Bertha called home on the evening of November 20, 2019 surrounded by her immediate family at her home in Lame Deer.
Bertha was born in a tent on our Big Back Homestead North of Lame Deer on April 18, 1946 to John and Nina (Standing Elk) Big Back. Bertha looked forward to summer and the trips to South Dakota starting at Bear Butte, the black hills and Finishing at Thermopolis, Wyoming for a few days at the hot springs. She loved camping, being at pow-wows, Sundances, family camp, or just being with her children and grandchildren.
Bertha taught the Cheyenne language for 30+ years. It was hard for her to retire, as she loved teaching our language to the Children at Lame Deer Public School, Northern Cheyenne Tribal School in Busby, Headstart in Lame Deer and the Cheyenne Immersion Camps. She had a lot of students of all ages that still came up and talked Cheyenne to her calling her teacher.
She loved that they still spoke our language. Bertha also went to school in Arizona to get her Pastoral leadership training at Cook Christian Theological School wanting to follow in her grandfather, Eugene Standing Elks tracks in being a pastor, although she never fulfilled that dream she never quit studying the word and passing her love of God and Jesus to her children and grandchildren saying, “Don’t ever forget Jesus and the Cheyenne Language.”
Bertha was preceded in death by parents, John and Nina; siblings, Louise and Nancy Big Back, Ora June Edwards, Major, Johnny, Steven, Eugene Big Back, Sr.; husband, Elmore Limberhand, Jr.; sons, Clifford Shawn Long Sioux, Jr., Joshua Limberhand, and Michael John Big Back.
Bertha is survived by her sisters, Cecelia Big Back, Virginia Toews, Clarice Big Back; children, Maybelline (Emmett), Adrianna, Brianna Big Back, Jonathan (Michelle) Long Sioux, David Long Sioux; grandchildren, Montague Big Back, Nathan Desto, Destiny Long Sioux, Jasmine, David Jr., Kaley Long Sioux, Mahala, Summer Vetsch; many nieces and nephews; relatives from the following families, Big Back, Standing Elk, Yellowfox, Sandcrane, Flatness, Peppers, Beckman, Whitewolf, Walksalong, and Hunter.
Please accept our apology if we forgot anyone, it was not intentional.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday November 24, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday November 25, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday November 25, 2019
Big Back Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday November 24, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday November 25, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday November 25, 2019
Big Back Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Share
Bonnie Bigback says
To all the family,
My deepest sympathy to you. Just know that she is at ease. No more fighting for breath, and enduring pain.
Andrita Harris says
To all the family;
My deepest condolences and sympathy to all you. My Friend Maybelline, so sorry for your loss. Loved your mother alot, we always had chats about every two months had our little talks since the late 80’s. She will be missed. RIP BERTHA.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF BERTHA BIGBACK LIMBERHAND AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Wilburta Bigback says
Sending our condolences and Prayers!
George Birtic says
Sorry to hear the loss of Bertha. She was always an excellent role model for Cheyenne youth. My enjoyed my time working with Berth. She will be missed.
Killsnight Family says
Prayers to Berthas Family during this time
Diane Spotted Elk says
My condolences to Bertha’s family. She was a big loss not only that she had a big heart and was very kind she had a quiet gentle demeanor, motherly but also in that she was committed to preserving our Cheyenne language. ❤️ I’ll miss her encouraging words.😢
Beverly Osachoff says
Condolences to all of Bertha’s family.
No more suffering – we will miss you. RIP, Bertha.
Alvin L. Strange Owl says
Sending my condolences to her kids and family, I remember her stories and her kind spirit, and she will always be remembered for that.
Judy Ross says
Sorry for your loss, she was a special lady.
Mary Leedom/Ron Peppers says
Sending love and prayers to her family. Bertha was such a nice lady. God Bless
Charleen says
Prayers and love sent to the Bigback family. From luttrell and Wolfblack clan of California