Maa’heonee’veke’ese HolyBird, Anthony “Tony” Prairiebear began his journey back home on September 16th, 2020 at 10:00 pm. HolyBird was born on January 13, 1957 to Aloysius Prairiebear and Cora Spotted Elk. He was a descendant of Chiefs and also held a position on the Council of the 44 Chiefs.
It is our belief that we are only here for a short time, that our true eternal home is where our ancestors await us. It is with deep sadness that we allow Ma’heo’o to do his work, we understand that his plan is what is best in each of our lives. Tony will be remembered for his kindness, his prayerfulness, his commitment to our youth and his love for his family. Tony was somewhat of a private person always in deep thought and observing situations around him. People respected his opinion and advice. To be in his presence was powerful even if you didn’t know him, you knew he was a man of high respect and honor.
He lived a full life that was full of adventure and accomplishments. He completed his High School career at Busby High School and participated in sports with his favorite being cross country. In his senior year the Busby High School took state championship. He sat on the Tribal Council, worked for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in many capacities such as the Board Of Health Director, NC Tribal Forestry MIIF when they were highly requested all over the US. His most recent job was a Culture Specialist for Rocky Mountain Tribal Indian Leader.
He was a true Cheyenne man, a sun dancer, hunter, provider, always working on himself, and loved his family unconditionally. His first love and mother of his daughters was Anne Numkena.
He loved sweating and praying for everyone as often as he could no matter what the weather was like. He had tremendous respect for our traditional ways and participated in the Sundance. His first painter was Gilbert Littlewolf and his last painter was Ernest Littlemouth Sr also a good friend.
He was instrumental in starting the celebration of the “battle of where the girl saved her brother” and white river days, march against meth, prayer marches through Lame Deer, youth run to Ft. Laramie, has participated in the Ft. Robinson and so many other youth events.
Looking back on his early days at boarding school, he identified how the traditional Cheyenne familial system was damaged through this forced assimilation, largely removing our ability for healthy love and affection. So by his own example and leadership his legacy we hope has made an imprint on all he met.
Tony is preceded by his father Aloysius Prairiebear, his mother Cora Spotted Elk, grandson, Teton Peone, His aunts, Inez (Spotted Elk) Wilson, Alice Yellowplume, Irene (Spotted Elk) Wilson, uncles Abraham Spotted Elk, Kenneth Spotted Elk, Cedric Spotted Elk, Vernon Bullcoming, nephews Alex LittleCoyote, Wamblee Spotted Elk, brothers Clovis Wilson, Clement Wilson, Dino (Spotted Elk) Wilson and Isadore Whitewolf.
He is survived by his daughters Trina Marie Prairiebear & Antonia Lynn (Rudy) Peone, grandsons Jeremiah Prairiebear-Bement & Tyree Prairiebear-Flett, granddaughters Antonetta Prairiebear-Flett, Chenoa Prairiebear-Flett, Giuliana Prairiebear-Bement, LaPetite Aramisa Peone, Trionni Armani Andrew, sisters Renee Prairiebear, Barbara (Ryne) Harris, Diane (Neil) Beartusk, Lisa (John) Just, Kathy (Clinton) Harris, Clementine (Ambrose) Seminole, Cheryl (Merlin) Limpy, Irene Bullcoming, Ida (Robby) Onebear, Mona Bullcoming, Lattona Bullcoming, Carol (Randy) Gordon, Gwen Spotted Elk, brothers Johnny Wilson, Kipp Wilson, William Wilson Jr, Spencer (Michelle) Spotted Elk, Jared Spotted Elk, Sheldon Spotted Elk, Eric Spotted Elk, Lamar Spotted Elk, Lance Spotted Elk, Lane Spotted Elk, Kyle Burns, Truman Spotted Elk, Hadley Shoulderblade, Clint Shoulderblade, Uncles Wesley (Bonnie) Spotted Elk, Navitt Spotted Elk, Aunts Rhoda Bullcoming, Adeline Spotted Elk, Lydia (Frances) Hamilton, Linda Morrison, Earlene Clown, Clyde (Paula) Wolfblack and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tony was a Cultural Specialist for Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders. We would like to mention that he thought highly of his co-workers and the opportunity to work with each of them. He loved his job and did it well and to the best of his ability.
Tony’s family is large and includes the Teeths, Wolfblacks, Blackwolfs, Beaverhearts, Clowns, Roundstones, Bearquivers, Seminoles, HIwalkers, Whitedirts,
We would like to thank the ICU Team, Dr. Bigback and the COVID Team at the St. Vincents Hospital and the many people that offered prayers for our brother and family.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Sunday September 20, 2020
Spotted Elk Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Sunday September 20, 2020
Spotted Elk Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Lydia Hamilton says
Forever in our hearts deepest condolences to family an children Rest In Peace Tony
Deidhra Hill says
I express my sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Your loss saddens us and us others. We pray for strength for you and your family.
McMakin Family says
Condolences to Tony’s Family… Fly High Tony all your lesson you taught us and guided us will never be forgotten. Your generosity of guidance and being a good person was contagious. Thank you for all you have done for my family and I. Tell Makinzy Boy hello for us…..McMakin Family
merle bighead says
Travel well my friend..was good to see you in wellpinit and catch up on rez news..prayers to your family
Donna Roundstone S.E. says
Sending my sincere condolences to Tony’s sisters, the Spotted Elk & Prairiebear families. May you RIP, Grandfather to my grandson Sky Dree Jackson, Chanda’s son. Maheo’ be with you all during this sad time… I always point Sky’s Spotted Elk family & relatives. Prayers to you all.
Emily E. says
Condolences to the Family ❤
Darryl & Ramey Growing Thunder Family says
Tony!
Thank You for your wise words, spiritual support and cultural encouragement! Your words will forever resonate with me and those who were in your presence! You made time count and spoke with high integrity to us up in Fort Peck and at Bear Butte. You seen gifts in people! Thank You! Journey well and tókša akhé waŋčhíyaŋkiŋ kte (See you again)!
Ivan Posey says
Knew Tony for quite some time. Was always good to see him over the years. We told stories and laughed alot. He left too soon but what he left behind will be around for a long time…in a good way. My continued prayers for his family and friends. I’m saddened…
Roxie and Calvin Wilson says
So sorry for your loss. Tony was fun to visit with and was very knowledgeable. Tony was a good friend to my brother Terry and he told me some stories of the fun times they had in high school. Rest In Peace Tony.
Ben Armentrout says
Ben and Estelle Armentrout say:
We are very sorry for your loss. Tony was a special friend of mine as we shared many things in common. As has been mentioned he was a thinker and noticed things others did not. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers for peace at this very sad time. Rest in peace my friend.
Sharlene says
My Cheyenne blues man has left this world, I have beautiful memories of our time together and I will cherish them forever. His blues brother Iz is waiting on the other side. My sincere condolences to his beautiful family, his daughters Trina and Antonia, and his grand babies that he adored. RIP, my love
Gary Ramsey says
We are so sorry to hear this! Many thoughts and prayers to his family and friends!
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF ANTHONY/TONY PRAIRIEBEAR, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Jay says
Tony was a smart and great guy.
Earlene Teeth Clown and family says
Condolences to Tony’s children, grandchildren, and his sisters.
I will miss our short visits. Till we meet again.
Earlene Teeth Clown and family
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to learn of Tony’s death, I enjoyed working with him through the years at Board of Health. I send my deepest sympathy to all his family.
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Dearest sympathy to your family Tony. You will be missed. Travel swift and say hi to all that’s gone before us.
Marsha Small says
Travel well Tony. Nea’aše for your hard work in keeping the Cheyenne moving forward in a good way.
Patt Runs Through says
Tony my friend. I will miss you. Grandma Patt Runs Through. 😭😭💔💔😭😭