Horace “Huray” Small, Sr. (Red Man) took his last ride on his best horse on June 5, 2015. He was the heart of our family. He gave each of us unconditional love and always wore a genuine smile. No matter who you were, Horace was sincerely happy to meet you. He was very generous with his kindness and the currency of his life was not money, but love. After nearly 92 years on this earth, not one person has a bad thing to say about him. He truly lived the best life one could ask for.
Huray was born on July 16, 1923 on Dry Creek in Kirby, Montana on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. His parents were Tom (TL) Small and Josephine Rondeau. Tom came up to Cheyenne Country from Texas on a cattle drive and fell in love with a beautiful young woman of Cheyenne, Sioux, and Mexican descent Josephine spoke four languages, plus Indian sign language. Together they had ten boys and three girls. Two of the daughters died in childhood, as was common back then. It was still the “outlaw time” when they grew up, Huray used to say, and he told some great family stories that will become legends. He spoke of a time when there were still timber wolves along Kirby Creek and the big bucks were plentiful. He loved his brothers and his sister “Jo.” Even in his last few weeks, he would laugh as he told stories of his brothers and “old TL.” Huray lived a life that exemplified his generation of Cheyenne Cowboys—a generation that will forever remain one of a kind. Ever resilient and self-reliant, they depended on no one and they found joy in each and every day out on the land. The Small Boys were fun to be around and when they were together there was always a little magic in the air.
Huray was married to Mabel Woodenlegs for 65 years. Mabel used to recount how she saw the most handsome man in his army uniform at the Lame Deer Post Office and knew she would marry him. They shared a special love that continues to nourish their family. Mabel “Vé’kêséhá’e” was a strong Cheyenne woman and she and Huray raised their ten children with respect for the land and their culture. They instilled in their children and grandchildren the value of working hard, caring for the land and animals, and getting an education in order to help others. They had big family gatherings as they enjoyed being all together. Camping at Bear Butte each summer was always a special time. In their younger years, they loved putting on rodeos at their ranch. Mabel would turn the house into a café and Huray would turn his arena into a rodeo grounds. He even built a race-track for Indian relays. Their son Horace Jr. carries on the family brand “Lazy HY” at the old ranch.
Huray was a rancher, but often worked side-jobs to make a living he used to say. One of the only things he disliked was laziness. There was always work to be done. Even at 70 years old, he had three part-time jobs and did not like it that he had to pay self-employment tax to the IRS. He told his daughter to write a letter to his Senator to change this law, and she did. He believed in the democratic process and always said that our elected leaders should look out for the interests of the common man, like him. But Horace was no common man. He was an extraordinary man. He wasn’t just a cowboy or a rancher. He was a man of many talents and had abilities to see beyond the Reservation. He read newspapers and magazines constantly and was interested in the world. He could to talk to you about anything and you’d walk away having learned something new. He voted in every election and reminded other people to vote. He and his daughter Wanda fought over who made up the slogan, “Our Vote is Our Voice,” which he painted on signs for every state and national election and he’d get his grandsons to help him put them up all around the Reservation. He believed that anybody could make it if they worked hard and that’s why wanted to see good leaders elected so that they would help the people.
On his drives through town in one of his many little pickups, there was always someone smiling and waving at him in every car that passed. He was the unofficial “Mayor” of Lame Deer. He had many friends from all walks of life. He knew that everyone is fighting their own battles and never judged anyone. He had many friends from the Tribal Casino where he used to frequent. He used to say that “The Charging Horse Casino” was named after him and laugh. His favorite hand was a royal flush and he would hand out money to those in the Casino when he won big.
Horace was one of a kind. He was a hero to his grandchildren and they loved hunting the high country with him on all his secret trails. He cared little about boundaries and often they ended up off the Reservation, but the old ranchers around the Reservation all knew Huray and welcomed him to hunt on their land and would invite him in for coffee. Huray shared his special love for berry picking that he got from his mother and all of his children and grandchildren grew up knowing where the best berry patches were across the Reservation. His mother made the best pies he would tell us and he loved gooseberry pies because they were her favorite. Some of our family’s best times were taking a picnic out into the hills to pick berries. He would tell his granddaughters, “If we get skunked (meaning no berries found), then at least we better pick some flowers for Mom.” The best gifts he could receive were wild berry jellies and syrup. He also loved a good rope and fresh snuff.
Huray was the oldest WWII Veteran on the Reservation and was proud of it. He attended Busby School and Chemewa Indian School in Salem, Oregon. He had fond memories of his time in boarding school. He and his brothers left Chemewa to join the army during WWII. He was a patriotic man and couldn’t believe that when he was born he was not legally a citizen of the United States. The American Indian Citizenship Act passed in 1924. When he fell and broke his hip, he told his kids to take him to the “Soldier’s Home” because they would fix him up. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at the “Soldier’s Home,” a wonderful exit to a life well lived.
The family will deeply miss their beloved Huray, especially his grandchildren who often say that he was their greatest teacher, best friend, and favorite person in the whole world. We rejoice in knowing that he is with his wife, his son Cordell, his grandson Shawn Del, his parents, brothers, sisters, and all his loved ones.
Horace is survived by his children Clifford (Octa Pearle), Jennie Lou, Wanda, Clayton (Maha), Carla, Gail (Joe), Geri, Horace Jr. (Ava Lee); his step-daughter Georgianne (Bruce); his adopted children DeWanda (Jay) Little Coyote, Vance, Geofredo, and Clarice (William) Littlebird, Max (Dolly) Highwalker, Carlos Solis, Carrie Braine, Thomasine Woodenlegs, Arvey Littlewhirlwind, and the Brownie Curly family; brothers Melvin, Johnny (Betty), Clinton (Jackie) Small; and his very special grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Those that preceded him are his beloved wife Mabel, son Cordell, grandsons Shawn Del, Tyrel, and George, son-in-law Gerald, sisters Josephine, Vera, and Hazel, brothers Vic, Ivan, Ed, Ralph, Max, Tuck, and his parents.
We thank the wonderful team at the Sheridan Mountain View Veteran’s Center, and all the family and friends who visited Dad and took him snuff and home-made food. We want to also thank the Rosebud County Veterans and St. Labre for their monetary contributions, and the Northern Cheyenne Morning Star Veterans for honoring our soldier.
Stāhuhose voomātse Ma’hetane. We will see you again Red Man.
Your endless love and kindness will live in each of us. Happy trails cowboy!
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Monday June 8, 2015
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59403
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Northern Cheyenne Boys & Girls Club
100 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:30 PM
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Small Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Monday June 8, 2015
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59403
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Northern Cheyenne Boys & Girls Club
100 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:30 PM
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Small Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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George Birtic says
My most sincere condolences to all the family……..to all the kids and grandkids……and especially Cheyloah Small, sister of my godson Mathias, my utmost sympathy goes out…..Horace was a very nice and respectful person….,,,when ever he saw me he always smiled and said hello to me……I always had the utmost respect for him. He raised such a good family……I never will forget his extremely friendly smile……and pleasantries exchanged when I saw him…….George Birtic
Dean Carrie Tayler Small says
Our prayers and condolences to the Family of Hooray.
Stan and LaDonna Eagle says
Condolences to the family of Horace Small, You’ll be in our prayers
Tamera, Pamela, jennifer and Kristen Sooktis says
Words can’t begin to express the sympathy we feel hearing about the death of your father. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. I hope the expressions of sympathy that you must be receiving from everyone provide some consolation to the family. Hopefully, knowing how much he was loved and cared for, will give the family a measure of comfort. We hope you all can find peace in the memories that you have of him. God bless you all.
Eugene and Clarice Big Back Sr b says
Our sincere condolences and prayers.
William E Rowland says
Another old cowboy has crossed over. Horace you will be missed here on earth but someday we will all meet again.
Alderman Family says
Looking back over the years it’s been 44 years almost to the day since I first met Horace and I’ve yet to meet a kinder, more genuinely honest man. The kind of person that gave you gentle peaceful feeling with just a few words. Our hearts go out to the entire family,friends that were family, and if there is anyone not mentioned I don’t know who they would be, because that include anyone that ever met this wonderful man. God Bless you Mable and your children and families during this terrible loss. Sincerely The Alderman Family
Andrita Harris says
Our deepest condolences and prayers to Small Family.
Lee, Dorothy, Billy, Dylan, Tegan and Andrita Harris
Julie (Pitman) Matt says
Lots of great memories of your dad and the kids. When my dad (George Pitman) and I would ride around our lease, my dad always had to stop and talk to Horace. And I remember the year or was it years that my mom (Ann Pitman) would pile all of us in their black chevy early in the morning and take us to grade school in Lame Deer. Such fun memories. Mable, thank you for raising such great children, and know that Ron and I keep you and your family in our prayers.
Rhoda Glenmore (Eseeva'e) says
Condolences to the family of Huray. He was someone special to me. He always reminded me of my father, Douglas Glenmore, I would be happy to see him at the Casino; giving him numerous hugs. He would give me that big smile and tell me “okay.” RIP Horace <3
Rhoda Glenmore (Eseeva'e) says
Condolences to the family of Huray. He was someone special to me. He always reminded me of my father, Douglas Glenmore, I would be happy to see him at the Casino; giving him numerous hugs. He would give me that big smile and tell me “okay.” RIP Horace <3
Prayers to my sisters and brothers.
Setovaatse Medicine Bull/Kitty/Kali says
Our sincere heartfelt condolences to the Horace Small family, prayed for the family at our family/birthday meeting.
JOANN ELLIOTT says
Rest it peace cowboy. condolences to the family
Danetta Fisher says
Rest In Peace….May Creator God comfort your family.
Gary & Deb Small says
Sure going to miss Uncle Horace and that big smile. God bless him. And prayer and peace to all the family members.
Gary & Deb Small
Esther Littlewolf says
Horace, was a kind and gentle soul, Ma’heo’o is graced by his presence! My sincere condolences to his loved ones!
Carla and Jay Johnson says
Deepest condolences to the Small family in the passing of Horace. We will all meet our loved ones again and in a better place. Carla (McKelvey) Johnson, and Eva McKelvey.
Samantha Killsnight says
My Thoughts and Prayers to the small family.
john robinson says
Our condolences to all the relatives of Horace Small, Sr. He was a good man.
Walter C. Fleming says
Our sympathies to the family of Horace. His loss is shared by all who know him. He and Mabel were in a class by themselves.
Misty Pipe says
R.I.P. to my favorite old time cowboy ♡ I worked with him for 2 years at Native Action after I graduated high school. We spent almost every day of the week together and had long visits about the old days and how crazy the new world could be.
In the winter he would start the fire in the wood stove and I would make coffee, he’s the one who taught me to drink it black, no cream or sugar, said that stuff would kill me lol although I still like creamer, I definitely appreciate the taste of a good cup of black coffee ♡
He would sit down in the chair in front of my desk and say “Welllll Mistyyyyy….” Or “Aaaaaaand….” lol just to get the convo going ♡ haha I always said “Well, there’s my favorite cowboy” and he would give me the biggest smile. 😀
Sure missed seeing him driving his old truck around these past few years. But I’m thankful he left some of his wisdom with me. I will forever cherish all of our long conversations ♡♡ Rest Easy Cowboy ♡♡♡
Packs The Hat says
We are very blessed to be descendants of Thomas L. Small & Josephine R. Small. One of the largest families from Native Country. An rare as can be due to size and prosperity of talents; each family comes with it’s uniqueness, Uncle Horce’s family is special in its own. Uncle Horace & Aunt Mabel had wonderful children together; each filled with the gifts from both. Uncle Horce always greets us with a smile and a hand shake, he will be missed. Probably visiting Dad (Ivan) and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace!
Michelle Spang says
My condolences to the family. Horace was always smiling, always said hello. I remember the time Taezha and I brought back the tan pick up for him from Albuquerque, NM Clayton had sent it back for him. When we brought it to him he was so happy because he had a new (older) ride to cruise Lame Deer on. He will be greatly missed.
Jason blackwolf says
RIP Great Grandpa Horace small Sr.
Georgia Ann Burns says
I have known you my entire life, grew up with your kids. I never heard yo talk bad or get upset ever! Maybe you and Mabel are having coffee with my folks!!!! You are now in cowboy heaven!!! I am in hospital rehab, so won’t be able to see …
See you later on!!!! Sending my love and prayers to all the family!!! God Bless!!!
teresa mcmakin says
Prayers of comfort to the family. We are very sad to hear of your loss. May god watch over you all and give you the strength at this most difficult time…..McMakin’s
Candy Fleming says
This loved one left with great love and pride for his family and his people. We honor a life filled with respect and caring. May the Creator wrap comforting arms around all those who knew this dear man….
zig jackson says
OMG what a wonderful Obit!I read it twice! Im saddened it seems we lost a great tribal man! what a life this man lived and he touched many people, I didn’t know Horace but wish I did, my heart felt prayers for the family and friends! AHO!
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of Horace’s family. May your faith in God, and the love, and support of family and friends help you through such a difficult time. .. It is comforting to know that we will see our loved ones again. Your family is remembered in my prayers.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Ryan Parker says
What an amazing and fulfilling life Huray lived! I hope to aspire to half of what he did. Hardwork, integrity, love for family, friends and community, dedication to the Cheyenne nation – he expemplified all these values.
On behalf of the Parker family, I express my deepest sympathy in your time of loss. Huray will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
ROBERTA H ROTH says
ANOTHER COWBOY LEFT TO BE WITH THE RIDERS IN THE SKY. GREAT MEMORIES OF HIS HELP WITH THE RODEOS OF LONG AGO. MAY HE REST IN PEACE..
Peppers/Leider Family says
Much love and prayers to the Small family. God Bless you all.
Gail Small says
Thank you, each one of you for the kind words, prayers, and best memories of Dad.
Doug & Eleanor Parker says
Our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family. Hugs to all!
Harvey Ambrose says
I didn’t know Horace Sr., but I considered his son, Horace Jr., a close friend. We worked and hunted together during the mid-1980s, and you’d have to look long and hard to find a finer fellow than Horace. We lost touch years ago. From what is said here about Horace’s father, it’s easy to see where my friend got his fine character. Sorry for the loss of his father, who passed from this life full of years and obviously well-beloved.