Aaron Turnsplenty

Aaron James, “AJ” Turnsplenty was born on January 20, 1954, in Billings, Montana, to Ralph and Rose DeCrane Turnsplenty. His Crow name, Deaxkaash Baatcheeshe ‘Humble Eagle' was given to him by Walter Grey Bull. He was a member of Sore Lip Clan and child of the Big Lodge Clan. AJ attended School at St. Charles Mission in Pryor, MT and graduated from Edgar High School in 1973. On September 6, 1975, AJ married the love of his life Adora Old Crow. They made their home in Pryor, Montana. AJ went on to attend college and worked for St. Charles Mission School as a maintenance supervisor. He was the first one to show up at work in the early mornings. When it was wintertime, he made sure the snow was shoveled before the staff and students arrived at the school. AJ also worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Roads Department and later BIA Forestry. In the summer of 1988, AJ was on the forest fires in Yellowstone National Park.

He later went to work at AML for the Crow Tribe. AJ also sat on the school board for Plenty Coups High School for 9 years as chairperson. AJ was honored to give his children, Aaron, Angie, Timothy, his nephew Ralphie and his niece Regina Turnsplenty their high school diploma's along with numerous other high school graduates.

AJ was highly active and enjoyed playing on CO-ED & men's softball teams. He also loved playing basketball with Larry Cunningham and enjoyed playing cards. He loved horseback riding with his friends and had a gelding named Shack. He was an excellent horseman. He made sure his nephews, Ralph, Leonard and his son Aaron followed in his horsemanship skills. He was also an excellent leather craftsman and made various belts, wallets, and purses. AJ made one of the alters for preparation of communion wafers at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Pryor, MT. During the summers, his mother Rose loved to camp at Crow Fair so along with Vernie, they would take her early and help her set up camp. He would also take her up to the Pryor Mountains to camp for weeks at time.

AJ went on a trip to Graceland with his wife Adora, his sister Mary and Willie Stewart then headed down to Florida to see family.

AJ enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren as they were his pride and joy. He also loved to spend time with his nieces and nephews. He was loved by all of them and was a father figure to them.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ralph, Sr. and Rose DeCrane Turnsplenty, his brothers Ralph “Sammy”, David, Chester, Vernie and Wayne Turnsplenty, Marvin Cottontail, Grant Buckshot Stewart, Dione Bellrock and Father Charles Robinson. His sisters, Sylvia Gone, Charlene Laverdure, Priscine Nez Perce, Marvella Stewart, his son Brandon Long Hair and his niece Rosina Turnsplenty.

AJ leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Adora Old Crow-Turnsplenty, his children, Aaron (Roberta), his Princess, Angie (Justin), Timothy, Seth, Darrell (Tasheena), Kayle, Louie and Teresa (Brett) Turnsplenty, and Jovan Decrane.

Grandchildren: Alvin (Latisha), Robert, Chasten, ErinRain Turnsplenty and Alejandro Sanchez. Tyrell (Kylie), his precious Aminna, Tarinia, Drew, Constance, Robriya, Buster, Robin Littlelight and Sara Juneau.

Great-grandchildren: Tyren, Teresa, Elvira, Dontez, Pariz, Levi, Faith, Nehemiah, Kainnon, Zachariah, Harlow, Genevieve, Rhett, Xander, Brynn, and Jayvan.

His mother-in-law Katherine Old Crow, his brother-in-law, Preston Old Crow, sister-in-laws, Felica (Lane) Schenderline, Lucinda, (Amigo) Old Crow and Yolanda (Chester) Turnsplenty.

His brothers: Calvin Brush, Channis Whiteman, Ruben, Ellsworth, Jr. and Lawrence DeCrane, Jeff Peterson, Carslon “Dukie” Goes Ahead, Larry Cunningham and Max Spotted Bear.

His sisters: Verna, Louise, Mary, Avalon Turnsplenty, and Faith Woundedface.

His aunt on Maternal side, Agnes Pretty Weasel.

AJ's friends: Bill Stops, Adrian Stands, Beneeto Brown, Daniel Sybrant, George Pretty Wesel, Gary Plain Bull, Dana Bird, Darrell Bends, and Clinton Iron.

AJ and Adora helped raised: Alvin (Latisha),Tyrell, Amina, Tarina, Rosabeth (Cotton) Realbird, Leon (Renesa)Takes Horse, Courtney (Joey) Gutierrez, Javin Werk, Cory and Cody Old Crow, Anthony Lopez, Lonnie Manzanelia, and Ralphie (Julie) Laverdure.

He also took his nephews and nieces in as his own, John (Nicole) Turnsplenty, Joey, Pete, Christina Turnsplenty, Bernice (Kevin) Pellman, Marilyn Morning Gun, Gina (Jeremiah), Lenny Turnsplenty and Marina Fitzpatrick.

Extended Family: DeCrane, Goes Ahead, Whiteman, Agnes Pretty Wesel family, Gloria Cummins family, Clara Hill Bends Family, Bad Bear, Deanna, Larsen Medicine Horse Family, Elmer Hill Family, Old Crow, Stops, Ursela and Fatima Bad Horse Family, Yarlott and Wall.

The family would like to thank Ruben and Christine DeCrane and the Crow Tribe.

If we have forgotten anyone, our sincere apologies.

AJ our beloved husband, daddy, grandpa, uncle, brother we love you and will miss you dearly!