Nancy M. Big Back, Tóestóhené’e (Stringing Beads Woman)
On the afternoon of June 4, 2016, Nancy started her journey to Heaven. Nancy was being visited and comforted by family members at the Riverstone Hospice in Billings, MT at the time of her passing. She left us at 74 years old.
Nancy was born in her parents’ log house along the creek in Lame Deer, Montana on July 19, 1941. She was one of nine children born to John and Nina (Standing Elk) Big Back. Nancy enjoyed many activities with her family members such as attending powwows, spending time with her grandchildren, taking trips to Sheridan, and running the Birney-Ashland loop with her sisters.
She enjoyed cheering for her son, Kenny, while he played sports. Her favorite teams were the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Yankees. Nancy was a woman of faith who loved her Christian TV shows. She was also a lover of music including Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, powwow and peyote music. Her family members on the Northside will surely miss her Sunday beans and her famous Boogieman bread. Every holiday season, she would light a Christmas tree on the hill behind her house to greet anyone who traveled along North 39.
In her younger years, Nancy was a beautician known for hair styling. Her versatility was expressed in her skills also as a certified welder. Nancy was recognized for being the only woman who helped weld the Kenneth Beartusk Memorial Powwow Grounds south of Lame Deer, Montana. She served the community for years as a cook in the Lame Deer Schools, as a bus driver for the head start program, and a summer driver for the elderly feeding program.
Nancy was preceded in death by her siblings Ora June Edwards, Louise Big Back, Major Big Back, Johnny Big Back, and Steven Big Back. She was also preceded in death by her husband Christopher Shavehead, her daughter Susan Big Back, and grandson Steven John Big Back.
Nancy is survived by her siblings Eugene (Clarice) Big Back, Bertha Limberhand, Cecilia Big Back, children Esther (Will) Williams, Faith Big Back Crow, Suzanne (Lloyd) Shangreaux, Kenny (Tenaya) Big Back, her grandchildren Susan (Kevin) Wilkinson, Brent American Horse, Kevin American Horse, John Steven Big Back, Kobee Big Back, Madison Big Back, Zoey Big Back, and Stephawn Jade Tall Bull. Great-grandchildren Lucas, Leo and Courtnae Wilkinson. Not to mention her many nieces and nephews.
Relatives of Nancy include members from the following families: Big Back, Limberhand, Standing Elk, Littlewolf, Strange Owl, Flatness, Peppers, Beckman, and Sandcrane. We have a large loving family. We apologize in advance if we have forgotten to mention anyone by name.
Special thanks to the staff of the Riverstone Hospice who provided compassionate care to our mother and grandmother as she prepared for her journey. Thanks also to Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes for organizing services on behalf of the family. Ha-ho to our family & friends that helped out and supported us during this difficult time.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday June 8, 2016
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday June 9, 2016
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
1:00 PM
Thursday June 9, 2016
Big Back Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Wednesday June 8, 2016
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday June 9, 2016
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
1:00 PM
Thursday June 9, 2016
Big Back Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Diane Spotted Elk says
My deepest condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Dolores Shoulderblade says
So sorry for your loss, prayers for your family.
Emma Harris says
My friend, we shared some crazy adventures together, ate lots of bean soup and biscuits together, both had the kids meal at McDonalds when we went to Billings, haunted as many second hand stores as we could and shared some of our family secrets. I will miss you a lot, you were a very special friend to me and I will always hold your memory close to my heart. Prayers and comfort to your family, I know they loved you so much.
Denise Rose Swank says
Nancy was a very kind hearted lady. I will surely miss her. Prayers for you all.
Georgia Ann Burns says
Praying for all of Nancy’s family.I am sorry for your loss. She was always happy to see me, with a smile on her face.
May you all be comforted and be at peace.
Hugs…
Georgia/George Bement says
Prayers for the families ,Nancy was a wonderful person,I enjoyed every day that we worked at the lame deer cafererias , she was such a hard worker never complained about anything always went beyond the call of duty. I loved this lady very much so sorry for your loss but thank you very much for sharing her with me and all her friends .she will be missed but we will always have the memories we shared with her.
Two Moons Family says
To lose a parent is life changing. Stay strong. Prayers for the family. We are here if you need us.
Samantha Killsnight and Family says
My Thoughts and Prayers to the BigBack family.
Leedom/Peppers Family says
Love and prayers sent to the Bigback family. Your mother was a sweet, kind, soft spoken lady, she will be missed. God Bless you all.
George Birtic says
My sincere apologies to the family…..a very good person, she worked very hard at the Lame Deer School kitchen feeding the kids….very respectful lady…..she raised good kids…..
Patti and David Means says
Kenny, So sorry for the loss of your mother. Mothers are special people. Cherish your memories. Our thoughts are with you, Tenaya and your children.
Judy trout says
So sorry for your loss. Such a nice lady with a kind and humble spirit. Sure she will be missed. Prayers are with you all!
Tonya Russette says
Sorry for your loss Sending my deepest condelences in your time of sorrow
Laveta Old Bear says
Prayers to the Big Back family – she was a very special lady to many of my family members
always remind us – don’t forget where you come from and who you are related to – acknowledge each other – she had a great faith in the Lord and now she is walking in paradise with the other relatives that were waiting for her – she is finally home.
I will miss her… but we shall meet again
stay strong and keep the faith
RBERT LITTLE WOLF says
ON BEHALF OF THE CHIEFS COUNCIL, WE EXPRESS OUR MOST SINCERE AND DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO NANCY’S FAMILY AND THE BIGBACK FAMILY, NANCY WAS WELL LIKED BY ALL AND WILL BE MISSED.
Judy Ross says
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working and my friendship with Nancy. She was a very special lady.
Tennille Downey says
“The moment of absence here is the moment of presence there.” Our hearts grieve and yet rejoice at the same time as we know she is safely home at last. She is finally seeing Jesus face-to-face, and one day we will join them; what a day that will be! With Love and Support: Tennille, Isabelle, Ava, Veloria, Ezekiel, Caroline and Vivienne.
Dena Schindler says
Our houghts and prayers go out to you all..so sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet lady. Please let us know if you need anything at all. Dena & Taylor Schindler &kids
Tom & Robin Shahan says
Our sympathies and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Such a beautiful Lady!
Reginald Killsnight Family says
Condolences and prayers to Nancy’s Family
Jim & Sheri Bement says
RIP Grandma Nancy. Sending our Prayers and condolences to the family.
Bobbi Limberhand & Family says
Prayers to Suzanne and Kenny for the loss of your mother. She was a very nice lady and will be missed by many…Condolences to you all
Donna McCulloch says
Kenny, Tenaya and Kobee,
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your mother , Kenny and your grandmother, Kobee. May your many beautiful memories sustain you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie W. Bigback says
I will miss her gentle, quiet kindnesses she gave to me. Her words of encouragement will be remembered. Prayers of condolences to the family.
Lynda Locher says
Sending Prayers for Nancy’s family. She was a kind and gentle person. May she rest in peace.
Jason Standing Elk says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the BigBack Family.
bernadette bell-johnson says
prayers for the family. i will miss her smileand kindness, she was a sweet lady
Donna says
Condolences Kenny…………..
Nancy was awesome she just loved you so much..
If you need me you know where to find me.
Thoughts and prayers