Clifford G. Ground Sr.

It is with deep sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of Clifford BirdinGround Sr on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the age of 90. Clifford was the last living child of Sam Birdinground Sr. with Media Annette Blaine. He was born in Crow Agency, on January 19, 1935. Clifford's Indian name was Peelatchiiké Ahpiiá (Wears a Crow for a Necklace). He was from the Big Lodge clan and a child of the Greasy Mouth. Clifford was a member of the Pentecostal Church and had tremendous belief in his faith. He grew up in Crow Agency and Indian Creek attending schools in Crow and Lodge Grass. Clifford started working at the age of 12 for the bigger ranches in the area such as the Tschirgi and Kennedy outfits as a cowboy. He was an excellent horse man from an early age and was a saddle bronc rider alongside his older brother Glen traveling the rodeo circuit in his teen years. When Clifford was 15 years old he joined a band with the Takes Horse brothers and would play throughout Crow Country.

He worked on local ranches until he enlisted in the Marine Corp when he was 17. At basic training he excelled in swimming and while aboard a Naval vessel trained to become a frogman. He would often recount his time served during the Korean War while he was stationed in Okinawa and his duties as an Military Police. When he returned home, Clifford went to Chicago, Illinois where he learned to become a heavy equipment operator as well as an apprentice plumber. When the Sarpy Mine was being built, he drove the dragline to the site. He was very well known for being a heavy equipment operator not only on the irrigation ditches, streets, highways, freeways, and even turnpikes in Florida, but was also known for building roads in the mountains where most would not attempt to ever try. He would help people in need by clearing lanes and roads without being asked and never expected anything from them. He worked for BIA Irrigation and Roads maintenance for 18 years and was usually on the fire line as well during the fire season. Crews would watch him as he fearlessly cut fire lines with the dozer and grader in steep terrain and extreme conditions. Peter Kewitt, Empire Sand and Gravel, Oftadall and other road construction companies employed him. He had a reputation of having skills as an equipment operator. He served on the executive committee, housing board, and land committee over the years. Clifford was a bus driver for Lodge Grass School for over 30 years.

Clifford was a respected member of the Crow Community and influenced others by his teachings and mentoring; whether it was as an equipment operator or just needing prayer. In 2000, he ran for Crow Tribal Chairman. With the support of his large family, numerous friends and acquaintances he lead a successful campaign. During his time in office, he amended the Crow Tribal Government by the introduction of the 2001 Constitution.

Clifford loved to hunt, fish, and camp in the mountains. He knew all three mountain ranges on the reservation, every road, water way, and spring, and everyone that lived there too. He was a Jack-of-all-trades and wore many hats as a foreman, electrician, plumber, sawyer, welder, and carpenter. He could also leather craft, draw, play guitar, sing, and was an amazing dancer. There wasn't anything he was afraid of or wouldn't try.

Clifford was known for his soft spoken nature, huge smile, and sense of humor, teasing his sister-in-laws and members of his teasing clan. He loved his family and enjoyed attending gatherings and events where he was always asked to pray because of his unwavering faith.

He was a true man of God. He was always reading the Bible whether it was in his car, home or had free time.

Clifford was known for his hard work ethic, a trait he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be missed by all who met him.

When he returned home from his military enlistment, he married Velma Eastman and they were later divorced. Clifford married Ardith Stewart in 1984 and was with her until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Larry Joe BirdinGround.

Clifford is survived by his wife Ardith, sons Terry (Paulette), Dale, Lansing, Clifford Jr, Carlow Birdinground, Kurley Kindness, Adam Elkboy, Wendell Redstar. Daughters Veronica, Venessa (Joseph), Nadine Magenta, and Johnna Nicolette Flatmouth. A grandson whom he raised as his own Elias Plainfeather Jr. Granddaughters whom he raised as his own Camille Kindness and Verona Plainfeather.

Clifford had 22 siblings whom he loved and this led to a large extended family. We are unable to list all family members but he considered all his children and was close with all his relatives.

Children who he took as his own.