Our favorite cowboy, Melvin Small, Sr., went to Heaven during the early hours of September 30, 2020. We are proud to say he was never alone and was able to rest peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family until his last breath.
Melvin was born on February 17, 1925 on the family homestead up “Dry Creek” on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation to his loving parents, Tom Small & Josephine Rondo. He was raised in a large family of 13 children, which forced them all to develop a strong work ethic at an early age. Tom instilled in them a passion and respect for horses and livestock, a trait that Melvin and many of his siblings used throughout their entire lives. He told of being given a colt to break at the age of 6, and that’s when his love for horses began. Dry Creek carried many fond memories that he carried throughout his long life.
Later, Melvin attended school at Busby Indian Boarding school and later Chemawah Indian School in Oregon. Upon leaving school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army soon after, alongside his best friend, Lawrence Bixby. Melvin was the oldest WWII Veteran of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He remained a proud Veteran until the day he died.
After Melvin came home from the war, he met his beloved wife, Violet Rita Lafranier, whom he married in 1950. Together, they raised their children: Max, Vivian, Jerry, Debby, Shirley, Melvin Jr. “Babes”, Lily “Baby Girl,” and Marti Ann (who died at the age of 1). They raised their children on the Kirby homestead, and soon established the Red Hill Ranch, where Melvin lived the remainder of his days. He was blessed to have many lifelong friends as ranch hands, including Lenard Handel, George Wilson, Pete Littlebear, George Littlewolf, and Frank Rowland to name a few.
Melvin was an avid horseman, even developing his own horse program and raising the finest quarter horses for his sons to achieve their dreams in the rodeo arena. Since Melvin chose to forego his own rodeo dreams to raise his growing family, he later lived his rodeo dreams through his sons and their many achievements.
Melvin frequently emphasized the importance of a good education, something he expressed often to his family. He was very proud of all of his children and grandchildren, whom took his advice seriously and now comprise a rather long list of accomplished community members, including: administrators, healthcare professionals, politicians, engineers, tradesmen, educators, and- last but not least- ranchers.
Melvin taught through example. His son in law, Arnie Bends reminisced that everything he learned about ranching came from watching his father in law and listening to him during their many miles pushing cattle. “Be Compassionate to your animals and never lie to your banker” were words he followed throughout his own ranching career.
Melvin was very well-known for his generosity. He gave a beef annually to the Busby Powwow committee and to those who were ever in need. He often shared the sentiment that if someone needed something, you never turned them away or let them leave empty-handed- you gave them something to help them on their way. The Red Hill Ranch was often a place that others would flock to, whether they needed a hot meal, somewhere to keep horses, or just a warm place to stay. They held countless family and social gatherings on their home ranch in the beautiful Kirby countryside.
Melvin spent his later years enjoying time with his companion, Teresa Rising Sun, from which his last daughter was born, Kiera.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Josephine; his wife, Violet; special friend, Teresa; brothers Victor, Ed, Max, Ivan, Tuck, Horace, and Ralph; sisters Vera (died in infancy), Josephine, and Hazel; daughter Marti Ann; son Jerry; grandson Troy, and granddaughter Meaghan.
He is survived by his brothers Clinton, Jackie and John Small; his children Max, Vivian (Dave), Debby (Arnie), Shirley, Melvin Jr. “Babes”, Lily, and Kiera; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Melvin truly was one-of-a-kind. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Please honor his life by treating others in a good way, as he did for so many throughout his lifetime.
We have a very large family, so we apologize for not being able to mention everyone by name.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
The small family requests due to covid they are having a private family Graveside for everyone's safety.
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Service Schedule
Graveside Service
The small family requests due to covid they are having a private family Graveside for everyone's safety.
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Carla G. Johnson says
Deepest condolences to the Small family in the loss of Melvin. May he rest in peace and God bless you all.
Calvin Wilson says
Melvin was a great neighbor and mentor to Roxie and . He was always positive and fun to be around. He was fun to visit with and he showed us the right way to graze and take care of cattle. Heart felt condolences to the family, Rest In Peace Melvin.
Cal and Roxie
Lyle Small says
Travel well Uncle Melvin. You will be missed.
Greg Wegner says
My prayers and condolences to all the family. Melvin was one of a kind good man ! Rest easy cowboy!
Candace Elkshoulder-Small says
Sending up prayers for all of Melvin’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren & family. He was truly one of the last true cowboys in every aspect of the word. He will be missed. Especially when he would say ” you can have whatever you want to drink after you do the Mexican hat dance” lol…rest easy cowboy. Eli & Candace Small.
Jeanne Shipstead says
So very sorry to hear about your loss.I can tell that your grandpa was a very special man.
Gary Small says
I will never forget you Uncle Melvin. Thank you for your conversation and life stories that you shared with me and Deb. See you on the next one Uncle.
Gary says
I will never forget you Uncle Melvin. Thank you for your conversation and life stories that you shared with me and Deb. See you on the next one Uncle.
Mario says
Oh Grandpa. What can be said that so many already haven’t. What I keep here from your journey to there is compassion for all things worth while and my attention. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. You once told me you loved me. That’s all I ever needed. Thank you for just always being you and always being there. You are a special soul that we all got admire near and from a far.
See you on the otherside.
Your Grandson Mario
Andrita Harris says
Sending my Deepest Sympathy and condolences to the Small Family. RIP. prayers
I will always remember shipping at Line camp and white corrals. Brand Inspecting with my Dad. So fun days and times.
Donovan Taylor says
Deepest condolences to a fun cowboy guy, always said good things wished everyone well, asked how my dad was doing when I seen him, travel well cowboy, WW II veteran as well. Journey well
Shannon (Sexe) Peterson says
Deepest condolences to you and your family as you continue to heal from the loss of this great man. Enjoyed the video so much. I have lots of wonderful memories of him, Aunt Violet and their children in the early years. He left a remarkable legacy for you all to follow. Fly high Cowboy as you are now with those that have gone before you.
Shannon (Sexe) Peterson
Clarice Baker Big Back says
My sincere condolences and prayers to Debby and family.
Ruth Risingsun Phillips says
My condolences and prayers to the family.
Mick, Jo Brady and Family says
Jason, Jade and Sterling
Our thoughts and prayers are with you boys. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
John Kramer says
Sorry for your lost. Always liked him.
Joi Garza says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to all of our family (from the family of Elizabeth LaFranier Fisher). RIP Melvin.
Clayton Small, Sr says
Uncle Melvin and his siblings including my father Hooray were members of “The Greatest Generation,” who survived The Great Depression, won World War II and built our Nation! I’m grateful for their examples of being kind, courageous, generous and devotion to family and the Cheyenne Way of Life. Blessings to the two remaining brothers Clinton and John and their families. I have fond memories of administering the IHS Service Unit with Debbie, rodeo with Jerry, basketball with Babes and mentoring Mario…Melvins family is in our prayers…
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MELVIN SMALL, SR. AND PRAYERS STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Debbie (Bixby) Young says
Rest in Peace Melvin. You accepted me back on the creek when I moved into Dad’s house( Lawrence Bixby) with open arms, thank you. I loved you like a father and I will always have the deepest respect for you. Tell dad hi for me when you get to heaven. My prayers and love goes out to the Small family.
Rosaline Begay says
Sweets, you will always be “Sweets” and missed
Dorothy Dupree says
Condolences to a great family on the loss of your father. Prayers for you through this time of grieving. May the day come soon where you can sit, tell stories of your best family moments, and laugh with joy in the memories you a share about a great father. ♥️💕🙏🙏🙏 God Bless.
Marlin Whitedirt & family says
Sorry for your families loss. Melvin Sr. was one heck of a cowboy and will be missed dearly. I will always cherish the memories from working on the ranch.
Mike Helvey says
When my dad needed a horse he always went to Melvin first. He said Melvin knew horses and you could always trust that what Melvin said you were getting was what you got. They were life long friends, we will miss you Melvin.
Laura Helvey says
Thoughts and prayers for all Melvin’s family. He was a great guy. He will be missed on the Rosebud.
Earlene Clown and family says
Condolences and prayers to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rest in peace.
Earlene Clown and family
Robert C WhiteWolf aka hoofs. says
Thanks for teaching me how to fence n ride to bull creek tower n back to the ranch, I’ll never forget all the awesome stuff I’ve seen and done, I loved throwing bales, Melvin thanks for all the help, n memories. See you on the other side. Cowboy rides away. R.I.P. my condolence s to the entire family n Z quarter F Ranch. Sure gonna miss you. N your humor. Later My friend.
Doug Parker says
I would like extend my condolences to Melvin’s family. I have always been thankful that Melvin helped me out more than once. He always had a smile. That’s how I’ll always remember him.
Les Denny says
Sending condolences to Melvin’s family. I always looked forward to spending time with you all. Melvin will be missed.
Arthur & Jean Carr says
Many fond memories of visiting the ranch when my mother Emma was married to Leonard, fishing, hunting pheasants, riding ( I should say trying to stay on) one of the girls barrel racer that would turn on a dime. Melvin was a fine gentleman and uncle. Condolences to the family.
Art, Jean and daughters
Joleen Eastman Spang says
Debbie and family sorry for your loss it looks like he had a long and enjoyable life God be with you and fsmily
Veronica Bear says
My sincere condolences to Melvin’s family
Bill Parker says
My dad Nick Parker has many great memories of life at the old Busby boarding school as he and Melvin were locker mates and worked among other duties as caretaker of the horses. Dad especially remembers Melvin being love with a really good looking stud that the school used for breeding. This may be one of the roots of Melvin’s great love of horses and helped develop a great work ethic that they passes on to many others. Rest In Peace
The Parker Family
henry laforge says
Melvin was a good man that took me as a friend I will always be grateful I became his buddy.
Henry “Kirt” LaForge
Kambryn says
Miss you grandpa