Arline Cecelia Bell-Charging “Geese Woman” was born September 26th, 1926, to Walter Bell and Nora Bird Bear-Bell. She was born at home in the Independence community and was delivered at home by Gladys Turner. She was a genuine Knife Clan member and was fluent in both Mandan and Hidatsa. Arline grew up riding horses and was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Foolish Woman, who taught her Mandan. She attended school at the Marty Indian Boarding School in South Dakota and attended school up to the 9th grade. She then relocated to Fargo, ND with her friend Nina Turner-White Owl where they both received jobs as dishwashers at a local café. Later in life she worked as a housekeeper for a nursing home and was a childcare provider for the Three Affiliated Tribes.

In 1946, Arline met her husband David Charging Sr., and they were blessed with three children. They married and made their home in Independence. David Sr and Arline were very hard workers and provided everything for their children. Together they passed many of these skills onto their children. Arline and David Sr. also taught their children the importance of religion by attending church every Sunday. They also taught their kids the importance of their culture and spirituality. Hidatsa was the only language spoken in the household. Origin and moral stories were told when everyone was in bed.

Throughout her life, Arline had many hobbies and talents. She loved to sew and created many star quilts. She enjoyed gardening and grew food for her family. She canned their food and sold produce at the local farmers markets. Arline also would dry meat/corn and enjoyed making cornballs for extra dollars. Arline spent her evenings listening to the evening drum program on KMHA and also enjoyed playing bingo.

Arline was a devoted mother and grandmother to her family. She provided unconditional love for her family and made time for each family member.

She even assisted in raising her grandchildren and niece. She loved all children, and her day would brighten every time she was able to hold a baby. Arline had 9 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. She had many other loved family members and friends. Arline was the matriarch of her family, and her presence will be missed every day.

Arline was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Bell and Nora Bird Bear-Bell; Grandmother Mrs. Foolish Woman; Her brothers, William Bell, Murphy Bell, Rodney Bell and Franklin Lone Fight; Sisters, Marie Fevold, Martha Ann Fredericks; Sons, David Charging Jr. and Delphus Charging; Grandchildren, Baby Girl Fastdog, Baby Boy Fastdog and Valeri Fastdog-Hosie; Great-grandchildren, Baby Charging, Little Feather and Baby Hosie.

Arline is survived by her daughter, Gloria Fast Dog; Grandchildren whom she raised, Rodney Dale Charging and Jennifer Charging; Niece, Cynthia Hunts Along; 7 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.