A loving husband, father, son, uncle, nephew, grandfather and grandson, Denny Ray Standing Water, Jr., Vé’késȯtame’háooestse” Diving Bird”, 44, of Lame Deer, MT went home to be with Ma’heo’e on September 8, 2024.
Denny was born on February 17, 1980 in Elk City, OK to Annette Brady Standing Water and Denny Standing Water, Sr. He attended schools in both Oklahoma and Montana before receiving his high school diploma from St Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT.
He worked in many various positions with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe throughout his lifetime, some of which included: The Forestry and Fire Management, Commodity Program, Wellness Center, Community Health Representatives, Elderly Program and the Tribal Historic Preservation Office as a Cultural Surveyor. He truly enjoyed helping his Cheyenne People in whatever capacity he was able to do so. He especially enjoyed working with the elders of the Tribe and would go out of his way to help them in any way.
An avid author, he published 4 volumes of books in beginning Cheyenne language for children. He always had a keen interest to learn and defend the proud history, language, lands and ceremonial aspects of his Cheyenne People. He also was a sundancer and fasted in our traditional Cheyenne Way.
He will always be remembered by many for his infectious laughter, outgoing personality, friendly demeanor and many other positive qualities that made Denny a great person to know and be around. He continually encouraged fitness and both physical and mental well-being. Always a hard worker at whatever he did and happy to work with, Denny displayed many leadership qualities and would often display his affection with a joke and his distinct laugh.
Denny was always willing to lend a hand or give encouraging words whenever needed, as it was in his second nature to help anyone when in need. Whether through text, over the phone or in person, he never hesitated to give advice or just some good words to help your day be better.
He leaves behind his wife Marquel Standing Water and their four children and four grandchildren he gained through marriage: Sage (Ruby) Woodenlegs and their child Feather, Shea (Alicia) Medicine Flying and their children Amara & Adonis, Briez (Reuben) Fallsdown and their son Kayson, Samuel Haugen (Trinity). He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who took pride in his family and will always mean the world to them all.
Denny was preceded in death by his grandparents: Fern Shoulderblade, Raymond Brady, Sr, Woodrow and Helen Standing Water. Sisters Tana Renee Brady Teeth and Fern Helen Standing Water, Brother Russell Standing Water, Uncles Raymond Brady, Jr and Nathan “Nick” Standing Water, Aunties Leona Step and Sharon Bird, Nephews William “Bill” and Benjamin Bahr.
Survived by his mother Annette Standing Water, father Denny Standing Water, Sr., daughter Rainstorm Standing Water. Aunties: Shirley & Esther Brady, Irene Flying, Serena (Wayne) Wetherelt, Ruby Standing Water. Uncles: Calvin Brady, Sr, Leland Standing Water Nieces: Tana Stump, Aubrey and Gemma Strange Owl. Nephews: Dakota Bahr, Haden Standing Water and Blake Strange Owl. Godparents: Peter Bearcomesout and Serena Wetherelt. Denny has a very large extended family with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers, way too numerous to all mention; you all know who you are, he loved each and every one of you.
Related families: Brady, Bearchum, Shoulderblade, Woodenlegs, Seminole, Bearcomesout, Blackwolf, Youngbear, Hardground, Standing Water and Whiteman families from Oklahoma and South Dakota relatives. Our apologies if we have omitted any family in our time of grief.
The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support during this difficult time.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday September 12, 2024
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday September 13, 2024
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday September 13, 2024
Brady Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday September 12, 2024
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday September 13, 2024
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday September 13, 2024
Brady Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Donna Bearcomesout says
Condolences to Annette and families in the passing of Denny Standing Water,,He always greeted me and he will be missed
Steve Solise says
Thanks for being there back in the day’s when fire was still young & wild. On engines & fire crew. And at the IHS, Wellness dept. We will be missing our conversation. Going to miss your sense of humor. Your smile , laughter and your encouragement. And your hiking Adventure stories. My condolences.
Relative says
” We love you Denny ” Prayers for Family
Dyron & Phylliss ShoulderBlade says
Prayers to Auntie Annette and Family..
Denny you will be missed so much.. I always remember the time you stayed at my mom Louella’s hosue with my brother Omero.. you 2 were the closest of brothers.. now you are together again.. forever rest in Peace Denny
Dyron, Phylliss Shoulderblade & Girls
Leedom/Peppers Family says
Our deepest condolences to Denny’s mother Annette, daughter Rainstorm and family on Denny’s passing. He will be missed. God Bless you all.
Donna Limpy Gonzales says
A tragic loss to the Northern and Southern Cheyenne Tribes. My condolences to his family. With broken hearts we say Thank You for your friendship.May God Bless and grant you peace.
.
J says
We were denied from getting to know one another, but I’ve checked this website everyday since I learned about your passing. I’m happy and proud to hear about all the things you’ve worked for, all the achievements and people you wanted to do and did right by; I’m sorry I never got to know you better. I bought two of the books you published, if only to hear you like when I was younger; I like writing too, if only we could have talked about that. The What-ifs are present now, but I know you had a good family, a good life and you tried your best–that’s all anyone can do. I give my very best to your family. May you rest easy and may your family be warmed by the love you gave and the love they have given. You are a part of me and I’ll carry you in my heart. Best wishes and the best of lives to everyone you knew and who knew you.
Carmen WolfName says
Sending our sincere condolences to Annette and Denny’s loved ones.
Marina Mitchell says
I was devastated to hear of Denny’s passing. He was jubilant, positive and a bright light in his job duties with the Board of Heslth. I was impressed and proud of him. He will be missed, he was such a bright light and a great human being.
H Small says
Travel well my good friend, I became good friends with Denny through the AA /NA program and was there with him when he fasted on the rosebud, he did have a contagious laugh and a generous kind spirit, and he’ll be missed by many in all the different programs he offered his help in, really a good fella
Cindra and Seidel Standing Elk says
Seidel and I send our deepest prayers and condolences to the family and friends 🙏❤️