Karen Faith Russell, Antelope Woman, 57 of Billings, passed away Wednesday September 15, peacefully at St. Vincent’s Healthcare, due to underlying health issues.
She was born May 14, 1964 in Crow Agency MT, to Eugene F. Russell and Wanda M Bites – Russell. She grew up in Busby, where she attended school at Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools for the majority of her life, until she graduated from Colstrip High School in 1982.
Karen then went onto Job Corp in Utah, where she met Ray Vijil, and from that union came her eldest children, Rusty and Shaina. After Job Corp, she moved back home where she had numerous occupations including being a secretary, a janitor, bus monitor, fire fighter, and she even earned her CDL license.
She then married Thomas Bear Robe Sr, and gave birth to her 4 youngest children Shelby, Jodie, Thomas, and Destiny.
In 2005, she moved to Billings where she built her foundation, and that is where she joined paths with the love of her life Daniel Pearson, and from that union came her siamese twin cats that she loved so much, Sammy and Joey.
She was a very hardheaded person yet she was also so giving, humorous, and loving. She loved so hard and went above and beyond doing what she could for the people she cared about.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, the love of her life Daniel Pearson, Harry and Harriet Littlebird, brothers; Moke Eaglefeathers, Regis Littlebear, Merlin Littlesun, sisters; Leann Littlebear, Renita, uncles; Clifford, Charlie, Frank, and Johnny Russell, Norman Brady, James Spear aunties; Elva, Agnes, Elsie, Margaret ‘Margie’ Russell, Mamie Eaglefeathers cousins; Delpha, Milene, Twila, and Vaughn.
She is survived by her children; Rusty, Shaina (Greg), Shelby, Jodie (Delane), Thomas (Summer), Destiny (Destin), her sisters; Corine, Eugenia, Janis, Wanda, Kimberly, Mildred, Lorraine, Jolene, Charlene, Florene, Phelex, Philene, Maria Russell Bigfire, Beverly, Rebecca, Diane, Alice, Betsy, Verda, Eveline, Jenny, Alice Russell, her brothers; Leland, Phillip Whiteman Jr, Joseph Waters, Vernon Littlebear, Horse Littlesun, Troy Killsontop, and Lance, Johnsy, Merle, and Charlie Russell her grandkids; Dejon, Hayden, Skylei, Judah, Eugene, Ayviana, and Harper. & many more nephews, nieces, and grandkids.
Extended families include Russell, Limpy, Redfox, Hisbadhorse, Littlewhirlwind, Hollowbreast, Two moons, and Crazymule families. Including relatives from Wyoming; Oldman, Antelope, Moss, Ortiz, Trosper, Friday, Button, Plume, Foote, Dress, and Armajo families.
Our sincere apologies if we forgot any one in our time of grief.
Bonnie Bigback says
To Karen’s family-my deepest sympathies. It is a hard thing to recognize another passing of a former student. RIP
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF KAREN RUSSELL AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Diandra says
Shaina sorry for your loss 😭. Your mom and my mom, Aline, when they’d see each other would visit and tease each other in Cheyenne, it was nice to see them laughing and enjoying each other’s company. When my mom was struggling with her illness your mom wanted to visit my mom. Every time I’d run into her in town she always want to visit my mom and would tell me to tell my mom hi. Now I’m sure there visiting in heaven. It’s so hard to lose a mother and again I’m sorry for your loss 😭❤.
Jolene Walkslast says
To Karen’s loved ones: I am so sad Karen has left us. She phoned me to say Goodbye and asked if I could take her cats. I didn’t think she would journey so soon. I thought I had more time with her. I will miss her 2.25 hr visits on the phone. But her cats will give us comfort. I have many good memories of aka Sophisticated Sophie. She was a kind sister who loved her family. All of us.
Mike Ike says
Who is she ?