In Loving Memory of Vehonena’hane’e, Chief Kills Woman
Shayona DawnRose Littlesun known as “Mama Shay” beloved 42, passed away peacefully on 7/23/2023. She was born on 5/30/1981 to Austin Littlesun and Denise Swank. She touched the lives of so many during her time on Earth and will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know Her.
Shay was a person of great character and kindness. She had a warm and infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day. She was a loving daughter, devoted parent, caring sibling, and a dear friend to many. Her genuine compassion and ability to listen made her a pillar of support for those around her.
She lived a life filled with passion and enthusiasm. Shay’s hobbies and interests were many, and she pursued them with zeal. From beading to playing basketball with her kids and siblings. She found joy and inspiration that radiated to everyone who knew her.
In her professional life, shay excelled in the medical field as a diabetes technician with the Board of Health Wellness Program, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. Her contributions to her field have had a lasting impact and will be remembered for years to come.
Despite the challenges she faced, Shay maintained an unwavering faith and taught us all the power of resilience and hope. Her positive spirit never wavered, even during difficult times, serving as an inspiration to those who knew her.
She is survived by her parents Denise Swank (Frank) of Lamedeer, Austin Littlesun (Jan) of Washington, her three children, Decheiya Littlesun (Tajon) of Tacoma, Kayden Littlesun (Davinia) of Lamedeer, La’Taezha Littlesun of Lamedeer, and adopted son Tayshawn Seminole also of Lamedeer. Her siblings, Cheyne Littlesun (Moses) of Seattle, Shiloh Littlesun (Maria) of Shelton, Chale Littlesun (Tasha) of Shelton, Shusden Littlesun (Anna) of Shelton, Chaleina Littlesun (Hazel) of Lamedeer, Shantaya Littlesun (Jeffrey) of Shelton, Taylor Whiteman (Julian) of Oklahoma City. Adopted Sisters: Melanie and TL Starr of Oklahoma. Special sisters, Lasha Fox of Busby, Tysha Glenmore of North Dakota, and Talisha Glenmore of Billings, Dawnette Swank of Pablo, Darissa Swank of Muddy, Desirae and Desmona Littlesun of Billings, Leanna Littlesun of Lamedeer, Dee Toby of Australia, Nicole Snyder of Laurel, Jenna Swank of Polosn, Courtney Little Axe of Oklahoma, and Sherell Fisher of Ashland, Mikaylin Yellowrobe of Lame Deer, Alison Swank of Lame Deer. Special brothers: Oshon Oldmouse of Billings, Mikah Little Axe of Lamedeer, Jaydell Little Axe of Lamedeer, Shontae Oldmouse of Arizona, Douglas Swank of Billings, Dakota Swank of Pablo, Duane Swank Jr. of Busby, Darren Swank of Muddy, Dallen Swank of Muddy, Chester Littlesun of Billings, Trey Littlesun of Belfair, Christopher Littlesun of Portland, Clayton Littlesun of Missoula, and Algene Littlesun Jr. of Missoula, Sheldon Spottedelk. Her aunties include: Lisa Oldmouse, CJ Yellowrobe, Ronette Glenmore, Phyliss Firecrow, Uncles include: Duane Swank, David Swank, Dale Glenmore, Wesley and Wavitt Spottedelk, Adam Medicinetop, Shawn Oldmouse. Shay has countless relatives both Crow and Cheyenne including her Australian Family whom she cherished. As well as a host of special friends and friends who will adore her memory forever, including her very special friend whom she took as a sister, Mary Leedom.
We have a big family, far too many to mention. If we have forgotten any names, please forgive us.
Family names:
LittleWolf, Littlesun, Medicine Top, Lost Leg, Fighting Bear, Spotted Elk, Rowland, Little Whiteman , Runsabove , Medicine Bull, White dirt, Bearchum, Seminole, Black Horse, Fisher, One Bear, Standsintimber, Firecrow, Sandcrane, American Horse, Risingsun, Parker, Glenmore, Brady, Braided Hair, Shoulderblade, Medcine Tail, BackBone, Passes, RealBird, TenBear, BrightWings, Wallace, PrettyOnTop, Swank, Morrison, Beckman, Sioux, Hiwalker, Headswift, LittleOldMan, ElkShoulders, RedBird, YellowFox, LoneBear, King
Proceeded in Death: Grandparents: Alfred and Lena Littlesun, Dorothy Glenmore and Dennis Swank, Verna and Roger Oldmouse, Ronald and Bucky Glenmore. Great Grandparents: Busby Grandpa and Grandma Douglas and Josephine Glenmore. Uncles: John Glenmore, Vydell YellowRobe, Dane Fisher, Dewey and Algene Littlesun, and JD Oldmouse. Aunts: Dawnette Glenmore. Brother: Miah Littlesun Sister: Ledena Littlesun and her fearless chihuahua Thunder. As well as numerous family and friends that have passed before her.
Services to celebrate Shay’s life will be held on Thursday the 27th at 6:00pm at Lasha Fox residence in Busby, and Friday the 28th at 11:00am at the Catholic Church in Lamedeer. Burial site: Allison Bixby Memorial Cemetery in Lamedeer. Following will be a meal at the Wellness Center also in Lame deer.
We find solace in knowing that Shay is now in a better place, watching over us with love and pride. May she rest in eternal peace, forever remembered and forever loved.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
6:00 PM
Thursday July 27, 2023
Rhoda Glenmore's Home
Mile Marker 27, second turn off
Busby, MT 59016
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 28, 2023
Alison Bixby Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
6:00 PM
Thursday July 27, 2023
Rhoda Glenmore's Home
Mile Marker 27, second turn off
Busby, MT 59016
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 28, 2023
Alison Bixby Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Candace ElkShoulder says
Denise, I love you so very much big sister ❤️ when I messaged you to let you know I am thinking of you & the rest of our family, I sat for a very long time wanting to say so many things but yet nothing to say. And I know you understand what I’m saying. Mama’s aren’t supposed to bury their babies. The pain is like no other. But. Maheo chose us especially because He knew we could endure. Many others wouldn’t be able to. This is the hardest road to ever have to walk. But. We have memories, the time, we are so blessed. Our babies left their mark, came here to do what Maheo wanted them to do. Now, as hard as this is, we wait for the day when we’ll see our kiddos again. Sending much love, prayers & thoughts to you, Franko, kids, grands & fam💞💯‼️
Donna Limpy Gonzales says
You have been consoding me in this time of your personal grief with your posts. Bless you my friend Denise Swank. May the Lord grant you and your family Peace.
Pamela Spang says
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know you were So proud of your girls. Sending prayers and hugs.