Samuel Spotted Elk Jr., Nonoma’ohpehevaestse, Good Thundering, age 42 made his journey onto the next camp on the evening of July 21, 2015 at 8:05pm at St. Vincent hospital in Billings, MT.
Sam was born on July 22, 1972 in Crow Agency, MT to Samuel Spotted Elk Sr. and Phoebe Spotted Elk. Sam was raised in Lame Deer, MT on the Spotted Elk family homestead.
Sam is survived by his loving and caring sister, Juanita Spotted Elk of Seattle, WA. Juanita helped fulfill Sam’s final wishes to return home to be closer to family and friends. Sam is also survived by his brother Garland Manley of Lame Deer; MT. Sam’s special love for his many nieces, nephews and cousins was like none other.
Sam took extreme pride in being a Cheyenne. Although Sam lived a simple life, his smile and generosity affected everyone he came in contact with. Sam’s friendly and outgoing personality will always have a special place in our hearts when we remember Sam.
Sam is preceded in death by his father; Samuel Spotted Elk Sr. Sam’s paternal grandparents are August Spotted Elk and Marjorie Medicine On Top. His maternal grandparents are James and Maggie One Bear.
Sam believed in the power of sobriety and found lasting joy in attending recovery meetings in the Portland area. Sam’s most recent accomplishment was recently celebrating his one year anniversary of being clean and sober. Sam’s favorite song, I surrender by Hillsong brought him comfort and healing while he was in pain. Sam enjoyed listening to Native American Church (peyote) songs as they reminded him of his father, the late Samuel Spotted Elk Sr.
The family would like to thank everyone who visited Sam in the hospital. We would also like to thank everyone for their words of sympathy, and for everyone who offered prayer.
Traditional wake services will be at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Lame Deer, MT at 8:00pm on Friday, July 24th, 2015. Funeral services will take place at Inez Wilson’s residence, just south of Lame Deer on Saturday, July 25th, 2015 at 9:00am. Interment will take place at the Spotted Elk family cemetery. Please join us after the graveside service for a meal at the Boys & Girls Club in Lame Deer, MT. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Our beloved Sam is walking with Maheo’e (the Creator)
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
8:00 pm
Friday July 24, 2015
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
630 Cheyenne Ave.
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
following the funeral
Saturday July 25, 2015
Spotted Elk Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
8:00 pm
Friday July 24, 2015
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
630 Cheyenne Ave.
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
following the funeral
Saturday July 25, 2015
Spotted Elk Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Ambrose Sr. & Clementine Seminole says
Will see you again someday in heaven , my you have a good time up there say hi to all our grandparents for us ,you are surely missed .
Sherri Lockwitch says
An honor to pray you into heaven Sam. I did not know you in the physical world but I will look forward to meeting you in the next. May you fly with the wings of an eagle now, happy, healthy and whole once more.
Tenaya Big Back says
Prayers to the family, sorry to hear Sam has passed. Sam was a great and nice guy. Rest in peace our friend. From Kenny and Tenaya Big Back
Juanita Spotted Elk says
Special thanks to Ray Williams, Father Pat Twoly, and Jeff and Lisa Sterling making it possible for Sam to make it home to see family and friends. Grateful for all you done for us in making his wish come true under extenuating circumstances. Other two travel companions Ronald Day and Chantal Vivier who rode with us to Mt from Seattle. Other individuals such as Wilbur, Jerry and Salvador who aided in showing support by helping in Sam s care. In appreciation for all the visits, prayers and loving words that brought inspiration, strength, healing, and much beautiful fellowship (Spirit and Ancestors). With much gratitude and respects for all the love ❤ in Sams hospital stays fighting against sickness and disease. God bless you in all your support for us to let us know we are loved by Creator and He is with us through all your sincere genuine efforts in lifting us up in our times of needs.
Sammy thank you for bringing back the beauty in family by coming together in difficult times inspired by Spirit to stand with you as your sister in support of your fight for recovery. Lord has blessed and heard our cries. By sending wonderful loving helpers. I pray I can also show this same authentic love to others in helping others in their journeys by passing on the love shown and given to us.
Mariana Viola says
I am very sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. It was my pleasure working with Sam. He was a sweet and kind soul, who wanted to make people happy. My condolences to his family.
Thursday Charboneau says
Sam will be missed. He has a good heart and spirit. It was always good to see him and sit down to talk. I will miss seeing him very much.
Scott Buser says
Sam will be missed.
His spirit continues to remind us of happy times when Sam would walk in and share the joke of the day, or share about his home land and his family.
I love you Sam, my prayers sent up for you to hear, Bless you and your family!
Scott & Lela Buser
Ruth Anne McGovern says
It was an honor and a privilege to have had Sam in my life. I will miss him. Thoughts and best wishes to his family.
Tish Foster says
You will be missed here in Portland Oregon …May your spirit be at rest now.
Carol Gates says
My favorite memories are when Sam would come in and ask me what I was about to eat for lunch. When he was in the hospital, he would call me just to say hi. He was a very kind person. I will miss him greatly.
Much love and light to the family.
Lois Tari says
We have shared many conversations my friend. Cross in peace, you will now be able to meet up with many of your elders you missed so much. Thank you for who you were while her on earth, and thank you for watching over us now (as I have faith you will).
I love you my friend, your fairy tale.
Sparkly blessings to you and your family in this time.
Daisha Tate says
So many fond memories with you Sam, from scolding you for eating ice cream at 9 in the morning to you bringing me fresh baked bread every other week from your secret spot! We have shared lots of laughter & I will miss your daily calls but I know you have made the journey back to Creator and are now free from pain and knowing that makes me happy. Watch over us!
Linda Louise says
I want to thank you Sam for sharing with me your smile, catching me up on Bridgette, and telling me about your day. Your kindness and connection to people will always be remembered. I loved that you shared your opinions and beliefs, and that you were so friendly. I will miss you Sam. I will miss going to O.P., and not see you there anymore. My deepest respects to your family.
Juanita says
I like say special thank you to all the Swedish medical staff who took excellent care of Sam in prolonging his life with the special work they all did for Sam. God bless you all and I give thanks for you. Being here at the hospital today remembering touches my heart and fills it with gratitude for all the people done regarding his care. Deepest apologies to all nurses and CNA s. What amazing work this hospital did for Sammy. It wasn’t an easy road. Thankful for all prayers, hospital visits of friends and family. Remembering you brother with deepest love and gratitude I got to be there a part of your journey here on earth.
Love you brother. Your sissy,
Juanita
Yvonne Miranda says
Hey Sam, I’ve been knowin you for a long time…. I’ll miss you and your crazy stories! I’ll be seeing soon! Err Rreettt!!