Stephan Jaden Killsnight (Tohtoo’eve’keso-Prairie Bird) was called home by Ma’heo’o Saturday afternoon September 10, 2016. Stephan was born June 17, 2002 in Billings MT to his mother Anita Bearchum-Whistling Elk and father Darrell Killsnight Sr. Stephan also had a stepfather, Walter Whistling Elk-whom raised him since he was 4 years old. Stephan grew up and went to school in Busby, at Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools, up until 7th grade, at which time he and his mother moved to Billings in April 2015. There he attended Riverside Middle School and completed Junior High. Stephan was just beginning his freshmen year at Billings West High, where he had signed up to be a teacher’s aide, and would help other students with their assignments. Stephan made many friends in the short time he was in school. Although he lived in Billings, he would always come home to Lame Deer & Busby to visit his many friends and family. Video games, hiking and playing basketball were just a few of the many things Stephan loved to do with his favorite cousins Christopher Bearchum & Myron Redsleeves, and also with special friends Charles Fields, Rowland Laforge and James Walker whom he also spent every weekend with as well. Stephan also enjoyed playing tennis with his mother at central park and taking drives to the rims and walks around the city of Billings. He had taken a family trip to Lolo National Forest and also attended N.A.C (Native American Church) meetings with his stepfather Walter. Stephan had an awesome attitude and loved to joke around with his family and friends. He loved to sing songs by Jason Derulo/Awol Nation, a concert that he was able to attend with his mother at the Billings Fair. Stephan was young and lived alone with his mother; he looked forward to next summer to begin working to be able to help his mother. Stephan was interested in M.M.A (mixed martial arts) and bow hunting. A long term goal of his was also to be a referee. The family would like to give special thanks to the teachers for teaching him and the counselors and many friends that were apart of Stephan’s life in the Billings District.
Stephan is survived by his mother Anita Bearchum-Whistling Elk; Stepfather Walter Whistling Elk; Father Darrell Killsnight, Sr.; Brothers: Dieter Littlewhirlwind, Darrell, Jr., and Rodney Killsnight, Joshua, Tyrell and Dakota Little Bird, and Gary Spear; Sisters: Shaylene Little Bird, Crystal Bearchum, Christin, Shannon, Markle, Kaitlin and Shyanne Killsnight, Newta Whistling Elk, and Becky Spear; Uncles: Wallace Bearchum, Lucky Homewood, Sr., Calvin Whitewolf, Jr., Bobby Weaselbear; Aunts: Cheryl Bearchum, Medora Burgess, Louis Juan and Samantha Killsnight; Grandmothers: Irma Tallbull-Bearchum, Rosella Killsnight; Grandfathers: Myron Tallbull and Floyd Tallbull; Cousins: Melinda, Bobby Jo, Alysha, Sabrina, Tonja, Wesley and Lucky, Jr. (L.J) Homewood, Christopher, Cheyenne and Kristen Bearchum, Janae and Wade Littlesun, Troy and Myron Redsleeves, Wretha and Sharon Howlingwolf, Jaelyn, Alan, Jessica and Jaeme Homewood-Gould, Ray, Clara, Casey and Michelle Burgess.
He was preceded in death by his aunt Delphina Whitewolf Homewood-Gould; Grandfathers Wallace Bearchum, Sr., Grandfather Louis Killsnight, Sr.; Maternal grandfather Andrew Whitehawk; Grandmother Newta Whistling Elk and best friend James Walker.
Extended Families include: Whiteshirts, Stewarts, Fallsdown, Birdingrounds, Yellow Robe, Limberhand, Spang, WhiteHawk, Crook, Tallbull, Brady, Whistlingelk, Whitedirt, StarvingBear, Littlewolf, Shoulderblade, Redcherries, Walkslast, Woodenlegs. If we have left any families out we are sorry, for our family is quite large.
Joint wake services will be held for Stephan and James on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools Gymnasium, and joint funeral services will be held at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools in Busby on Friday, September 16, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Burial for Stephen will be at the Tall Bull Family Cemetery, and burial services for James will be at the Lamewoman Family Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Willis Busenitz and Deacon Joe Kristufek.Please, join the families for a joint meal at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools Cafeteria after the burials.
Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Prayers & Condolences to his family
Bernadette Johnson says
Prayers for the family
Kim Knobloch says
Prayers for the family
Rachel LaRance and family says
My condolences and prayers for your family.
Melissa Royston Whitewolf & Family says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the families involved
JG says
My heartfelt condolences to your family. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a loved one at such a young age. May your family find comfort in God’s promise of paradise where there will be no more pain, sickness, or sorrow due to the loss of your loved one. Rest assured that God gives us the hope of being reunited with our dead loved ones in paradise in perfect health. (Revelation 21:3,4; Psalms 37:4,29) I know you are grieving now, but I hope these scriptures will strengthen and comfort you though this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences and deep sympathies.
Diane says
God grant you peace & understanding. Condolences to all your family.
Cheryl Hugs says
Stephan had a special place in my heart when I taught him back in the 6th grade. He made every attempt to make it to school everyday even though he was tardy. Some days he would come to school without a coat when it was snowing outside so I made sure I had a jacket or something warm for him to wear home but in the heat of his playing time he would again forget his jacket so he was once again jacketless. Hot Cheetos were his fav along with red gatorade. He looked forward to the Fun Fridays which was the only day he was never tardy imagine that! Stephan, now your in a place where you will never be cold nor hungry ever! Rest in peace my little buddy! Mrs. Hugs
sherri bartholomew says
Sherri Bartholomew:
May that beautiful spirit rest in the arms of Almighty God. He was the best.
Damian Crawford says
Stephen was like a brother to me he jade me laugh when I was down he would bring light into my life I just want to say that I’m sorry for your loss
Gladys Yellowrobe & family says
With deepest sympathy from our family to yours…The sorrow that you feel, the heartache that you bear. Though we can not comprehend, still we deeply care. May it comfort you to know, we lift your name in prayer. May you lean upon the father, for he is always there….
Donna Dillon says
So sad. Prayers and condolences to all families.
Shyanne Killsnight says
I rember when he was younger I saw him at a showdeo and he was so excited to see me on a horse :'( he was so cute… My baby brother l will sure miss seeing him here and there…. A very scary thought of mine is I will never get to sew him smile anymore :'( I miss you Stephan Killsnight <3
Jill Mogen says
I taught him in first grade and he was always a special, wonderful boy with a wonderful smile and sense of humor. I feel so sad for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be missed.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
ON BEHAVE OF THE CHIEFS COUNCIL, WE EXTEND OUR MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY.
Jim & Sheri Bement says
Sending prayers and our condolences
Jason & Sue Fisher says
Praying for you…our sincere condolences..
Dawn Cooley says
I don’t know your son but my son is also in west and I’m sure they passed in the hall and possibly exchanged a hey or how u doin. My prayers to ur family for strength for your loss. A child is a precious gift and it takes a village to raise a child and a village to become stronger from the loss of one. My heart goes out to the entire family. Much luv.
Becky Webber says
I met Stephan when I was doing an internship at Riverside. He was truly one of the kindest, gentle souls I have ever met. My heart aches for you.
DorothySeminole&family says
Sending condolences to Anita my friend i am sorry for your loss…i dont have the word to express how u must feel </3
your family is in my prayers.
Tricia White Buffalo Ochoa says
My condolences. Prayers for the family & friends.
Georgia Ann Burns says
Prayers for all of your family. I am so sorry for your loss!!
Sherri Scalpcane Ewing says
sorry for your loss prayers to you and the family
Marcos Rodriguez says
Prayers for him and the family.
Georgia Ann Burns says
Prayers for both the Killsnight and Bearchum families!!
Eleanor Bearchum Parker says
Very sad to hear about your son passing on. Prayers for his family to help get through this hard time.
kathryn says
I remember when we would sit in Becky’ and Siggy’s room telling jokes about your ex girlfriends and you would always be the to start the joke and every where we were at we would tell everybody we were related because we had the same grandma and grandpa.
RIP STEPHAN