Crystal Bighorn

Crystal Bighorn passed away at the age of 77 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, MT on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from natural causes.

Crystal was born in Poplar, MT on February 5, 1948 to Florence Mae Weinberger “Bighorn“ and Ernest Clark Bighorn Senior. Crystal was third born amongst siblings: Ernie, Jackie, Sybil, Alda and James Bighorn.

Crystal‘s Indian name was Bear Woman, “Mató Wíŋyaŋ” given to her by her grandfather Maurice Bighorn.

Crystal attended school in Brockton and also got her associates degree. Crystal looked out for the less fortunate, she had/has a genuine soul. When Chub was going to do something, she was determined to accomplish her goal. She was an outdoorswoman that loved hunting, fishing, and music. She was an honest person, and her heart was larger than the sky. She was “tough as nails” but gentle at her core. She loved cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, gardening, and canning all whilst always sending a prayer. She enjoyed going to her “ranch“ to do daily chores, feeding and graining horses, watering and feeding her ducks and chickens, cats and dogs. Her house was the spot for pretty much everything, from family gatherings to holidays to Cat Creek jam sessions. She had a special way of creating a space that unified and nourished all of her family, where one could leave every time with their cup refilled (and belly full). She loved gardening and her “greenhouse” that her grandson Justin built for her. Crystal was an avid Denver Bronco fan. She kept track of everyone’s birthdays and special events, merging her calendar with everyone else’s lives to ensure she could support with her best efforts. She loved listening to her scanner and gifting her “blocks of gold“ to everyone around her. Crystal was a famous band player, the Cat Creek Band was known throughout Montana. She played her music by ear and was self-taught. One of her biggest passions was supporting her loved ones and grandchildren in their sports and activities, always encouraging each one to do their best with a gentle “Grandma always loves you”. She was a fighter and displayed what it meant to be fearless. The most resilient person we’ve met. Sassy and sweet all at once, she loved so hard the best ways she could.

Crystal was greeted at the pearly gates by her children: Ida, Michael, Andrew, Chuck, her father-Ernest Bighorn, mother-Florence May Bighorn, her five little brothers, her baby brother James Bighorn, nieces and nephews Megan Small, Zachary Bighorn, Joe Erickson, baby Dave Spang and Weston Small, great grandchildren baby Dwain and Baylor Spotted Bird, Jr Ross Fitzpatrick, Tyrel Fraser and Lola Pickett. Also greeting her was her special cousin/sister Tammy Joe Nygard. Grandparents: Maurice and Alda Bighorn, George and Ida Weinberger.

The surviving family members include children: Thomasine Thomas (Lauren and Shanae), Iva (Ron) Harris (AnnDree, Cami, and Tailey), Misty Blue (Ashlin, Amaiya, Aiyana, and Amariah), her daughter Ida’s children (Shane, Lane, Shanni, J’Lanie, and Andrew), and her son Michael’s children (Jason, Michael Wade and Mistty Jade). She is also survived by her siblings: Ernie Bighorn, Jackie Small, Sybil Erickson, and Alda Bighorn. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Each one held a special place in her heart.

Other relatives include Bighorn, Weinberger, Youpee, Lambert, Crow Belt, Baker, Turning Bear, Martell and Small; Adopted sons included: David Archambeau–Small & Justin Bighorn; Godchildren: John and Jana Nygard; Special nieces and nephews: Mae Belle Archambeau, Kristen Merchant, and Keith Erickson

She worked for Fort Peck Tribes for 30 years. Special thanks to her coworkers at the Fort Peck Tribes over the years. Special thanks to St. Vincent Hospital and team as well for all of their love and care.

Most importantly, she wanted her message of celebrating her life and the Lord to be carried on. Crystal was adamant that grieving should be short and wanted everyone to know that she is in a better place and at home with her Lord and Savior.

Any omissions from Crystal‘s obituary was not intentional, Crystal comes from a very large family.

A wake will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, October 9 at the Brockton Cultural Center. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, October 10 at the Brockton Cultural Center. Interment will follow at the Bighorn Family Cemetery in Brockton, MT. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.