Manuella Real Bird Mesteth

CROW AGENCY - Manuella Real Bird Mesteth, 70, of Crow Agency, passed away June 3, 2009, in the Crow Agency IHS Hospital.

Manny, as she was affectionately known, was born July 28, 1938, in Crow Agency, a daughter of James and Lucy Wallace Real Bird. Her Indian name, "Baa-aat-chii-lahsh" was given to her by Frank Bethune. She is a member of the Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Whistling Water Clan. She received her early education in Crow Agency and Hardin, before graduating from Hardin High School with the Class of 1957. In 1961, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Montana State College in Bozeman.

She began her nursing career with the Big Horn County Memorial Hospital and then progressed to the Indian Health Service Hospital in Crow Agency, where she became a health educator, retiring in 1994 after 33 years of service.

Manuella was a member of the Catholic Church, was a licensed Montana nurse for over 48 years, and an active member of the Montana Nursing Association. Also during her college years, she was a member of the Alpha Tau Delta sorority for nursing professionals.

She came from a traditional Crow family, who was a fluent Crow speaker and advocate of the Crow language. She actively participated in several Sun Dances and assisted with Peyote meetings, often bringing pies for the feast. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Otter Stays in the Water descendents family reunion.

Her parents, brother Coey, and grandparents Otter Stays in the Water, Richard Wallace, Mark and Florence Real Bird proceeded Manuella in death.

Survivors include her daughters, Lark (Frank) Paz; LeeAnn Bruised Head (Brad) Johnson; her son, Mark Bruised Head; a sister, Birdie Real Bird; her brothers, Richard, Henry, Kennard and Jimmy Real Bird; adopted sons, Dave Miller and Dr. David Mark; adopted daughter Monique Miller; her grandchildren, Snow and Brandie Johnson, Milo and Jordynn Paz; as well as her extended family, including the Star, Brass, Yellowmule, Real Bird, Morning and Otter Stays in the Water families.

Rosary will be recited 4 p.m. Friday, June 5, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, in the St. Dennis Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Crow Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.