Eva Theresa Medicinebull Brown Bearchum, (Otseemehe’e) began her journey to the Next Camp on October 8, 2020 after a brief illness. On October 1, 1932 she was the first born, of girl twins, to Willis and Annie Swallow Medicinebull. Eva was born at home with the assistance of a mid-wife, on the Birney Divide, and then the twins were taken to the Crow Hospital. As a child and young woman she learned the traditions and protocols expected of a Cheyenne and a chief’s child, which she adhered to throughout her life. She was a humble, quiet Cheyenne woman of virtue from a generation that is quickly coming to pass. Often, especially in later years, Eva “set the record straight” and reminded family and community members of behavior, speech and tradition that was rapidly changing. Eva gave much of herself and her time and energy to maintain traditional beliefs and values. She was a ceremonial woman of prayer through Sundance, fasting, peyote and Catholic Church involvement and ritual, which many times meant traveling to Wind River to pick cedar and attend ceremonies. Eva had a very strong relationship with Maheo’ and shared her faith with those who requested her assistance. She was close to her siblings, especially her twin sister who proceeded her in death and to her youngest brother Wayne.
Eva attended Birney Day School and St. Labre Indian School, boarding during the week and returning to the Birney Divide on weekends and summers. She was athletic and enjoyed riding horses and playing softball and volleyball with classmates, friends and family. Her father had relatives at Wind River and there were several wagon trips to Wyoming as he searched for appropriate husbands for his twin daughters, as arranged marriages were a part of traditional practices.
Eva married Anthony Brown of Wind River and to this union were born Angela Ann, Patrick Joseph, June Marie, Mary Lou, Joan and Bertha. Eva was a hard worker, spending much of her time in the home, gardening, caring for children, and cooking traditional foods of which she was a connoisseur. Eva chose to raise her children alone after her divorce and until she met her love in Ben Bearchum. She became a teacher’s aide at the HeadStart and later in the kindergarten and retired from St. Labre as a member of the cook staff. Eva had high expectations for all whom she knew, but was also quite hilarious. She loved to tease and had a very witty sense of humor which she enjoyed using on her nephews, uncles and in-laws, some of whom were not the teasing type.
On July 12, 1976 Eva married Benjamin Bearchum Sr. in Toppenish, Washington and together they made their home in Lame Deer, finding a way to blend their families and remain steadfast in their dedication to one another. Together they worked, travelled, attended ceremonies, guided their children and many others, assisted in the raising of grandchildren, gardened, attended powwows, visited, prayed and engaged in community activities. They loved everyone that came into their lives and gave no special attention and played no favorites regardless of relationship. They were happy together and have now been reunited. Eva remained strong and vigilant after losing Ben in 1991 as she continued to provide for and raise several of her grandchildren.
Eva will be met on her journey by Ben and those who have proceeded her including her parents; brothers Burt and Fred Medicinebull; sisters Elva Shotgun (twin) and Agnes Killsnight Brady (adopted by her parents); daughters Angela and Mary Lou Brown, Brenda Littlecoyote and Francis Bearchum; sons Patrick Brown and Bruce Bearchum and adopted sons Clifford Foote and Vance Littlebird; granddaughter Johanna Young and great grandson Christopher Killsontop; special friends and relatives Jane Warren and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Brown.
Eva is survived by her daughters Bertha Brown, June Marie Brown, Joan Ironshield, Sophia Enos and Eleanor Parker; brothers Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Headswift, Fr. Jim, Mr. & Mrs. John Russell Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Myron Littlebird and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Littlewhiteman and Hugh Clubfoot; grandchildren Renita Brown, Elise Starr Jefferson, Mary Lou Jefferson, Brian Lee Blackwolf, Briana Blackwolf-Strangeowl, Rolanda Eagle, Wallis Headswift, and Anthony Phillip John Young; great grandchildren Floyd Killsontop, Angelei Young, Garrett Young, Kimimila Killsontop, Warrior Eagle, Thereslyn Jefferson, Cianna, Tharyn, Hayden, Maddie, Rynleigh Russell, Celestine Patrick Young, Ethan Young, Benny Roosevelt Blackwolf, Charlize Blackwolf and Laila Strangeowl, Mikee and Rikee Willard, Cadance Blackwolf, Anastyn Killsontop, Cevana Killsontop, Kingslee Rocker, and Valeo Buccelli, adopted grandchildren Hazel Killsnight, Hakala Skye Harding, Elkshoulder baby boys and Justin Whiteman; sons Benjamin Jr. and Curtis Bearchum; adopted sister Henrietta Whiteman; adopted children Amanda Linder, Sarah Murray, Erica Prussing, Julianne Lore, Phillip Franquelyn and Carrie Braine; nieces and nephews Alaina Buffalo Spirit, Burt, Kenneth, Charles, and Willis Medicinebull, Lew, Frank and Langdon Headswift, Robert and Roberta Shotgun, Larry Medicine Bull, Burt Medicine Bull Jr., Sally McCloud, Christa Medicine Bull, and all of the children of her relatives that have gone before.
Eva’s family was large and she was related to many people on the Northern Cheyenne and Wind River Reservations through blood or adoption. Please accept out apologies if we have mistakenly forgotten or omitted anyone.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bertha Brown says
Mom,
I will be fine- Journey on to happiness as you Reunite forever with Ben. Be Happy forever and enjoy seeing the Ancestors and relatives again. Thanks for being my Mother! I love you forever- Maheo is very happy!
Duane and Sue Allred says
Bertie, We want to express our condolences to you for the passing of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Henry Thompson says
Bernie..what a blessing to have had your mother, a true Cheyenne woman, by your side all these years..thank you for honoring her wishes and laying her body to rest in a good way! Continued prayers for you and family. She lives on through you and all those she loved very much
David R. Wilson says
What Henry said, a true Cheyenne woman… So much power in three little words, but this is Eva.
Yolanda Fraser says
Sending my sincere condolences.
Danetta says
My dear friend Eva…you have my blessing to Go with God…take his hand and dont look back. I love you for being my friend all these years as long as me and Bertie have been friends. REST IN PEACE
Sandy Spang says
So grateful to have known her and our visits through the years… except for the last few when I have not been able to get around so good. You had one of the kindest hearts and loved your family! Looking forward to the future dear friend.
V Sooktis says
Sweet Medicine Woman, A lady of Prayer and hope. It’s going to be alright, she left us with her blessing! like Bertha said, We are going to be alright!
Rhoda Glenmore says
Auntie Eva was a very humble woman just like my Uncle Ben very humble. They were so good to each other. Now United in heaven. Two Angels. 💕
Kathy Harris says
So sorry Bertie but joy in your mommas journey to reunite with the loved ones that have gone before her. A beautiful life well lived and well loved.
Silver Little Eagle says
Nemehotse Eva ❤️
Sandra Fire Lightning says
Your mom Eva loved you so much Bertie. She traveled with you and stayed by your side all this time. You made her very happy and very proud. Eva will always be near you especially in your dreams. Thanks for being my dear friend, Bertie. Sending you love, strength and prayers..
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF EVA BEAR CHUM, THE NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Corrina Horn says
Bertie,
Oh, Sister-girl! I love you so much! I wish I could take half your pain away! 💔 I know that’s not possible, but if I could, you know I would! 😭
Your mom is happy now in that big basketball tournament the sky, where the refreshments are always steaming hot & tasty, and the seats are front row and extremely comfortable!! Happy, happy, happy, happy! Her whole family is there with her, so happy to be with her again ~
Lori Nelson says
Bertie, my deepest condolences for y’all. Prayers for you during your time of grief. Take care. I am glad that you had your momma for so many years. They say the hardest person you’ll ever lose is your mother. Still she is with you. Sending love and prayers.
Dee Macdonald says
Sorry for your lost, Bertie.
Monica Norse (LITTLEBIRD) says
Bertie, I’m so sorry for the loss of Eva. She was a humble Cheyenne woman. I had no idea my dad was an adopted son of hers. My prayers and condolences are with u all during this time.
Erica Prussing says
Much love to Bertie and all of Eva’s family during this time. I feel so blessed to have known Eva and to be a part of your lives. Sending good wishes and standing with you always! All our love from Iowa.
Gail Small says
Our love and prayers to Bertie and all the family. Eva was a very precious lady.
Elisa Starr Jefferson says
I will see you again grandma thank you for taking care of me and raising me in a good way and teaching me how to pray. I will never forget that you would always tell me to pray and to always have forgiveness in your heart. And I will never forget that when you would pray you would always say that you love all your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. I love you grandma
Benjamin Bearchum says
Eva told me that her and my father never had any angry words between them. They visited us in Seattle WA she was always very kind and very respectful. She made the best biscuits. Always good to my children. I frequently saw her at Sundance. This generation of Cheyenne People will be missed.
Serida says
Marylou needs an ass whipping how she was acting at the funeral
Serida says
Jefferson
Montoya Whiteman says
Bertie, please accept my deepest condolences for our family’s loss. Eva was a warm and kind Tsistsista woman who loved and valued the Tsistsista people, culture and traditions. May the special memories you shared with your mother bring you and your family comfort.
Roger and Amanda Dillard says
Eva Bear Chum U will be miss. I will always remember u and our nice smile. Condolences to our family and prayers . RIP Eva.
Karen Locher says
Bertie, my deepest condolences. I know Eva and my aunt Mary Underwood can continue their visits. You will be in my prayers as will all of your family.