Marva Windy Boy

Marva Windy Boy

January 27, 1949 - September 08, 2019

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Obituary

Marva Jean was born on Thursday, January 27, 1949 to Joan Julia Spotted Bear Big Lake and Harvey Big Lake Sr. at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana. She was a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan of the Crow Tribe and was given her Indian name by her Grandmother, Emma Coffey-Smells.


Growing up she would often speak about the traditional upbringing her Grandmother instilled upon her and she passed all that she knew about our culture, history and beliefs to her sons and her Granddaughters, Ambreya, Kyrie Jean, Nahminae and Zenayah. Marva actively participated and helped at Sundances, played Handgames for the Pryor District and danced in the Fancy Shawl, Northern Traditional and Golden-Age categories at Pow Wow's where she competed throughout her entire life. The best accomplishment she would always tell her boys was the year that she won first place at the Indian National Finals powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the times she was able to dance at Schemitzun in Rhode Island. Pow wows and dancing were a huge part of her life and it was sad to see her wanting to get up and dance in the arena but her disease prevented her from enjoying the life she once had.


Marva attended Billings West High School and Haskell Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas. She would often tell her boys about the experiences she had leaving home for the first time and going off to college. While attending Haskell, Marva met Alvin Windy Boy from Rocky Boy, Montana and they eventually dated and got married the following year. Together they had two children, Alvin Windy Boy Jr and Big Wind Windy Boy. The two of them eventually made their home in Rocky Boy. Our mother would often talk about the experiences she had, but what she enjoyed most were the bonds that she created with Standing on Cloud, Windy Boy, John Windy Boy Sr., Katherine Windy Boy and her sister and brother in-laws, Myra, Geri, Everett, Valerie, Kathy, John Jr., Jonathan and Cheryl Windy Boy.


In her career, Marva was employed with the Indian Health Service for her entire 32 years of Federal service. She started her career at the Rocky Boy Service Unit and over the years moved to the Cherokee Indian Hospital in Claremore, Oklahoma and finally retiring with the Billings Area Indian Health Service. She excelled in the Office Human Capital Management as the payroll liaison for all employees in the Region. Employees came to rely upon her knowledge and ability to ensure that every person got paid on time and without delay. She knew that so many people and their livelihood depended on her every two weeks. She always handled each situation with a positive attitude and worked tirelessly to resolve issues and help the people first.


The family would like to express their appreciation and acknowledgement to the following people who impacted her life. Kim (Kenny) Nicholson; Daryl (Bobby) Brockie; Late Florine Jones; Audrey (Garfield) Jones-Little Light; Clarena Brockie; Eileen Lente; Lovina Fox; Connie Fox; Verna Turnsplenty; Taleshia Smart Enemy; Maria Coversup; Beryl (Adrian) Stands; Tahnee Stands; Sandra (Jose) Gallegos Family; Toni Not Afraid; Louise (Kenny) Scabbyrobe; Juanita Schloss; Dorien Bell; Rachel (Corky) Old Horn; Dolores Goodeagle; Late Thomascine Moore; Late Eunice “Dolly” Lane; RG (Joyce) Harris; Irene Oakes; Angie Brockie; Denise Garfield; Glenda Deer; Marci (Terry) Fiddler; Mary Ann Patrick; Freddi Hunter; Corliss Holy Elk Boy; Roxanne Hines; Anita One Bear; Alpha Old Coyote; Aldean (JR) Goodluck; Norma (Adlai) Falls Down; Kaycee Neal; Peg Furshong; Russell Brooks; Gail Main; Ruth (Chet) Eagleman; Sharon Eagleman; Shelly (Joe) Bointy; Late Frankie Johnson; Late Cecilia Lone Tree; Toni Funmaker; Clarice Adams White Cloud; Dana (Bill) Runs Above; and the following families: Windy Boy's, Round Face's, Spotted Bear's, Big Lake's, Rides Horse's, Smart Enemy, Plain Feather, Turns Plentys, Coffey's, Rogers, Charging, Fox's, please forgive us if we forget and leave off any families, we have so many relatives, we are not intending to forget you.


No matter where Marva was at, she always had a smile and she made you feel welcome no matter where or who you were. She would often tell her boys the words her Grandmother Emma told her, “have friends and have many”.
The family would like to express their Thanks and Gratitude to the entire Billings Clinic ALS Team; Dr. Kimberly Ng; and Julie Surrell-Stops RN; Lexi Day RN and Cameron Rocco RN for making our mother's last and final days as comfortable as possible.


We would like to share with you all the words our mother Marva would always tell us: “When in doubt, pray about it and ask Creator for guidance.”

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Beryl Stands
Other •
We were saddened with the news of Marva Windy Boy's passing. We have so many fond and wonderful memories that will be with us forever. She was so loving to our children and always gave us sound advice. She always seen the light side of things and her smile would brighten our day. I know she is forever a beautiful loving Mom, Grandmother, Auntie and friend. RIP Marva! God Bless you all Jay, Big Wind, Lindsey, Ambreya, Kyrie Jean, Nahminae and Zenayah. Love, Adrian & Beryl Stands and family
DM
Donita LeClere Mattwaoshshe
Other •
I went to school with Marva at Haskell. She was truly a very good friend and I hoped to get up to Montana to visit her. She was a wonderful lady and she will surely be missed. I thought about her many times hoping to get to visit with her again. She came down to Kansas once to see me but I was out of state and missed her. I know she is going to a good place. My heartfelt condolences.
RB
Russell Brooks
Other •
Marva was such a supportive, strong 'mom' figure during our school days, and I will always remember her smile, warm energy, laugh & generosity towards all those around her. She set such an indelible example, & brought such a grounding presence & loving spirit to many. My prayers & thoughts will continue to be with Jay, Big Wind & the rest of the family. May she Journey well in peace to Home & visit you in your dreams as you stay connected between this world & the next <3 My deepest condolences, much love to all!

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