Elijah Shay "Eli" Whiteclay

Elijah Shay Whiteclay, 27 of Crow Agency, MT was born to Autumn D. Whiteclay. He was raised by his grandfather Francis Joe Whiteclay. Elijah was affectionally known by all as Eli and Babe. His Apsaalooke name was Báakukkoo húush 'Comes From Above' given to him by his great grandfather, Francis Lee Bear Claw. Eli was a member of the Greasy Mouth clan and a child of the Whistling Water clan. He was proud to be raised in Wyola, Iona, MT, and Blacklodge areas calling them all home. Eli was blessed to have also been raised by his Mama Lissa and Mother Rhonda, whom loved him dearly. He attended school at Tongue River Schools, in Ranchester, WY and Lodge Grass High School, receiving his High School Diploma in Powell, WY., then later receiving his Welding Certificate from Shiloh Tech in Lovell, WY.
Eli was gifted with a demeanor that would light up the room with a contagious laugh that was recognizable anywhere. Having the gift of gab, he was never afraid to tell you how he felt, most likely with words that were unfiltered. He was a friend to all, befriending people in every situation or arena he was in. Coming from rooted ranching families, he was a natural horseman and talented roper never missing an opportunity to rope with his grandfathers, uncles, and brothers. He could rope on any horse he mounted. Many times, his Papa Joe or Buzzy would throw him on horses no matter how seasoned or how green, always making it look easy. He loved and looked forward to branding for local and family ranches and was known as a good hand. If you were looking for him, he could be found spending hot days and cool nights riding horses with his Papa Joe.
His dream of becoming a welder came to fruition when he was accepted into a welding program and received his certificate. This along with his strong work ethic allowed him to always have a job.
Eli always made time for his nephews and nieces whom he loved like his very own but his daughter McKenzie Jo was the one who stole his heart.
Preceded him in death grandmother Bernadette Bear Claw Whiteclay, maternal great grandmother Joan Horn, and great grandfather Francis Bear Claw. His paternal great grandparents Vernon and Carol Whiteclay Jr.
Eli is survived by his daughters, McKenzie Jo and Chaselyn LaFrance. His mother, he affectionately called Autumn Dawn. His other two mothers, Lissa Whiteclay and Rhonda (Larry Hogan) Horn. Stepfather; Cornelio Vega and Adopted father; Andre LaFrance, his siblings; Emilio Vega, Conner and Char Hugs, JoRee (Talon Lonebear), Taylor LaFrance, Kami Jo Whiteclay, Laethum, Zander McCormick, TyRyssa and KrayTei Chandler and Tate BirdinGround. Aunts; Jolee Whiteclay, Miranda, Chelsea Rowland, Tiffany (Ty) BirdinGround, Destiny Whiteclay, Karen Jean, Kim (Ralph Chavez) Yarlott, Tonyann (Jon) Bell, Tammy (Danny) Mendez, Judy Wagner, Shelly (Darrin) Charges Strong. Uncles; Hartford (Angie) Bear Claw, Willie (Barb) Gardner, Darrell Bright Wings, Frank Rowland, Jr, Micah (Jessie) Whiteclay and Alvin (Letonne) Yarlott, Jr. His Godmother Rosaline Old Bear, grandparents; Kenneth, Clinton (Kathleen), Delano (Alta), Harold (Cheryl), Vernon (Jolene) Whiteclay III, Joanie (Frank) Rowland, Laura and Jolene Ann Whiteclay and Helen Old Coyote.
Extended family; Horn, Whiteclay, Blaine, Reed, Tobacco, Stops, Bear Claw, Little Light, Stewart.