Jerry Dean Small, born to Violet and Melvin Small on October 11, 1952, embarked on his journey to the Next Camp and that big rodeo in the sky on August 26, 2019.
Jerry was a rodeo hero who became a bigger than life legend to many people nationally and internationally as he made and broke records in calf roping, steer wrestling and all timed events in the PRCA and INFR. He blazed the trail for numerous cowboys, native and non-native, on the professional rodeo circuit culminating in his induction into the INFR Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. He earned his PRCA Gold Card at the age of 38. Jerry was a competitive athlete in the arena, at all levels and in all rodeo associations, winning gold buckles, saddles, horse trailers and cash, at a time when rodeo cowboy sponsorship was nearly nonexistent. Jerry credited his loving parents, Melvin and Violet, for their support and encouragement, further helping him stay competitive.
Jerry was a warm and generous man, who made you feel important, no matter who you were, a characteristic of the older Small Boys. He was well-liked and well known, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes he would tease and laugh, especially at himself. He was a fabulous cook, host, friend and companion who liked to dance, tell stories, visit, and laugh.
Jerry Dean was a loving husband to his wife Darlene, making their home on Kirby Creek and building their cattle ranch after retiring from the rodeo circuit. His well-developed cattle herd was a source of great pride for Jerry. He came to relish the role of Dad and Papa, attending sporting events, cheering, encouraging and coaching academically and athletically. He was so proud of their accomplishments, especially of Jason. Jerry took special pride in having a son who is also a Montana State Senator. He had his own unique relationship with each of his kids and grandkids, but Jerry, Annette, Tasia and Kash had an unconditional, reciprocal love for one another that carried them over every hurdle and strengthened their family bonds.
In his last days, Jerry took his final trip to Blackfeet country, celebrated his son Clayton’s marriage, visited with friends and cowboys from all over, ate with family and friends, and watched the sun rise and set on the beautiful Kirby valley from his home. Jerry expressed his love of family through hugs and encouragement, words of gratefulness, and love for family.
He will be greeted by those family and friends that have traveled on before him and among them will be his baby sister Marti Ann, his mother Violet, uncle Leonard Handel, nephew Troy, grandson Keeshawn and too many rodeo “brothers” and cousins to name.
He is survived by his wife, of 36 years, Darlene Bement Small; sons, Jason (Lacey) and Clayton (Megan); daughter, Annette (Tiger) Scalpcane; father, Melvin Sr; brothers, Max and Melvin Jr Small and Raleigh Kraft; sisters, Vivian(Dave), Shirley and Lily Small, Debby (Arnie) Bends, and Kiara Rising Sun; grandchildren, Clancy and Catalina Small, Tasia and Keanu (Payen) Scalpcane, Colton (Megan), Shawn (Quintanna)and G’Naiya Small; great-grandchildren, Bristol, Tyke, Kashlyn, Kaliyah “Kiki”, Tyree, Kyren and Blayze. He is also survived by Uncles—Johnny and Clinton, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, his rodeo “brothers” throughout the country, and friends for life.
Jerry was proud of his family lineage of Northern Cheyenne, Turtle Mountain Chippewa and Mexican. Our family is large and we apologize if we have inadvertently omitted anyone.
Service Schedule
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday August 31, 2019
Red Hill Ranch Cemetery
Kirby, Montana 59016
Service Schedule
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday August 31, 2019
Red Hill Ranch Cemetery
Kirby, Montana 59016
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Andrita Harris says
Small Family, Darlene Small Family
My Deepest Condolences and Prayers to the family. Heaven has gained another cowboy.
Jerry was a great friend of the family, we had fun at a lot of rodeos. Cowboy Rides Away. Heading to greener pastures.
(Lee), Dorothy, Andrita, Billy, Dylan and Tegan Harris
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF JERRY DEAN SMALL AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Sidney Fitzpatrick says
Sidney fitzpatrick “chip” my condolence to the family of Jerry d and prayers for strength during this most sad, sorrowful and mournful time for the lost of a
Sheila Eastman Hart says
Sending my condolences to Jerry’s family. Prayers of comfort to you all.
Les Denny says
Condolences to the family. We will sure miss him. Staying with Jerry and the Melvin Small family when I was young are some of my best childhood memories. I’ll never forget the fun times we spent at each other’s homes and in grade school.
Bonnie and Dennis Bear Don't Walk says
Sincere condolences to Jerry’s family. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Kirby lost a great soul!
Lorianne Parrow says
Small Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Jerry and he was a good friend and we send our prayers.
Sincerely,
Steve Kobold and Lori Parrow
Dale and Shannon Pitsch says
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Jerry. He held a special place in our hearts, we will sure miss him. Prayers of comfort for the family.
Carla and Jay Johnson says
Hypine (Darlene)- So sorry to hear about the loss of Jerry! He was a great guy and will be missed by all. Deepest sympathy to all the Small family!
Norma Bixby says
It is sad to lose a loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Small Family.
Gail Habener says
You made a part of my life fun so many years ago! You will be missed Jerry! Much love to Max and the family!
Eugene Blackbear says
Condolences from Southern Cheyenne friends and relatives. Cedar and Prayers, for Family.
hov hugs says
Condolences to the Small family, he was a good guy, fun to be around, prayers
Pamela Sewell-Soto says
I can still hear your laughter Jerry! You were always teasing Max and you got such a kick out of it! A free spirit. You will be remembered always with nothing but love and smiles. My love and prayers to Max and the Small family. So sorry for your loss my friend.
Jimmy and Lauri Kujala says
Very sad to hear about Jerry, we always enjoyed visiting with him and Darlene. Wish we could have spent more time in our later years! He will be greatly missed we always considered him the gentle giant. Condolences to the family!
Joe Martin says
Darlene, as I shared with you on the phone my heart aches for you and your family. I’ll never forget Jerry’s generosity and friendship. He was one of a kind, there will never be another Jerry Small. Joe Martin
Ann Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences Darlene & family. Hugs and prayers for your loss.
Rick Zier says
to Jerry’s family with most condolences. I haven’t seen you in a long time but there are memories that will last forever.
Jim and Val LaFrance says
It’s been a very long time since Val and I traveled and roped with Jerry. I’ll never forget his quip at the last Oral Zumwalt; “you turn ‘em and I’ll burn ‘em.” We had won the Bozeman 5 Steer a couple years earlier (with Jerry heeling).
Some of my fondest memories as a horseshoer were spent in Melvin’s barn or at Dave and Vivian’s when Jerry was around, making life less missable.
It is our wish that Jerry’s family can get through this time with as little pain as possible.
Robb Bement says
RIP Jerry D. 🧡
Jerry Jones says
Always fun to visit with you at KS and you will be missed.
Jack Billingsley says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Have many rodeoing memories of Jerry.
Jack Billingsley
Tom, Gloria, says
Condolences and prayers to the Small Family. Jerry is remembered by us as the greatest Indian Cowboy that existed. He was a great mentor and friend to our Son. The Fischer Family, Tom & Gloria, Terra Rose, & Terry.
Roger Hagan says
Jason, I never had the pleasure of meeting your father but he sounds like one heck of a great man. That obviously is reflected in you. My prayers are with you and your family.
Donovan Taylor says
Great Spirit called home another cowboy, and fellow Kirby folk as well at that, can’t believe it, prayers for the family and may the family find comfort during this difficult time, this is also, “where the cowboy rides away”….yeehaaaaa!! travel well Jerry Maheo be with you
Barbara Aragon says
Darlene, my friend, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you love.
Emorie Davis Bird says
Darlene, my husband and I are sending our deepest condolences and prayers to you, his kids, grandkids, extended families as well as his cowboy brotherhood. Debby Bends, I know how close you and your siblings are so my prayers are with you and yours. Jerry profoundly impacted all he came in contact with and he will be terribly missed. Deepest Sympathies and Prayers in the difficult days ahead, Leo (Oozzer) and Emmie Davis Bird, Blackfeet Nation Kunya.
chad onstad says
R.I.P, Jerry! You were a HERO of Mine, Thanks for “pulling my bullrope” a few times, and the adventure YOU and “pinhead” took me on in whiteswan! See You again, Champ! (Mr. Buffet/Ft. McDowll Az) In My Prayers and Condolences to Your Family, You are one of a Kind, My Friend, see You on the other side!
Bradley Craig says
My condolences to all family and friends.
Rest in Peace Jerry.
Thank you to those who put together the video.
JT and Marla Martin says
Sincere condolences to Darlene and all of the family. Jerry was one of a kind, we all lost a great friend, and cowboy. He is and always will be Kirby’s legend!
Alsace LaFramboise says
Beautiful smile. Fond memories
Condolences and prayers to family and friends.
Kelly Kehler says
Prayers with the Small family !! Jerry was always a pleasure to see, Dad and Jerry would always have great laughs and he had a way of always making folks happy, he will be missed but not forgotten !! Sincerely from Kehler family !!
Wanda L Belgarde says
Much prayers to the family and Darlene!
Tobie Nelson says
Condolences and prayers at this difficult time for the family 💚🌹💛
Maureen Cruz says
The family of the Late Augustine Lopez of The Tohono O’Odham Nation in Arizona send our sincerest condolences, prayers to the Small Family. Jerry was well known throughout Indian Rodeo, he made it down here in our neck of the woods, good Cowboy.
Doug Goodheart says
Darlene and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Doug and Lori
Bruz and Dawn Luger says
Our deepest condolences to your family!
Cindy Stantin says
My condolences for your loss.
I enjoyed watching Jerry compete when I was younger. What a great cowboy and rancher.
May you find comfort during this very hard time.
Dee Dunning says
Really liked Jerry, heck of a rodeo hand and liked him a lot… our condolences to the family
Dee Dunning
Wesley Edmo says
Our condolences to the family, a great man, great character, left a great legacy, Rest In Peace brother. Prayers of healing and strengrh to family and friends. Wesley Edmo family…
Steven D Fisher says
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Jerry D Small, AKA La Bamba. From deep in the southern mountain range we send huge prayers for healing through this sad time of mourning. He was a one of a kind Brotha and legend of the Brotherhood. Thanks Creator Rest in peace La Bamba.
Sincerely,
Steven D Fisher Sr and Martha Garcia Fisher
Karen says
RIP Jerry. You were too young to go.
Susan Braine says
Condolences to the Small family, esp. Darlene. Jer was my buddy…a better friend could not be found anywhere! I’ll meet you in the Other Camp someday ❤️💔
Eliza Not Afraid says
Sincere condolences to the Small family. He was a remarkable true cowboy and family man.
From Edward Not Afraid & family
Robert Engellant says
Very sorry for your family’s loss.
Patty Kay Brien says
My deepest heartfelt sympathy, love, & prayers go out to Hi Pine & to the Whole Family.. Also for the ones who loved Jerry.. God give you comfort in this time of great sorrow.. Much Love, Patty Kay Brien
Jack Stensland says
Condolences to the Small family from the Montana Pro Rodeo family.
Scott Cotton says
Always enjoyed bumping into Jerry on circuit. It was nice to see someone from home country. Prayers from the family from the Montana/Wyoming Cotton clan.
Wendy McKamey says
Dear Jason and family. Please, accept my heartfelt sympathy at the passing of your father. He left a beautiful legacy in you and your entire family, for certain.
Blessings of Serenity and Peace to you all.
Sincerely,
MaryEllen says
RIP JD. Thanks for the memories. a great guy. Condolences to the family.
Ben Bearchum says
Condolences and prayers for the family. He always treated me good.
Abraham Estell says
RIP condolences 🙏
Debbie (Bixby) Young says
My prayers are with you and all the Small Family. You weren’t just my cousin you were a great friend and neighbor. I am so sorry for your loss Darlene. I didn’t know that Jerry passed until I read it on FB. Love you and take care ok. Your cousin forever, Debbie (Bixby) Young.
Kelly Stevenson-Sargent says
My thoughts and prayers are with the small family.
Barry Grass says
Rest in Peace Jerry! The Navajo Nation remembers you well and was glad you visited often. We had a lot of Good Times!