Journey Rylen Emerson, 21, of Busby, was called home by Maheo on July 26, 2024. Journey was born July 20, 2003, to Deborah StrangeOwl and Joedy Emerson. Ó’kȯhoméhemȧhtovóo’ȯtse (Coyote Ears), a proud Northern Cheyenne and Navajo member, he was born of the Kinyaa’áanii – Towering House People Clan and a descendant of Cheyenne Chiefs.
Journey was the sixth born of ten children, raised in a loving home with a large family outside of Busby. His early years and upbringing were full of bountiful activities with his siblings and many cousins; from attending events at the Mennonite church such as helping at vacation bible school, playing volleyball with relatives to hauling wood, going swimming or riding bikes with his brothers. Journey enjoyed taking trips to visit family in Arizona in the summers. Journey and his brothers were kept in line by sister Joelle, who was in the delivery room as he was born, hoping for a baby sister.
He was a friend and brother to many, always treated as a family member in anyone’s home no matter where he was. He formed an unbreakable bond with Keeshawn Scalpcane as a teen, in tradition August “Tiger” and Annette Scalpcane adopted Journey as one of their own and welcomed him into their home, where he became a constant presence. He was known to operate Journey’s daycare at the Scalpcane family home as he looked over Tiger & Annette’s grandchildren.
Journey started his academics at St. Labre Indian School before attending Lame Deer Junior/Senior High School, graduating in 2022. After graduation, Journey attended Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma and Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer.
Journey was an accomplished athlete in each sport he participated in, especially basketball. Journey holds the Montana state record for most points scored in a game with 82 points, which happened just a few games after scoring 61 points during his senior season. As a starting varsity player all four years of his career, he scored over 1000 points earning All-State and All-Conference Honors. His passion for basketball was evident in every game he played, and his achievements will be remembered for generations to come.
Journey and his Morning Star teammates brought the reservation community back together from the impacts of the trying pandemic as gyms would be bursting at the brim as fans chanted in one accord, “Go Stars Go!”. Journey was an avid baseball player with the Busby Strong team as a youth before moving onto recreational softball with his family as an adult, joining Highway 212 and Warrior Trail teams as well as helping other teams as needed. Journey was known to be a constant encourager who always wore a smile with his teammates. Journey participated in football, cross country and track, earning a trip to State in the one-mile event. He also enjoyed fishing, horseback riding and gaming.
Journey and his high school sweetheart Paris Not Afraid welcomed Kaislee Etheline Lynn in November of 2021, he often stated that becoming a father was his greatest accomplishment. Journey was a humble, kind and loving son, brother, uncle, spouse, friend and especially daddy to Kaislee. He was a devoted and hands-on father; Kaislee was his world and his heartbeat. Wherever he was, Kaislee was always within arm’s reach. Kaislee carries Journey’s love for her as Journey will continue to be her guardian angel.
He was passionate about his communities, especially the youth who looked up to him. Journey encouraged the youth, sharing teachings of what he learned through his lifetime. Journey was known as a hometown hero on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Journey’s smile drew people to him as he made friends everywhere he traveled. He loved large and was loved in return.
Journey is preceded in death by his brother Keeshawn Scalpcane, grandparents Chief Alfred StrangeOwl, Sr., Jimmy Emerson, Betty Yazzie Emerson, George Scalpcane, Uncles Phillip RisingSun, Sr., Larry RisingSun, Rufus StrangeOwl, Aljo StrangeOwl, Aunt Eva StrangeOwl, Cousin Sheran StrangeOwl, Phillip RisingSun, Jr.; Great-Grandparents William RisingSun, Louise Divesbackwards RisingSun, John StrangeOwl, Grace Redneck StrangeOwl, Notah Yazzie and Nellie Yazzie.
Journey is survived by his high school sweetheart Micahlyn “Paris” Not Afraid, daughter Kaislee Emerson, his dogs Zya and Gunner whom he loved so dearly, his parents Deborah StrangeOwl (Dean Small), Joedy Emerson, adopted parents August “Tiger” and Annette Scalpcane, grandmother Jeanie StrangeOwl; brothers Gensyn, Tyrel (Cori), Joedes (Jessica), Koeby (Domonique), Ethan, Lyle, Cordell and Jeremiah Emerson, and Keanu Scalpcane; sisters Joelle, Rheannon & Gabrielle Emerson, Tasia Scalpcane, and Taylor Small; nieces and nephews Isa, Maisyn, Oaklee, Kyrie, Kashlyn, Kaliyah, Stetson, Stetlee, Tyree, Kyren, & Tatum; aunts Rachel, Shasta, Sylvia, Anita, Alfreda, Althea, Ann, Valcita, Irene, Virginia, Mabel, Sharon, Eleanor; uncles Randy, Wayne, Dayton, Melvin, Frank, JoJo, his sisters who shared a special bond and supported him in all he did; special friends David Wick, Jr., Nahshon Bighorn, Wiley Bearcomesout, and Jamari KnowsHisGun; all his basketball teammates, softball teammates, coaches, Morning Star fans and families, and all those whose lives Journey touched.
Journey’s extended families include StrangeOwl, Emerson, Scalpcane, Lonebear, RisingSun, Tabaha, Kee, Yazzie, Thompson, Begay, Parrish, Parkhurst, Nez, Tnzunza, Masayestewa, Haswood, and many other Busby families. Our family is large and too numerous to mention, we apologize if we missed any names.
A celebration of Journey’s life will be held on Monday, August 5th at 11:00 am at Lame Deer High School gymnasium. Burial will be at the Lonebear family cemetery at the mouth of Muddy Creek.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday August 4, 2024
Lame Deer High School Gym
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday August 5, 2024
Lame Deer High School Gym
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Coach M. Small says
When I heard he got the green light: Tourney in ND. I watched the kid listen, observe, and fire away. he played for not me nor the point,but the possession. Every thing counts. For a coach that had little experience and the patience. JOURNEY made the difference and gave the Cheyenne their love and respect from area tribes and fans a like. We took them to the brink. Out manned and under gunned. Band of brothers. Bomb Squad.
Clarice and Champion Walksalong says
We loved watching Journey play basketball. I and William would head to the games not even stopping to eat. So I wouldn’t have to cook. Whew! That was always a relief. We would always sit in the same place patiently waiting for the game to start. Journey was an excellent basketball player. Prayers to the family. May Maheo’o watch over you all. The hurt is so very real. He was so nice and always smiled at us with a shake of his head(a Cheyenne knowledge of a person). He will be greatly missed by all.
Anonymous says
Sincere Condolences & Prayers Emerson family / Deb Strangeowl family and friends . Prayers for healing for his baby throughout her life. May your memories of Journey ease the heartbreak you all have. Journey Emerson, walk in eternal happiness with our Creator, YOU WILL BE MISSED !!!…… 🙏🙏🙏🙏Prayers for all involved 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
My Dearest Nephew, taking so soon. My heart breaks for Your Momma. We’re all devastated but know your Baby Girl is recovering. .prayers for All yoge Loves ones. To others you were a Legend, to us you were a son, brother, Nephew, uncle, friend but especially a Loving partner & Dad to your little girl .
Rest in Peace Journey.
Donna says
Condolences to the family continued prayers and hugs!
Julianne Spang says
My deepest condolences sent to the Families, especially for my Sisters Deborah and Sly 🙏🌻❤️ I enjoyed watching Journey basketball 4 the Morning Stars, am sure gonna miss his Smile and great personality 💔😢 Love you all…Julianne Spang ❤️🌻🙏
Annoymous says
Condolences and prayers to close, extended families and friends. I never knew him as a friend but he really made an impact with his basketball talents. He was really a Role model as a Morning Star Basketball player. My Brothers really looks up to him as way to express himself through basketball. Journey really made history with his career and the love he had for the community and friends. Praying for close and extended families and friends who took him as a brother. Journey you made your imprint in this nation with your talents and love.❤️
Denise Swank says
My sincere condolences to all who are affected by this tragedy he was such a wonderful kid n smiled at everyone. He was an awesome basketball player. Debbie and Annette especially Tiger n Jodeey a parent is not supposed to bury a child. My prayers of comfort for you all. Journey well young man you’re in the perfect world. Blessings to your companion n daughter.
Williamette Rising Sun says
Mr. 82 points…🧡💙
My deepest condolences to my sister Debbie, Joedey, n his sisters n brothers. His daughter n partner. The Sclapcane family.
🩵🖤 MORNING STARS FOR LIFE 🩵🖤
Avis Rising Sun Prentice says
I was brought to tears when I heard this about Journey. I was his 7th grade teacher at Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. He was told by his mom Debra. Auntie Sly, and grandma Jeanie that I was his auntie. He made me feel blessed, when this young man would smile first and then say “good morning auntie!” Everyday when he entered our classroom. Heaven gained another special person when you entered those Divine Gates in the presence of our Lord! I pray with Journey’s family in mind to feel God’s comfort & strength to get through this tragedy.
Cal and Family says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to all of Journeys loved ones, friends and extended family. Journey was a joy to watch on the court and such a positive role model on and off the court.
Russell Brooks says
Sometimes the brightest stars shoot briefly, yet so brilliantly across the sky in this lifetime, leaving us in awe & forever touched for the medicine they brought us.. it’s for us to carry on in some way to the best of our ability. So saddened to hear of Journey’s passing, prayers for his journey Home, and continued prayers for comfort & peace for all his family, loved ones & the community. A true warrior who made a vast impact with his life.
James D. Jr. & Ann King & family says
Journey was a great blessing and gift to this world. He was born into a loving, strong family and always shared his warm and positive spirit and drive with all. It was my honor to have him as my art student when he attended 7th grade at NCTS. We always loved watching he and the NCTS Eagles Junior High BB team! He came to visit me at the arbor in ’22 and introduced me to his new lil’ family! Journey was always so gracious and respectful with a rich, genuine smile. His memory will last with all he touched forever. Sending prayers for comfort and peace to Debbie, Joedy, Tiger, Annette and all the siblings and rest of the family……
Rick says
Condolences to all of Journey’s Cheyenne/Dine’ families, friends and his teammates from Janet/Rick/Spud & Wolfname family.
isabella goodman says
we will forever miss you isabella and tolin goodman
Matthew Woodenlegs Jr says
Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss and I have always considered you to be my younger sister….hugs and prayers….love ya
Neela Walker-Old Elk says
My condolences to family in loss. May replenish of life in grace be light to your lives. We are reunited with our loved ones again in Heaven. May the Lord pour His mercies of comfort upon you.
Maddie says
I miss you forever Mr. 82 point fly high cuz