October 23rd, 2012 our grandson, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandpa, dad and friend, Willis Chance Ridge Bear (Mo’ohno’keoo’estse) Elk Stands Alone, was called by the Creator to take his journey home. Willis Chance was born, July 11th 1985, the son of Virginia Ridge Bear and Larry Blackburn of Lame Deer, Mt. and Arapaho, Wyo. Willis was a good soul, he was loyal, kind, supportive, resourceful, and very hilarious. He loved you as you were no matter what and could make you laugh regardless of what was going on around you. He loved to hang with his friends, listen to music, traveling anywhere and everywhere, playing darts, fishing, camping, shooting some pool, but most of all, he loved being with his son and family. He loved teaching his only son Pernell to sing peyote songs and learn the peyote ways. He always loved it when his family gathered on holidays, special occasions, especially on his birthday which he shared with his older sister Aubrey. Willis was very proud to be Northern Cheyenne; he loved and respected his culture. On occasions he practiced his ways with participating in peyote meetings. He also was a member of the Native American Church as well as the church of Christ. In his younger days, he spent a lot of time in the back of grandma’s house, hitting golf balls and venturing off into the hills with his friends and family, he was also the lead singer of “Tommy’s Creek” drum group. In school, he played basketball and football, and grass danced at local pow-wows. He was also really proud of his frybread and bread making skills and always tried to “one” up with his sisters and gramma’s bread, talking smack the whole way. When he was busy, he still had time for a cup of “Joe” with whom ever offered him one. He always looked on the bright side of things, and found the positive in a negative situation. Our world our lives here on earth will be forever altered from the loss of his presence. He was loved by all who knew him and will be forever missed. Willis, I hope you know that we all loved you with all our hearts, we will see you again. Willis is proceeded in death by his immediate grandfathers Jimmy Blackburn, Jerry Ridgebear, brothers John D. and Kendall J. Ridgebear, and aunts, grandmas, grandpas, uncles, nephews and nieces to many to mention. He is survived by the Love of his life, Shaylene Littlebird and Son, Pernell Chances Ridgebear, his Grandmothers Margie Russell, Rita Redneck, Ruby Blackburn, and others to many to mention, Grandfather Winfield Russell and others to many to mention, mother(s) Virginia Ridgebear, Lujenia Ridgebear, father Larry (Alvina) Blackburn, Uncles Frank John Sr (Lujuana), and Gerald Sam (Pat) Ridgbear Siblings Samantha, Nate, Aubrey (Jesse), Randolph, Megan, John Jonas, Rhonda, Kirby (carl), Angel, Zack, Eugene, Frank Jr, Randy Sr, Tiffany, Abigail Ridgebear and Josh Wolfblack. His paternal siblings Angelo, Shane, Cody, Jody, Myka, Sacheen, Shantell, Macalia, DJ, Donovan, Donelle, Dominique, Joanne, Kim, Siera, yolonda, his aunts Lupe and Matsy Blackburn all of Arapaho Wyo. Close friends, “bro’s”, and other “sisters”, you know who you all are, to many to mention. Willis knew a lot of people and were doing our best, please don’t feel left out. Special THANK YOU to Lame Deer Emergency Services, IHS, Police Department, Donovan Wind, Baptist Church, Boys and Girls Club, and Stevenson and Sons Funeral home.
Service Schedule
Interment
Following Services
Monday October 29, 2012
Ridgebear Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Interment
Following Services
Monday October 29, 2012
Ridgebear Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Georgia Burns says
My prayers and condolences to all the family.
Clayton & Lisa Mason says
So very saddened by your loss. You are always in our prayers. May the Lord watch over the family and the angels welcome Willis into heaven. Sammie if you need us we are here for you.
Michelle Vernon says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Willis. I remember him as a mischievious kid who always was smiling and cracking others up. He will be missed. I will be praying for all the family. I love you all and pray that our Lord gives you all the strength during this extremely sad and trying time. Praying for peace, comfort, and healing for you all. Love you!
Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Condolences to the family. He was a good kid and very polite young man.
branlee montoya says
my prayers and thoughts go out to willis’s family and friends and he will be greatly missed
R.I.P
Willis Chance Ridgebear
Tonya Littlebird says
My prayers are with you all May you rest in peace Willis Ridgebear
DOROTHY SEMINOLE says
SENDING MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY -VIRGINIA-ND ALL HIS SIBLINGS!
I’M SORRY ABOUT UR LOSS AT THIS TIME, MAY MAHEO BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF UR LOSS, MAY HE COMFORT YOU AS U ALL GREIVE FOR HIM! :(‘
Andrita Harris says
Sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you all. MAHEO’ will be with you.
Corinna Littlewolf says
I was sad to hear of Willis’ passing. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and thoughts sent to his family.
Wolf Robe Willow says
“May lord ~ Ma’heo’o bring comfort and peace to you and your family at this time and we send our condolences & prayers .
Wolf Robe Willow & Family
Mary Dillon says
Praying that God will give your family strength through this difficult time. My sincerest sympathy. I will continue to keep your family in prayer.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Aubrey Ridgebear says
Dear Willis, I just wanted to tell you how much you were loved by me and everyone else who knew you….You were a good man brother……I’m so sorry your not here with us….we all need you but understand that God had a plan for you……try not to worry too much about us, especially Pernellshky, I will make sure he grows up to be a good soul like you, and see that he never forgets his daddy loves him…..Thanks for all the prayers and support everyone…….Willis was a good man…….I love and miss you brother……
Aubrey Ridgebear says
P.S…if anybody has any information that can help us find out what happened that night my brother passed away, please contact me @ cheyennegirl82@yahoo.com, please come forth, I know people out there know something…….you could remain anonymous if you want…..
malachai stoney says
i loved him more than anything rest in paradice uncle prayers will be with you
stoney ridgebear says
i’m going to miss my uncle in a way he was like my 2father and my big brother
john jonas says
Man this sucks i just wished he could come back and everything will just go back to the way they were but i just wished i could see him agin at least one last time before he left us man i wish i could join him in the promise lands hunting and riding horses doing all the cheyenne stuff but i can’t maybe one day ill be able to see my Big Brother Agin well….
Relax In Paradise Willis Chance RidgeBear
Angel K. Brady says
Man, i dont know what to say beside imma miss you so much i love you with all my heart and you knew this you where always there for meh…when i ran you stopped meh and showed meh the way you showd meh what a true firend is i will never forget you i will always remeber you and the times we shared togther are always locked away in a speacial spot in the back of my mind …
frank jonh ridgebear jr says
to my brother willis i miss you.my heart still hurts that i couldnt make it up for your service.i can still hear and see you in my thoughts.my last day in mt when we came to move samantha to cali with us.we was standing in front of grams house talkin.i can stil see your smile thats all i can see when i think of your.i love and miss your lil brother.i wish you could have seen my daughter and i wish she could have known you as well.safe travels brother. love allways ,your brother frank jr
Rhonda Ridgebear says
Willis was my big brother,
He was the kind of that if you had felt down he would go out of his way just to make you smile.
he would always make me laugh and made me feel safe whenever i had hung out with him and my family. If any thing i would wish to at least see him once more.
once i had heard about him, That was the worst week i have ever had in my entire life, I was heartbroken that my brother had passed away and that my family was sad.
I hope every one knows that WILLIS HAD LOVED EVERYONE AROUND HIM!
Sincerely,
Rhonda Ridgebear
stoney says
i miss u happy birthday
Lost without u in California... says
12.25.16
Merry Christmas in HEAVEN brother! Having a very Hard time realizing that no matter what corner I turn or no matter how many times I look around, ur not there. ? Holidays were a big deal for u, especially Christmas.. hahaha.. I remember that time u went to get us a tree, u must’ve got side tracked for a few days, but at least u came back with one-right on Christmas day! Dang, I miss u cooking up a storm, making everything u can possibly think of.. and those dang frybread competition’s of urs, hahaha.. I was so proud to have a brother who can make FRYBREAD! Needed some work on it, but u tried hard and made it with love? Sure wish u could’ve came to cali with us, then I wouldn’t be sitting here with a heavy heart writing this ? U would’ve been here but at least u would’ve been still with us…. But I know your in a better place, kickin back with the family, watching and waiting for us.. Love u bro. .. miss u a lot.
Ur sis says
I miss u Willis!! 😭
Aubrey says
Today is that dreadful day. I miss u and my heart is heavy on this day brother. Nėstaévȧhósevóomȧtse
Eddina foote says
Hey uncle, i know it’s been awhile, but i love you, hope you having fun, happy, I’m not doing so well but im trying, I’ll never forget how happy you made me feel when you would come around, all the laughs and hugs, i miss you so much, we all do, you’ll always have a place in my heart, oh hey I’m 13 now, I’m still growing up, i wish you were here to help my along in life, love you uncle, hope you’re having fun, I’ll see you soon,
Eddy/Eddina foote 💙☝🏼
J says
Sometimes I pray all day that he would come back, I wish it was different and he was still here.
Unknown says
Wish my father was still here I’ll trade everything in life just to have you back you back in mine