounded by family at home. She was born on November 3rd, 2020, the daughter of Josie Ruan and Wendell Blue. Cedar was given 4 special native names, all that fit her perfectly. Ninigoons, meaning “little otter”, Mizhakwaad, “clear sky”, Gaage-bines, “healing bird”, and Mindimooyenh “old lady.”

Cedar was a covid era baby, she spent a lot of time in the house, and enjoyed being a homebody. Cedar was raised by 3 loving women, her mom, Josie, grandmother, Joelyn Greenleaf, and auntie April Greenleaf. She was their sour patch baby that loved her stuffed animals, cooking in her play kitchen, and watching her favorite movies, “Encanto” and “Moana”. Cedar liked listening to music, especially “Ice Cube”, old school 90’s, and R&B Hip Hop. Cedar loved her grandmother more than anything else, they had a bond that was inseparable. She was a brave and determined little girl who will be forever missed by all who loved her.

Those greeting Cedar in the spirit world are her dad, Wendell Blue; and grandmother, Iris Fields.

Those Cedar leaves behind to forever cherish her loving memory are her mom, Josie Ryan; grandmother, Joelyn Greenleaf; auntie, April Greenleaf; sisters, Rose Mitchell, Lumiya Ryan, Marlen and Jolene Blue, Shaliecia Geionety, Lynelle Charnoski, and Deaycia Whiteyes; brothers, Sincere White, Rodney Blue, Landon Charnoski, and Kolton White; and grandfather, James Charles Ryan, Sr.

An overnight wake for Cedar will begin on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. and continue until her traditional service on Friday, April 5th, 224, at 10:00 a.m., all held at the Facility Center in Cass Lake, MN. Cedar’s Spiritual Advisor is Zac Early. Those helping to lay Cedar to rest are Doral Pryor, Sam “Shine” Staples, Darrin Wakonabo, and James Ryan, Jr. Cedar’s honorary pallbearers are Damario Greenleaf, Peter Greenleaf, James “Jun-Jun” Ryan III, Octaviyon Hoffman, Mara Nichols, Shirleen Blue, Alvina Robinson, Chrissy Iceman, Christy Conn, Chantell Fairbanks, and Natasha Kingbird. Interment will be in Ryan’s Village Cemetery in Bena, MN.

The family would like to thank the Sanford Hospice Staff for the loving care they provided for Cedar and the entire family!

Cedar’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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