Oliver Costa

Pryor – Oliver E. Costa, Sr., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, August 22, 2016, after an extended illness. II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Oliver Costa, Sr., (Diiagaasha) was born in Crow Agency, Montana, on September 13, 1944 to Augustine Costa and Aileen Not Afraid and was raised by Janet “Big Eyes” Buffalo Coat Woodtick. He was raised in and lived all his life in Pryor, Montana. During his younger years, he also was raised and cared for by Freddy and Mae Bird Hat. On February 19, 1966 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Belva Rock Above in Buffalo, Wyoming. Oliver took great pride in raising his family and guiding and influencing their life endeavors. He took particular interest in teaching them horsemanship skills and especially took pride in his son and grandsons working and racing in major race tracks across the United States. Oliver was supportive of all his children and grandchildren's pursuits in athletics and education and could be counted on to be in the stands cheering on his beloved Plenty Coups Warriors. He was a faithful member of the Pryor Faith Baptist Church. Oliver was elected as a founding legislator to the Crow Legislative Branch in which he introduced legislation for the monthly stipend payments for Crow Elders. He worked his entire his life to provide for his family. His career included working the campaigns for Western Sugar, Pierce Packing Company, MT Wildland firefighter and he was a truck driver for Border States. Oliver was preceded in death by his mother, Aileen Not Afraid, his father, Gussie Costa, his wife, Belva Rock Above Costa, brothers Dewayne and Larry Costa, Bruce Big Hail, Sr.; sisters, Colleen Not Afraid, and Marlene Red Star, sons Ray Scott Stands and Arnold Stewart, Sr. daughter Arlene Burnett Costa, grandson Stevan Little Light and granddaughter Jill Stewart. Oliver is survived by sons, Oliver Dewayne (Dora) Costa, Jr., Dominic Costa and Mike (Dawn) Stewart; daughters, Ollie, Donya and Christie Costa, Janet E. Stewart, Julie (William) Hugs, Renee (Dewayne) Yellowtail, Katie and Alma Rose Costa. Brother, Vidal Not Afraid; sisters Laverne (Wales) Bulltail, Nadine Bell, Patrice Not Afraid, Alee Bird Hat, Darlene Bird Faraway, Warlene Wellknown, Jolene (Kipp) Lande. Grandchildren whom he and Belva raised as their own are: Brian (Lynette) Two Moons, Preston Stewart, Sr., Jamaal Sees the Ground, Tamara (David) Driftwood), Sr., and great grandson, Jerell T. Stewart. His brother and sisters-in-law, Grady and Alice Hunts Arrow, Joanne and Maureen Rock Above. He is survived by 42 grandchildren, and 78 great grandchildren. His adopted children, Pat Chief Stick of Rocky Boy, Doris Limberhand and Gilford Sees the Ground, Sr. The family would like to thank the Dialysis Center and the Billings Clinic medical staff. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am Friday, August 26 at Plenty Coups High School with interment in Pryor Cemetery. Memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com