Beloved Browning Teacher Elsie Rides at the Door Passes Away

Elsie dedicated her career to educating generations of students in the Blackfeet community.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Annette "Elsie" Rides at the Door, a longtime teacher in Browning, Montana, passed away on January 3, 2026 at the age of 61. Elsie had a deep commitment to education and teaching, working at Blackfeet Headstart and Browning Public Schools for over 25 years. She was beloved by her students and colleagues for her compassion, generosity, and dedication to helping others. Elsie is survived by her husband Dale, their three children who are all military veterans, and numerous other family members.

Why it matters

Elsie's passing is a significant loss for the Browning community, where she was a pillar of the education system and touched the lives of countless students over her decades-long career. Her commitment to supporting underprivileged students and going above and beyond for her community exemplifies the positive impact that teachers can have.

The details

Elsie grew up in Browning with her large family, including siblings, cousins, and grandparents who were deeply involved in the Blackfeet community. After attending school at Browning Public Schools and Chemawa Indian School, Elsie earned her GED in 1989 and then went on to earn an Associate's degree and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She worked at Blackfeet Headstart from 1989-1993 before joining Browning Public Schools, where she taught at KW Bergan and Vina Chattin Elementary until her retirement in 2016.

  • Elsie was born on May 12, 1964 in Browning, Montana.
  • She received her GED on May 4, 1989.
  • Elsie started college on September 27, 1989.
  • She earned her Associate's degree in the Spring of 1993.
  • Elsie received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in May 1997.
  • Elsie worked at Blackfeet Headstart from 1989-1993.
  • She began teaching at Browning Public Schools in the fall of 1997.
  • Elsie retired on October 10, 2016.
  • Elsie passed away on January 3, 2026.

The players

Annette "Elsie" Rides at the Door

A beloved teacher in the Browning, Montana community who dedicated over 25 years of her career to educating generations of students at Blackfeet Headstart and Browning Public Schools.

Dale Rides at the Door

Elsie's husband of 36 years, with whom she shared three children who are all military veterans.

Cody Morris, Richard Dale, and Kayla Dawn Rides at the Door

Elsie and Dale's three children, all of whom are military veterans.

Kobe Three Calves and Raegan Dale Rides at the Door

Elsie and Dale's two adopted grandchildren.

Wendy Kennedy

A fellow teacher at Browning Public Schools who became a lifelong friend of Elsie's.

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The takeaway

Elsie's legacy as a beloved and dedicated teacher in the Browning community will continue to inspire generations of students. Her unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting her students, regardless of their circumstances, is a testament to the profound impact that educators can have on young lives.