Alison Bixby

LAME DEER - Alison Sophia Bixby, 26, of Lame Deer, heard an angel call upon her on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, and left behind all the people she loved.

She was born July 25, 1981, in Hardin, the daughter of Justine Whitewolf and Larry IronHand Bixby. She attended Lame Deer public schools, Two Eagle River High School of Pablo, a teen challenge in Duluth, Minn., and also in Dillon.

Alison was a very joyful, outgoing, beautiful lady. She showed her love to everyone that she grasped. She loved and took care of many children, friends, nieces, nephews, aunties, and uncles. She was very proud that she received her tribal childcare license to become a foster parent on Oct. 18, 2007. Alison's outgoing personality helped her to meet and make friends wherever she traveled. She lived up to her Indian name, Joyfulwoman, and carried it very well.

Her grandparents Joseph and Alice Beartusk White Wolf, Sr. Jane Ironhand Bixby, James Lawrence Bixby; uncle, Duwane Bixby; aunt, Catherine Shoulderblade; great-grandmother, Cecilia Woodenlegs; and cousin, Rosita Lynn Hiwalker preceded her in death.

Survivors include her mother, Justine Whitewolf; her birth father, Larry Ironhand Bixby; her father that raised her, Troy Killsontop; adopted mother, Sandy Bruisedhead; sisters, Jessica (Jon) Bixby, Letha (Monte) Little Coyote, Jr., Malinda Spotted Wolf, Shantel Gomez Hernandez, Tamika (Joel) Manley, Cheyanna and Lorena Bixby; nieces and nephews, Payton and Cesar Elkshoulder, McKenzie and Nicolas Little Coyote, Yesenia Martinez, Kiai Rain Whitewolf Wells; brothers, Larry Gomez and Terrance Bixby; maternal aunts and uncles, Pricilla Robinson, Arvelos (Bill) Whitewolf, Letha, Eloise, Joy, Isadore (Ferral), and Joseph (Theda) Whitewolf, Jr.; adopted auntie, Tammy (Mark) Roundstone; paternal aunts and uncles, Marceline (Charles) Little Old Man, Jennifer (Robert) Bixby Gomez, Darlene Morning Bixby, Bill (Valarie), Lynn Ross, Darell, and Frank Bixby; grandmothers, Bertha Freeman, Lavina Blackwolf, Theresa Woodenlegs, Rosie Doyal, Inez and Amy Foote; grandfathers, Fred Whitewolf, Sr., Johnny Jo (Judy) Woodenlegs, and Reuben Beartusk, Sr.; special cousins include, Alice Wells, Tanya Glenmore, Angel Spotted Wolf, Bryce, Natasha, Joey, III, and Brynie Whitewolf, Goldstein Little Eagle, Joann, Rhiann, Richard, Cruise, Wallet, Cheyenne, Charmane, Arlene, Robert "Junior," Rock and Pebbles Bixby, Pam Woodenthigh, Spur and Reuben Roundstone, Lacey, David, and Melvin Woodenthigh, Jr., Jacklyn, Joseph and Ed Foote, Jr., Sidonia, Kenneth, Jr., and Leland Crazymule, Sr., Kara, Count, Brandi and Tim Robinson, Nathan Bellymule, Jonathan James, Michael Dean Beartusk, Macklyn Twomoons, Terrance Spottedwolf, Frank Bearchum, Darrel and James Fisher, Anita Bixby Littlehead, Maria and Vincynthia Shoulder Blade, Alyssa, Nick and Carl "Richie" Long Jaw; special friends, Sharon Bearcomesout, Lloydine Runsabove, Dean Wallowingbull, Wacey Roundstone, George Lafromboise, Joyce Threefingers, Shawn Stump, Mervin Littlewhirlwind, Kenzy James, Theresa Redneck. Alison had a very large family and many, many friends. If we have forgotten any of you, please accept our apologies.

Traditional wake will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at the family home. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at the Lame Deer Boys and Girls Club. Interment will follow in the new Lame Deer Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.