Mervin Pine, age 62, of Billings, formerly of Lame Deer, Montana, passed away on December 12, 2025, at the River Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.
Mervin was born on May 25, 1962, in Crow Agency, Montana, to Robert Pine Sr. and Naomi Swallow. He grew up in Ashland and attended St. Labre and Busby School, later graduating from St. Labre High School.
Throughout his life, Mervin was passionate about sports and creativity—he enjoyed cross country, basketball, and beading. Above all, he cherished being a devoted family man. Mervin married Jean Nightwalker and later divorced. He later got together with Cecelia “Cookie” Castro and they were together for many years. He took pride in his role as a stepfather to Alison Black and grandfather to Alison’s kids, always keeping his loved ones close to his heart. Alison shared “He was an amazing stepdad and grandpa to my kids.”
He was deeply spiritual and committed to the church. He burned cedar and prayed constantly for others, even as he faced his own personal struggles. Mervin dedicated himself to serving and giving back to his community in every way he could. His kindness, respect, and generosity touched many lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Pine Sr., and Naomi Swallow, grandparents John Swallow and Marie Big Beaver Swallow, siblings, Roberta Medicine Top, Dwayne Pine, Robert Pine Jr, Valinda Pine-Herrera; nieces: Jessica Pine-Roper, Valinda Katherine Killsnight, Naomi Killsnight; nephews, Morning Star (MJ); grandchild, Kobe Killsnight.
Mervin is survived by, sister, Laretha Killsnight (Marvin, Sr.), Rebekah Blackwolf (Alan, Sr); brother, Paul Threefingers, Jr. (Judith Miller); nieces, LaShawna, Cheyenne, and Marlee Killsnight, Alana and Nia Blackwolf, Shandi, Shmega, Shcora, Stephanie, and Shea Medicine Top; nephews, Emmanuel Pine, Sr., Marvin Jr. Killsnight, Devon (Victoria) RedCloud, Alonzo, and Aland Jr. Blackwolf, Christopher and Robert Pine III, and Edward Medicine Top III, Jonathan Miller Threefingers; grandchildren, Emmanuel Pine II, Casaja Pine, Koda, Kloudyn, Karlene ,and Klyde Hiwalker, Amelia Shylee Threefingers, Skylan Lightning-Granados, Kiauna Killsnight, Morningstar Killsnight, Devon Jr., and Oliver Red Cloud, Mikeya Pine, Josiah, Isiah, Michael Jr., Azaria, Amiyah, and Kiana Roper, Dustin and Autumn Bomboy, Noemi and Emiliano Cuellar, Isaac and Kyndra Pine; aunts, Gloria St. Clair from Ft. Washkie; extended families: Swallows, Pines, Fingernail, Spotted Elks, Bradys, Bearquivers, Killsnights, Littlecoyote, Wick, Sanchez, Medicine Bulls, and Woodenthighs.
He is survived by many cousins and many friends, too numerous to mention. We apologize if we forget to mention you in our time of grief.
Mervin also carried a deep respect for veterans and believed strongly in honoring them and the American flag, values he hoped everyone would continue to uphold.
He will be remembered with love and gratitude by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Anonymous says
God Bless You Mervin As You Crossed Over. Bless All Remaining Family
Ann (Strange Owl) Knowshisgun says
RIP Mervin. Tell Bobby Jr. I said RIP too. Sad we lost communication over the yrs. TY for ck’n in my when you did. Peace Out Friends. Journey wwell.
Eugene Hart says
Respect