On April 1, 1995 Ma’heo’o blessed Diane Spotted Elk & Dewey Little Coyote with their second son, Alexander Wiyaka Little Coyote. He was given the So’taa’e Cheyenne name A’oesaso, which describes the way medicine men tied their hair in a top knot; conceptually translated to “Thunder Hair,” after his grandfather, Alec Spotted Elk.
Not long after, Alex sadly lost his father. His mother Diane eventually met and joined with Neil Beartusk but they kept their bond with Dewey’s family strong. Alex was then loved and cared for by both sides of his parents’ family and freely moved back and forth regularly. He was everybody’s son and everybody had a loving hand in raising him. In his early years his entire family doted over him and they marveled at him when he learned to walk at nine months. They would marvel again when he got his teeth, at how strong and bright they were. His Aunt Gina reminisced at how Alex was everybody’s teddy bear and who could grab him first to have him as their little sleeping partner. As a toddler, Alex also grew close with his Grandmother Brenda and was protective and even possessive of her – just like with his mom Diane.
As a very little boy, Alex was quiet and he was smart. He learned he could get away with some mischief because his Grandma would take up for him. But he was also very kind as he liked to be around little children and babies, who he was gentle and playful with. Alex was also known at that stage to be a “pack rat” and rock collector, packing his pockets full wherever he went. Whenever he left his Aunt Annita’s, she made sure to pat him down for any of her valuables.
Alex would eventually get a younger brother, Daniel Harding. People would often mistake him for Alex because they looked so much alike. And when Alex was six years old, he gained a beautiful little sister Araya. His older siblings were Ebony, Charles, Coral & Ciera and of course Sage – Dewey & Diane’s first son together. Sage and his other siblings often protectively cared for Alex as if they were his parents.
As Alex grew a little older in his boyhood, his young adult characteristics began to show themselves. He often preferred to play by himself and walk around Lame Deer or the country alone and in thought. Alex loved dogs, often bringing home stray puppies to his mother’s dismay. He would begin to display a very sharing and considerate nature. We look back and see that he had an old, kind soul.
When his teenage years came he was already an outdoorsman armed with his father’s rifle. His Uncle Tony Prairiebear took him on his first hunt as an initiation into manhood and offered instruction on Cheyenne leadership. Alex would take his first kill and give it away to his grandmother, fulfilling his duty as a provider and a (young) man. As early as thirteen, he could go out and drop a deer at distance, gut, skin and quarter his kill all by himself.
A’oeaso came from a long line of medicine people and ceremonial leaders. From his mother’s side there were his deeply respected grandfathers and Sun Dance Priests Alex, August & Abraham Spotted Elk, and his grandmother Cora Spotted Elk, a Sun Dance Sacred Woman.
On his father’s side there was Coal Bear & Little Coyote – both Caretakers of the Sacred Buffalo Hat Covenant. Part of his lineage involved the Tsetsehesetahese, as his father was a member of the Kit Fox Society and there were Chiefs on his mother’s side. Young Alex took a serious interest in his lineage and culture, learning that the Sun Dance and many ceremonies came from the So’taa’e. And so like the men folk of both sides of his family, he embarked on finding his spiritual path, first Sun Dancing at the age of fourteen in the Lost Leg Springs area. Alex would Sun Dance a second time along Rosebud Creek. Both times he danced the Bald Eagle Paint, originated by the renowned So’taa’e holy man Ice (or White Bull), and both times he proudly danced & sacrificed next to his older brother Chris Little Coyote who earnestly shared all he could with Alex about these ceremonial ways. Chris & Alex would become closest in this regard.
Alex’s western education was exclusively through Lame Deer Public Schools, and in high school he joined basketball and cross country like so many of his Cheyenne brethren. He came to excel in long distance running, leading his cross country team his senior year. But beyond the competition of these sports, Alex grew to love running and made it a part of his lifestyle and spirituality. With his good nature, Alex came to have many, many friends and acquaintances locally, regionally and nationally as he became active in numerous events and helpful to many people. He was always on hand to serve his Grandmother Margaret Behan, especially when the Global Grandmothers world gathering was hosted on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. From that he would be recruited to be a part of a historic commemorative ride for the free Northern Cheyenne of old that left Oklahoma to win what would become their remaining homeland in Montana. A documentary was produced for the historic ride that heavily featured Alex and his insights, which were eloquently articulated throughout. And most recently, Alex was selected out of tens of thousands of young candidates to attend a truly prestigious and global event: The World Peace Summit in Texas, where he met young people his own age from many different nationalities, cultures and religions. The experience helped Alex’s life perspective grow and broaden to that of someone much older and wiser.
In the past year, Alex took on a spirit of independence and fulfillment. Alex had pledged to his mother Diane that he would move out on his own by the time he was eighteen – a promise he was able to keep as he acquired a trailer next to his Uncle Joe Little Coyote, Jr.’s place south of Rabbit Town with his companion Danika Sanchez. Alex took tremendous pride in his little trailer and worked little by little to improve it, enlisting the aid of his shop teacher and cross country coach, Mr. Freeze. He loved to have his brothers and sisters (cousins in the western sense but siblings in the Cheyenne Way) as guests in his home. Much of his fulfillment in this time of his life came from committing to an independent life but also from spending so many enjoyable days with his brothers and sisters of his age, being able to take care of his Grandmother Brenda, getting sweat ready for the family, playing basketball, hiking and running the Tongue River. His main partner became Brenda Fae, as they depended on each other for company and general help when the need occasionally arose. And over the past year, Alex had talked about the direction he wanted his life to go. He was excitedly looking forward to the upcoming basketball season.
He knew he would graduate high school in May of next year. He was in discussion with some of the close contacts he had made from the aforementioned events about moving to California and starting college in that area. His short term goals were to find work after high school as possibly a flagger or in the construction field – but he talked about his career interest in Cultural Preservation.
He was proud to be Cheyenne and proud he knew his history and culture. Alex was a good man and through both sides of the family, he was being groomed to be a leader. He had many friends and had many experiences that made his mother and the rest of his family proud. He was a good son, a loving grandson, a wonderful nephew and an amazing brother to all his siblings. As his partner little Brenda put it, “Even though he was younger than me, he was so amazing that I looked up to him.”
Like so many young and honorable Cheyenne warriors of old and of today, A’oesaso fulfilled every level of duty put on him and even exceeded our expectations. O’oese, the young So’taa’e will be dearly missed but we send him on his next journey with all of our love and the true respect he earned.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Alex Little Coyote Residence
#2 Little Coyote Lane
Ashland, MT 59003
Interment
Following Services
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Little Coyote Family Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Alex Little Coyote Residence
#2 Little Coyote Lane
Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Alex Little Coyote Residence
#2 Little Coyote Lane
Ashland, MT 59003
Interment
Following Services
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Little Coyote Family Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Alex Little Coyote Residence
#2 Little Coyote Lane
Ashland, MT 59003
Share
Michael & Kristi Speelman says
Diane and Neil, words are never enough just know you and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Nancy Klein says
Many prayers to the family and friends of this beautiful child.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Alex Little Coyote Family;
Condolences to your loss of Alex. I didn’t know him but he was always polite while at his work. I can’t imagine loss of your babyboy/youngman. Prayers to you all.
Kim Bement Knobloch says
Diane, Neil and family,
Words can never express how you are feeling but you are all in my prayers. It was a blessing to have taught Alex and thanks for sharing him with several of us.
DexterPoitraJr,DorothynAdamWashee says
Sorry about your loss we are sending you are condolences from our family to yours.. Dexter feels really bad cause that was is friend i never seen my son so SAD, Your family is n our Prayers 🙁
Anders Fransson says
So, sorry Diane and LittleCoyote family. Alex was so loved and respected by all who met him. He has many friends and relatives who will always remember him and we will all carry bits of him with us as he made a strong impression on us all.
Rest in peace, Nephew.
Uncle Anders
Daniel & Lillian Big Man says
Thoughts and prayers to you Diane and Neil during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. God bless you and your family.
Melissa Whitewolf Royston & family says
Diane, Neil & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless.
Gina Badhorse says
My deepest sympathies. Alex was a cute little boy who grew into a strong, intelligent young man. I wish he had been given the chance to make all of his dreams come true.
DeWanda Little Coyote says
Diane, Neil & family..so sorry for your loss.
Kathleen Beartusk says
Love and prayers.
Marilyn Mader says
I feel so bad about your loss. Alex was one of the most well mannered kids to grace our school, and he was a joy to have as a student. May God comfort you through this time.
Judy Trout says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you his peace which passes all understanding..May you find.comfort and strength in His arms of love.
Cyndi Yelloweyes and girls says
Our condolences and prayers for you…Kaylee and Madison are so sadden by this and talk of how a great friend he was to them…sorry for your loss. We love you all.
Denise Swank says
so sorry my friend for your loss to you n your family, my prayers are with you, as with my daughters who know your son. He sounds like he was such an honorable and respected young man. He heritage of our families he has taken in so well, He is on an awesome journey; he has fulfilled his journey here on Mother Earth, Ma’he’o needed him home for more awesome work. I love you my friend and may you find comfort in knowing our Creator will take care of you and provide you with the strength you have always had.
Charles Morey Family says
Joe Brenda and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Dewey wqas one of ours and although we did not know your grandson Alexander, we feel for your loss. May God bless you through this time.
Donna Wick Brien says
Condolences to all of you. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Adea Gumm says
Diane and family,
Im so sorry about your loss. May God be with you during your time if sorrow.
Julie J Eagle says
MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES OUT TO THE FAMILY. MAY YOUR HEALING COME WITH MANY MANY BLESSINGS.
Jeanne Shipstead says
To all of the people who have lost a beloved–and there are so many- my deepest sympathy. I remember Alex as a little guy, in early Elementary school, always so beautiful and smiling. The entire world has lost with this young man’s passing.
Donny shoulderblade says
R I P Alex Little coyote see you on the other side
Daniel Struckman says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this very sad time.
Annika says
Condolences to all of you. This is tragic to hear; wish I could have gotten to know Alex better.
tonielle says
r.i.p Alex Little coyote see you on the other side bro. we are all gonna miss you and you will never be forgotten always in our hearts forever and always love you.
Calesta&Aarial says
Even though he’s gone
his memory still remains in our hearts.
His smile and face will never fade.
We think of him as we go on each day.
The good times we remember
and the days spent together
will be in our memories forever.
So when you start to get down
and you really want to cry
just think of the fun times
and don’t wonder why.
Just leave it at that
and know he’s better now.
He’s in a better place.
His heart was right with God.
So Alex we love you
and we miss you so much
but we know you’re much happier.
So watch over us and make sure we’re okay
and we will see you again someday.
Tempest says
He was someone everyone looked up to. The thing I admire the most about my big brother, is if he wanted something done he’d do his best.. even if he hurt himself. It’s really weird not seeing him around Ashland. But yeah see ya on the other side bro. Hope you got those seeds I left you. But you better be practicing ball because when we’re all together again.. one of us is guna beat Chris! I think about you everyday and we will never forget you.
Leona Jo says
I Love & Miss You EveryDay LittLe Brother.
Never have i ever had such a heartache..
We miss You sooo much!
L never forget aLL the times we shared.. all the times we went fishing, swimming, and hunting.
you had a beautiful soul and handsome smile nobody will ever forget.. I am happy you were in my Life for 18 years, you showed me sooo much, you had a great Life, you were such an amazing person. i just wish i took a lil more time to go home & spend time with you, but L seeyou again Lil brother, L cook for you again and we’ll all be together again
BreeAnn Little Coyote says
I’ve Stayed Awake For Hours&Days
Waiting For You To Come
I’ve Watched The Moon
I’ve Watched The Stars
I’ve Watched The Sun
Go Up&Go Down
Over&Over Again
Brother I’m Here Waiting For You,
Waiting For You To Come
Love You TIl The End Of Time And More
–
Seminole Family says
Alex, Our family watched how much hurt and all the pain that everyone went through,
We will all miss you
REST IN PARADISE
WE all will never forget you
Sky M. Litlle Coyote says
Alex. I still miss you bro’. When I went away you were just a teenager and when I returned you were a young man. I hope you know how pround I was of you and how broken I was when you left. I miss them days at grandma’s, hunting and swimming, but everything is in the hands of Ma’heo. You are truly loved and respected.
Raylyn Little coyote serenity braided hair says
Raylyn Little coyote
My uncle was a Nice man that understood the Cheyenne ways. Just knowing he’s watching over all is loved one and his friends I love you uncle so does your grandmother’s,grandfather,uncle’s and aunty’s,cousin’s nieces nephews .I’m only 9 you kids like me should do this to.