Dusty Rose Hirsch, age 37, of Wyola, MT passed away on September 29, 2015 in Lodge Grass, MT after the result of an auto accident.
Dusty Rose Hirsch, the daughter of Jay Dee Hirsch and Rosella Mancha, was born in Miles City, MT on August 1, 1978. She attended grade school and part of high school in Miles City before she moved to live with her mother in Kingston, WA. In 1996, Dusty attended North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA. Following her high school graduation Dusty attended the Blackfeet Community College where she graduated with honors. She then moved to Bozeman, MT where she attended Montana State University to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. During this time she gave birth to her son, Jasper Lawrence Mitchell.
Upon completion of Dusty’s Undergraduate Degree in Education, she moved to Bonney Lake, WA to work for a short period of time for The Scarsella Brothers Construction Company. Soon after, she accepted the position as a teacher for Wahelut Indian School. During this time, Dusty gave birth to her second child, Whisper Rose Gottfriedson. Feeling the need to further her education, Dusty enrolled at St. Martins University and obtained her Master’s Degree in Psychology. She continued to teach at several schools in the Washington area and studied abroad traveling throughout Europe. Dusty relocated to Wyola, MT, where she was currently a reading specialist for grades K-8 at Wyola School District until the time of her accident.
Dusty loved spending time on her father JayDee’s farm in Miles City, MT. She was proud to be Blackfeet and spent many years learning the Blackfeet ways of life. Dusty pursued a career in firefighting with the Blackfeet Wildland Firefighters and the Chief Mountain Hotshots. She also enjoyed following the Indian Relay Circuit in support of her family and friends.
She is survived by her parents, Jay Dee Hirsch of Miles City, her mother Rosella Mancha of Richey, MT; Children, Jasper Lawrence Mitchell (Father: Beau Mitchell) and Whisper Rose Gottfriedson (Father: Adochas Gottfriendson); Fiancé, Roman Whiteman Runs Him; Sister, Misty Renell Hirsch; Nieces, Ashley Rose Little Light and Erica Jean Turning Robe; Nephews Duane Aikman III and Dustin August Kallowat; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Crystal Jean Little Light and Pollyanna Hirsch; Maternal Grandparents, Octavia Jean (Smith) Monroe and Thomas Mancha; Paternal Grandparents, Ida (Riley) Hirsch and Otto Hirsch.
Dusty was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend who has touched the hearts of many throughout her life. Dusty had a passion for teaching and inspiring others to be their best. She is loved by many and will be missed dearly by all.
A rosary will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City, MT. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Should friends desire condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Sunday October 4, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday October 5, 2015
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dee Dee Kane says
I am SO sad to hear about Dusty. As a young girl, she used to come over to our house to see Lindsay, Tanner and Paula all the time and we always had fun and laughter. One time she drove her dad’s riding lawn mower down the block to come to our house. We teased her about her “ride”. Another time, she put a nylon stocking over her head and made faces at us. We were rolling with laughter. She was a great gal and I’m sure her family is going to miss her like crazy! RIP Dusty!
Boo says
We had just talked – I cant believe this happen to such a kind and beautiful person. I will miss our conversations and facebook chatter. Rest In Peace Dusty Rose
Bev Hawks says
I am so saddened by her departure. I am from Squaxin Island and she was a star here for our community. All of us parents and the children adored her. She was truly beautiful from the inside/out. I so wished you would have stayed on here. Our community has missed her and now we are at a loss and in deep sorrow. Our hearts send love, strength, and prayers for her children and parents. Hoyt Dusty till we meet again
Lisa Finley says
I have so many childhood memories with dusty and misty. I’m so truly sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for her children and family. JD and misty I will keep you in my prayers Dusty was an amazing lady send love your way lisa(Coleman)Finley
Lori Chappell says
i was blessed to get to know Dusty through her work at Olympic Middle School as the Squaxin educator. I instantly liked her. She was humble and was so kind to her students and her peers. Her smile was contagious. Her laugh lit up the room. She truly cared about her work. She was a true mentor helping her students embrace and be proud of who they were and what they could accomplish academically. She was her students biggest cheerleader. She had a certain presence about her and you wanted to be in that presence. I got to spend many hours after school talking to her both professionally and personally. She was proud of her children and always talked fondly of her roots. I was sad when she didn’t return to Squaxin this year as I had looked forward to working with her again. She was a beautiful women both inside and out. I feel very blessed to have encountered her on this journey we call life. I’m truly saddened that her life was cut so short I know she had many great things still to do. But she has left her mark on every life she has touched – she left one on mine and for that I’m grateful. Sending hugs and prayers and peace to her family.
Dana Bone says
Dusty lives on still, in lives here at Olympic Middle School, as I’m sure anywhere Dusty was affiliated. She truly glowed, and had a heart of love. I didn’t even know her name the first few times I saw her, but I knew she was a special lady. Too often those who are so rich and helpful are taken, in our minds, way too soon. I’m sure there must be a reason, but it’s hard to understand. A few of the students she worked closely with were mentioning how much she meant to them, personally…which says a lot. Kids are the barometers by which the adults are measured, it seems! She certainly inspired me. To all of Dusty’s closest friends and family, I pray for the comfort of God to overshadow you, and be to you a guide. Dusty left a great and positive imprint on my heart…Rest in Peace, Dusty…you will be remembered well.
Tamara Lee says
Dusty the most beautiful girl I know besides her lil sis’ Misty too! I will always keep such happy memories . You will be deeply missed by everyone you have touched with your grace. Dear family I am praying and thinking of you all, I am truly sorry and saddened for your loss of an amazing & great person.
Fran Stevens says
This earth has lost an amazing woman. Dusty’s beauty was multifaceted — she was beautiful inside and out — she glowed! She brought to school a demeanor that drew students to her like a magnet. Dusty spent time laughing, crying and supporting students as they journeyed through OMS. The last conversation I had with Dusty was fill with excitement about returning to Montana — falling in love and being close to family. It was sad to see her leave Shelton but filled with joy for her as she was so excited to continue her life journey. Dusty touched lives! Thank you Dusty for the joy you brought to students, staff and the entire OMS family. You will always be remembered! Love to you girl!!!
Dave Graber says
Dusty’s ready smile and the kind glint of humor in her eyes engaged us all at Wyola. She so enjoyed living and connecting with us all! She made our school a happier place. Thank you Dusty, and thank you God for your gift to us, especially to those of us who were her students, of just a few short weeks. We so much wished it were more.
Trivian Young Bear-Nault says
It was a blessing and an honor to have known Dusty. When I learned that the Squaxin Island Tribe had hired a young woman from Montana, I was so anxious to meet her; because I too hail from Montana. We immediately hit it off, sharing the connections we had to this place we call home. I, an enrolled member of the Dakota Sioux from the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation, and she an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation. Our connections included the reservations up and down the hi-line and those people and families from Ft. Peck, Rocky Boy, Browning, Flat Head and the surrounding Miles City area. We also shared in our Plains Native culture, and our life stories; I was honored to have been entrusted with hers. She was like a breath of fresh air, who renewed my spirit. Her infectious smile, her beautiful personality and her positive energy was shared with those of us who were fortunate enough to call her friend. When she told me she was moving home to accept a teaching position and to start life anew, I was so excited and happy for her. I was looking forward to our next visit, when she would fill me with news of her new experiences. I share in the great loss of her family; my prayers are with you all, especially Jasper and Whisper. May our Creator hold you all in the palm of his hand and carry you through this difficult time. In our native languages there is no word for “good bye”; in my native tongue, we say “Doksha”, “Again” I will see you beautiful Dusty Rose. Until that time, know that I Love You and I will miss you.
Lou Ann K. Squally says
My heart goes out to the families who have suffered such a great loss
May Creator watch over you as a beautiful Lady is laid to rest
may those left behind find comfort from one another and may the families be surrounded with much love and strength at this time of need
Mah-see O’ siam
Meadows Elementary School says
We all knew Dusty through her children Jasper and Whisper. Also, because we knew she was working so hard to become a teacher! When we heard she was done with school and was certified, we were so proud of her. She had to make many tough decisions but always did it with so much spirt of grace and love. Dusty we send you off with that same spirt of love for you and your children. We thank you for letting us be apart of your life and your children’s! It is a gift that we will treasure forever! Jasper and Whisper we love you and have you in our hearts.
Dennis and Fritzie Hafla says
Dusty made such a positive mark on so many lives.
My our lord wrap his arms around her family and
give them all strength at such a great loss.
Hold on to those precious memories. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.
Dusty we will miss you, beautiful lady.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Dusty’s family. Cherish your memories.
Thoughts and Prayers says
Beautiful as the ocean waves she smiles
Wind flowing through her hair so long
Mountains have been moved by her strength
Clouds will glow even brighter from now
Her voice echoes through the trees standing tall
Creator hold her children near
Show yourself through butterflies and all that is wonderful
Guide her son and daughter to happiness
Until we meet again memories will forever dance
And the spirit of a rose will live on
Elizabeth Grady says
Thank you Dusty for being a part of my life for a short time. I welcomed all the help you gave in my classroom and the talks we had before and after school. Thank you for being here for the time we had together. You will be missed.
milllie jekel says
I will miss you very much
milllie jekel says
I just couldn’t believe that such a vibrant person could have left this world so soon.
so terrible sorry, it isn’t easy to lose a child, Jay Dee be strong. it takes time..
Denny Kish Jr says
I met Dusty a few years ago through a mutual friend and I’ve always said her smile can light up even the darkest of rooms… She will be missed. my prayers and condolences go out to your family and loved ones… God bless
Misty Hirsch says
My sister is the rarest of gems ♡ she’s an athlete, a cowgirl, an educator, and the most fun-loving free spirited being that walked this earth. I knew she met the love of her life when his eyes light up JUST LIKE HERS at the glimpse of a horse ☆♡☆ Dusty Rose and Roman Whiteman Runs Him met near the horse stalls at the World Famous Bucking Horse Sale!!! Just after the Wild Horse Race, my sister waited for her knight in shining armour to sweep her off her feet and ride off into the sunset…our childhood dreams are as vivid now as ever 😉 my sister was, for the first time ever ☆♡☆ Madly in love with the man of her dreams ☆♡☆ I watched a clip of her sailing through the amber fields of winter wheat just before harvest and shes at peace. There will never be another, they broke the mold when they made my Big Sister DUSTY ROSE HIRSCH ~ ♡ ~ SissyBaby ♡ Whisper Rose is pretty darn close though! 😉 Safe Journey sister, meet me at the gates when it’s my time.
jasper lawernce mitchell says
i miss you mom
Kristina robitsch says
Omg I just found out about this I can’t even believe it. RIP dusty she was such a beautiful caring person. My daughter went to miles city with her in may. My prayers for her family I can’t even imagine the pain they feel. This breaks my heart.
Jennifer DeCoteau says
Dusty sparkled on a high beam and I’m so grateful I had the chance to stand in her light. I send blessings and prayers to her family and most especially, her children. Megwech Dusty, you will remain in my heart as a woman of honor for all time.
LONNY TAILFEATHERS says
I sure miss my friend dusty rose she is in our prayers.
Misty Hirsch says
Miss you sissy and I love you more than the stars in the sky.
whisper rose (daughter) says
I miss you mommy i hope you got to heaven safely.
i send my hole heart to you momma.
Tyrone Kellewood says
I miss you Dusty Rose
Rosella Mancha says
It’s been 5 years since you left us. You are forever in my thoughts and deeply in my heart. Thank you for visiting me in my dreams. I hope you you have met my family. Dusty please look out for your sister Mist. When you girls left this life, it broke my heart.
Christina A Madplume says
Dusty it’s been 6 years since you been gone. It’s still unbelievable today. You inspired me in so many ways. You were a great cousin-in-law & friend. I cherish our friendship & always will. I think about you alot & miss you more. May you rest in paradise Dusty Girl….
Whisper Gottfriedson says
Hey momma it’s been awhile since I’ve checked in..I miss you so much