Early Wednesday morning, February 3, 2016, Michelle (Shelly) Ames (Old Bull) Bad Bear, age 49, of Rapid City, South Dakota lost her battle to the effects of substance abuse. She had been sober for almost a year and was very proud of that accomplishment but the physical effect of the abuse had taken its toll on her body.
Michelle was born on October 20, 1966 at Crow Agency, Montana to Margaret and Thomas Old Bull. She was later given in an open adoption to Michael and Harriett Ames. She grew up in Glendive, Montana. In her early teenage years she began her search for her biological parents which led her to Lame Deer, Montana. There she found her parents and extended family.
Michelle had a love for animals especially her favorite horse Alpo, opps I mean Midnight!! She had a variety of pets but Midnight was her true love.
Michelle touched many lives and several have stated how much she loved her family and knew she was loved by them. Michelle was a quiet and gentle spirit but had stated that her greatest fear was that she did not want to be remembered as a drunk.
Michelle is preceded in death by her biological parents Margaret and Thomas Old Bull, her father Michael Ames, a brother Jerry Ames and infant daughter Leslie Ames. She is survived by her children: Tyler (Samantha) Ames, Laci Fercho, Samuel Ames, Trae Elkboy, Cheylyn Elkboy, mother Harriett Ames, sisters: Patsy (Allen) Fercho and Glenda (Bill) Newhouse, a brother Thomas (Mary Lee) Ames, four grandchildren, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, a very special friend Beth Varga, an especially close cousin Holly Bixby, and many extended family members too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held on the family ranch at a later date. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Circle of Life Lutheran Church, PO Box 458, Lame Deer, Montana 59043.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 8, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 8, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Lisa Kirschenmann says
Michelle, I feel a great sorrow as you have passed from this life to the gates of Heaven. We shared many moments during your teen years. I was with you when you gave birth to some of your children.
You were soft spoken, yet carried some deep hurt.
Confidently I can say you knew Jesus as your Savior and wanted your kids to find peace with God. I look forward to meeting you again in Heaven. What a day of rejoicing you must have with your loved ones! Forever my sweet friend~. Lisa K
Holly Bixby says
Michelle put up a good fight, but I rejoice that she is in Heaven with God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Her physical suffering is over and she no longer has to live in this broken world.2 Corinthians 5- 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
I am so happy she is with Him now.
Antoinette RedWoman says
My Cheyenne Sister, My Friend, Michelle, May your Journey to the Spirit World be Peaceful, Joyous and Happy….as You are Welcomed Home by Ma’heo, Our Ancestors and Loved Ones….Thank You for Your Sweet Smile and Kind Ways…Always Loving and Laughing…May Ma’heo/God Comfort and Give Peace to All Your Family and Friends ! “DA-SEH-WOMES” (SEE YOU AGAIN/LATER)
Charlotte says
I want to express my deepest condolences to friends and family. Remember that our creator has promised to “make all things new”.. (2nd. Peter 3:13) He originally purposed the earth to be a paradise of peace. He is just and loving and promises to bring this purpose about. He will bring justice to all and tells us we will soon see our loved ones again in this beautiful paradise on earth..(John 5:28,29), and the one above never forgets His promises.
Dick Culver says
Patsy, my condolences to you, your mom and all the family.
Dick Culver
Marie Goodman says
I was good friends with Michelle in our crazy Glendive days we sure put a mark in this world when we were young. I know the hurt & fear she had but she was strong & lived her children dearly. I just found out she passed. Fly high my dear friend til we meet ag❣️