Matthew Twomoons Sr., known as Hona’e (Beaver) 85, longtime Busby area resident, made his journey on Saturday, December 2, 2023, to be with his wife, Ernestine, who preceded him in death in October of 2011. He missed her dearly. He was born February on 4, 1938, in Busby, the son of Duette Wheeler and Laura American Horse.
Matthew married Ernestine Two Moons on April 9, 1959, in Sheridan, Wyoming, and the couple lived on the Spear O Ranch, later Busby and finally at their home on Ash Creek. Matthew and Ernestine would adopt numerous children, whom they loved deeply.
Matthew lived a traditional and ceremonial life. He participated in Sundances, Sweats, Piercing, and fasts. He put people through piercing ceremonies. He eventually became a member of the Kit Fox society, then the Headsman of the Society and was also a Sundance Priest.
He was a a Kit Fox Society Headsman, he had many society brothers and sisters.
In the early days he ran horses and would compete at Busby Downs. He was instrumental into bringing horse racing back to Busby. He went to school in Busby and later joined the Marines. When he got out, he became a Rural Police Officer, which he was very good at. He worked side by side with Donlin His Bad Horse, taking care of the livestock on the reservation.
He loved his tribal community and was an active participant and leader within the community. Matthew was a Tribal Council Member for 31 years— a part of his service being during the 70’s, a very important time during the “Coal Litigation”. He also served on many boards including Housing, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Board, Land Committee, and the Grazing Board for many years. Matthew took a lot of pride in his participation and dedication to all of them.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ernestine; daughter Marvena; son Brian; grandsons Josh, Colton, and Brian Two Moons Jr.; niece Lara BigBack; sisters Velma Lame Woman, Dolly Rockroads and a brother, Lars Rockroads.
Survivors include daughters, Renessa (Wesley) Russette Marty (Rob) Town and Billie Beth (Allen) Two Moons; his sons, Macklyn (Fern), Morgan, Wayland (Georgette) and Matthew Two Moons Jr.; his adopted children Sean, Alvera, Phillipe, Arnold, Myra, Torrey Davie (Tisha), James Morrison, Brandon Matue, Patti Walksalong, Seth (Teshina), Rodney and Harrison Arnold; grandchildren Ernest, Macklyn Jr., Quincey, Benji, Monte Jr., Seth Brady Sr., Patti Ana, Harvey, Natsesta, Serenity, Kevin, Wayland Jr., Stitch, Jonah, Ashton (Heidi), Sage, Talitha, Lil’ Marty, Sunny Jean, Fellyn, Joshua James Two Moons, Jonah Raven Twomoons, Selena, Josha, Karristen, Bear and Shilo, Toryann, Joni Jo, Jade, Andre, Michael, Benji (Roberta) Headswift, Donavin James, Donalyn, Conan, Syrell, Jakobe, Agnes; great grandchildren Carl, Samantha, Corbin, Kaleb, Cole, Serenity Ball, Georgia Twomoons, Beatrice, Darby Twomoons, Wesley Russette Jr., Shawn Russette, Doren Russette, Misty Russette, Janisha, Josiah, Tommy, Collette, Dalazay, Baby Ernestine, Seth Jr., Thomas Gunner, Brutus Twomoons, Samatha, and Buddy; brother Thomas (Charlotte) Rockroads; sister, Jeannie Strangeowl; sister in laws, Farrell Evans and her kids, Sheri (Jim) Bement, Collins (Corrie), Kyle, Emily and Zachariah, Sharlene Evans and her kids Miranda (Jeremy) of Hermiston, OR, Adria (Cisco) of Plymouth, WA, Teague (Desi) of Missoula, MT, Jaydon and Cody; brother in law, Rudy Evans of Spokane, WA, Stanley Lamewoman, Melborne Lamewoman, Calvin Lame Woman; nieces and nephews, Lorrie, Thomas, and Laura, Neila, Tammy, Charles and Audrey Walker. All of Matthews nieces and nephews were very special to him and they all looked up to him. If we have missed anyone, please accept our apologies as our family is large.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday December 6, 2023
Matthews Home
***If weather Permits*** House of Healing If It snows
Busby, Montana 59016
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday December 7, 2023
Twomoons Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday December 6, 2023
Matthews Home
***If weather Permits*** House of Healing If It snows
Busby, Montana 59016
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday December 7, 2023
Twomoons Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
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Leland Russell and Family says
My condolences to the family for the loss of your father and grandfather. He was a father figure, spiritual advisor, and mentor to me. My heart and prayers go out to the immediate family.
Lyle Harris says
Sending my Condolences to the Two Moon Family. I, myself has always Loved to talk to him. He had nothing bad to say in our conversations. He was a Good Friend of Mine. R.I.P. Beaver
Chris Hawk says
Sending sincere thoughts, love and prayers to you all.
May he journey well and the family find comfort during this time.
-Chris, George Jr., & Gea Hawk
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Rest in Peace Uncle Beavers. Tell jt dad Alfred Sr & big brother Aljo I miss them. Prayers to your kids & grandchildren.
Kyle says
Rest in peace Uncle. I will cherish the memories of you.
Sheri Bement says
Safe journey Uncle Beaver. Sending our prayers and condolences to the family.
Shirley A Skinner says
Wayland and family, I am so very sorry for your loss! I just read this in the news! Many prayers, condolences and hugs to you! RIP Matthew!
Bob Bragg says
To the Twomoons family my love, care and support. Beaver spent his valuable time instructing me in traditional ways. Beaver, Jimmy Red Cloud and Mr. American sung me into the spirit world on the clay flats above his home in Busby. He and Ernestine were my wife and children’s favorite. I will never forget your wisdom and caring demeanor. Safe Journeys my friend.
Christine Valentine says
Mathew worked briefly with me at the old Detox in Lame Deer in 1978, he was always fun to be around but still took his ceremonial ways very seriously. I am glad that he had a long life, and I send my sympathy to all his family. He will be missed a lot.
aaron says
hes my grandfather and he died he ment every thing to me im aaron twomoons and bye bye