Cyrilla Faye Bearchum, 77, of Ashland passed away Sunday June 26th at Rosebud Healthcare Center. Cyrilla was born in Lame Deer on December 30, 1938 to Jerry and Alice (Harris) Kinzel. She grew up on the family ranch north of Lame Deer and attended school in Lame Deer and at the Busby Boarding School. She graduated from Colstrip High School.
She was united in marriage to Ward A. American Horse. To this union, seven children were born: Dornie, Carma, Daniel, Sheldon, Walter, Floyd, and Rebecca. They made their home in Lame Deer. Cyrilla later married Herbert Bearchum in a shotgun wedding performed by Leroy Whiteman.
Cyrilla’s first job was at IGA. She then spent 19 years working with the Lame Deer Follow Through Program, then 5 years with Northern Cheyenne Head Start. After that she worked for 17 years at St. Labre Indian School as a Donor Relation Clerk. She was a family Bail Bondsman and she bailed a lot of family members out of jail.
She loved her flowers, trees, quilting, knitting, and going to yard sales. She was a stamp collector and enjoyed making moccasins, playing cards, cross stitching, and she kept her diaries throughout the years. Gardening was also one of her hobbies. Most of all, she loved her family and grandchildren. She was loved and will be missed by all. Teasing, joking and laughing were activities that mom loved most. We have a humorous family and we would always play friendly practical jokes.
Cyrilla is preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Ward American Horse, Herbert Bearchum; brother Virgil Kinzel; and her sisters: Emma Fotland, Cecelia Medicine Elk, Helen Hiwalker, and Rose Rapos; great granddaughter Kamie Crazymule; and grandson Christopher Killsontop.
She is survived by five sons: Dornie, Daniel (Azuri), Sheldon (Debbie), Walter, and Floyd Amiercan Horse; brother : Oscar (Gloria) Kinzel; two daughters: Carma (John) Chavez, and Rebecca (Victor Costa, Sr.) American Horse; 34 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special grandchildren Dornie Ellen and Deeka American Horse, whom she helped raise, and her special niece Diane Rapos. Our family is large, if we missed anyone, we apologize.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday July 1, 2016
St. Labre Catholic Parish
1000 Tongue River Rd.
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 2, 2016
Boys and Girls Club
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday July 1, 2016
St. Labre Catholic Parish
1000 Tongue River Rd.
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 2, 2016
Boys and Girls Club
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Audrey Snodgrass says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Cyrilla’s family. She was a great lady and I miss her very much.
Julia Maldonado says
My prayers to the family.
Julie Gatlin and Kenny Gress says
I so enjoyed working with Cyrilla. I will miss her quick wit and smile. Prayers go out to Cyrilla’s family. RIP my friend.
Michael & Kristi Speelman says
Prayer to the family
Mimi Nickel says
Cyrilla is greatly missed. Prayers to the family that you may find comfort in this time.
Desiree Americanhorse says
My grandma was a wonderful lady. She always knew how to out a smile on your face. You will be missed alot. I love you so much and you will never be forgotten. I rememeber when you use to take me and amber yard sailing. I just can’t believe your gone but I know your much happier where your at now up in God hands along with your your sister’s and mom and dad. I know I will see too again .
Georgia Ann Burns says
Prayers of healing and comfort, for the family! I am so sorry for your loss!!
Leedom/Peppers Family says
Much love and prayers to the family. God Bless
Paula Littlehead Wolf Black says
To my childhood neighbors; I am praying for comfort and strength for each of you as lay your mother to rest. I am so thankful for your mother without her seamstress skills my wardrobe would have been at a standstill, as well as my dancing outfits. She was a strong and caring mother. I will miss her smile and caring words.
Anita LaRance says
Thanking God for allowing me to be a co-worker and a close friend to a very special beautiful humble Lady. Will miss mostly the times we laughed together and the times we cried together. I will miss you and you’ll always be in my memories.
laura lonebear says says
Journey well Auntie.
Cathy Spang says
RIP, my friend. We had many good times working with our 3rd graders. I still laugh about some of the fun times we had together. Our art projects were so much fun. I will alwsys remember how we worked as a team trying to figure out how something was done. You were hands on — just do it- and I was reading the directions. Somehow we figured it out with much laughter. My condolences to her children and family. She will be mussed.
Lynda Locher says
Prayers for the family. I always enjoyed time spent visiting with Cyrilla watching her work on her current project whether it was sewing, gardening or being a toolbelt diva and working on her house. She took pride in whatever she was doing. We spent some good times together. May your journey be blessed.
Diane White and Family says
We send our deepest condolences to Cyrilla’s loved ones and especially to all her grandchildren. We will keep u in our prayers n may Maheo bless u with the strength n acceptance of Cyrilla’s journey home. U will be missed Cyrilla, RIP.