Vann Wade Ryan Jr. Nahkoxhaahketa “Little wolf” went on his spiritual journey to join Maheo on September 28, 2022. He was named after his uncle Robert Bearchum Sr.
Vann was born on August 24, 1970 in Crow Agency to AnnaMae and Vann Ryan Sr.
He went to Lame Deer School then on to Northern Cheyenne Tribal School and graduated. He attended Chief Dull Knife College.
He met Maria Shoulderblade and together they were blessed with five children; Vanna, Ivan, Van III, Javan and Nathaniel. They separated but remained good friends until her passing. He met Adrienne Brown and was blessed with five more children; Melissa, Clarissa, Arissa, Rylee and Alias.
Vann loved to play handgame, go hunting and fishing with his brothers and sons. He loved spending time out in the hills. Vann was very crafted he enjoyed keeping busy, he made benches and tables. Family was everything to Vann, he loved spending time with his nieces, nephews and grandkids. He had a great sense of humor, there was never a dull moment around him.
He had an artistic gift, loved drawing and painting. He made numerous handgames stick sets. He enjoyed playing darts, going to concerts and the PBR.
Vann believed in the Cheyenne way of life, he danced in many sundances and conducted many sweatlodge and peyote ceremonies at the family home.
Survivors include his children; Vanna (Andrew), Ivan (Mariah), Van III (Pebbles), Javan, Melissa, Clarissa, Arissa, Rylee, and Alias; his mother AnnaMae; Sisters Gaylene Ryan and Vanessa (Johnson) James, Nakia ( Virgil ) Weaselbear, Christy Bearchum; Brothers Brent Ryan, Paul (Kassie) Ryan, Quentin (Michaelena) Ryan, Robert (Angel ) Bearchum; His grandchildren Cameron, Carsyn, Cayce, Mya, Miguel, Gianna, Jaleesa, Chrisanna, Josette, Apollo, Kataleyah, Donovan and adopted child Truvy (Eli) of Billings. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; Adopted brothers John Gaustad, Jeremy Hiwalker, Woodrow Blackwolf, Chuck Pyle, Delano Whiteface, Dave Janvier, Bobby Yellowfox, Bernadine “Spanky” Shoulderblade, Jerome Whitehawk
He is preceded in death by his father Vann Sr, Brother Ivan, son Nathaniel, daughter Roni Jean Bigback, sister Claudine and Julia Ryan, Aunts Imelda Barney, Holda Roundstone, Uncle Robert Bearchum Sr., Uncles Perry, Raymond, Cousins Raymond Pine Jr., Chey Roundstone. Maternal grandparents, Danial, Florence (Redneck) Pine Sr., Paternal grandparents, Frank, Alice (MedicineFlying) Bearchum Sr.
Other extended relatives: Bearchum, Wounded Eye, Marshall, Swallow, Spotted Elk, Pine, Taylor, Clubfoote, Nightwalker, Roundstone, Strangeowl, Sandcrane, Elkshoulder, Littlecoyote, Littlebird, Rednecks, Rockroads, Brady, Blackwolf
Vann comes from a large family and we apologize if we forgot anyone.
The family would like to thank the St. Vincent nurses and doctor, Kim Studiner, Amber Means and Ashley Whitewolf from IHS for their help in caring for Vann.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Saturday October 1, 2022
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday October 1, 2022
Lame Deer Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Saturday October 1, 2022
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday October 1, 2022
Lame Deer Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Dave Janvier says
I will remember you bro…..you will be missed from your Canadian relatives ….
Danetta F says
I am so sorry for all his children. Especially Pubbies and Ivan. My prayers of Gods comfort, Peace and Mercy for you guys. My deepest condolences
Lynette Spang & family says
So Sorry for your loss, continued prayers for all of Vann’s family he will be dearly missed
RIP Vann Ryan Jr.
Janet Lassen says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences.
Cheryl n Merlin Limpy family says
Thank u for the memories Vann gonna miss the laughs we had , prayers for your journey 🙏🏽 n to the kids n Anna Mae family we send our most heartfelt condolences n prayers 🙏🏽 💖💖💖
Donovan Taylor Beartusk says
I didn’t think you’d go so fast bro, sundanced together, sweat together, handgame, & dad Van left we all seemed to go down but nevertheless, children seem to pick all of us up, & make us happy no matter what I know you loved all the children, maheo guide you & comfort the family in the days ahead especially Anna Mae & all the So’taa’eo
Mary says
I am so sorry. Your family will be remembered in my prayers.
May you find comfort knowing that will see our loved ones again.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF VANN WADE RYAN, JR., THE NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.