Kenneth Lee Taylor Beartusk

Born October 22, 1943, Kenneth Lee Taylor-Beartusk made his journey home to Maheo on November 5, 2024, at the Heritage Living Center. He was the son of Jerome Beartusk Jr. (Jiggs) and Margaret Horn and was born in Crow Agency, MT. His Indian name, Ane'hea'esote ("Charging Hawk"), was given to him by his mother.
Kenneth was an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He spent most of his life in Ashland, later moving to Lame Deer, and eventually settling in Busby, where he met the love of his life, Florene Pine Taylor. Together, they raised four children and two adopted children. Kenneth and Florene also lovingly raised their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kenny moved to the Heritage at Ashland in August 27, 2018 after the passing of Florene.
A devoted member of the White River Mennonite Church in Busby, MT, Kenneth's faith in the Lord was strong, and he often shared his testimony and faith with his family.
Kenneth worked tirelessly on various ranches, throwing bales for ranchers like Doc & Jean Gines, Kenneth LaFever, and David Bixby. He also worked as a laborer for ARCO Coal and at the Ashland Saw Mill. A proud outdoorsman and a Montana Indian Fire Fighter, Kenneth loved hunting and providing for his family. He took great pride in hunting deer for Florene, who made pemmican from his kills. Kenneth was known for his wood-splitting skills and continued to heat his home with wood and coal.
His favorite hunting rifles were the.243 Remington and the 30-30 Winchester. Kenneth enjoyed fishing, gathering wood during the summer, and preparing for the winter. He was meticulous about sharpening his knives and chainsaws, often seen cleaning his rifles with his favorite honing oil.
Kenneth enjoyed watching Sanford and Son and Rocky IV and listening to Johnny Cash. He was also a fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood films.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Florene Pine Taylor; his children, Troylynn Taylor and Lonnie Taylor; his grandchildren, Stephanie Shotgunn, Dwain Taylor, Daniel Taylor, and Marika Willard; his parents, Jerome Beartusk Jr. and Margaret Horn; his paternal grandmother, Lucy Eastman & Jerome Beartusk Sr.; his brother, Raymund Nason; and his nephew, James Nason.
He is survived by his children: Donovan (Charie) Taylor, Daphne Taylor, Shannon (Robert) Cunningham, and Mike Willard. His grandchildren: Nicole (Nick), Brendon, Jose, Gonzalo, Jarret, Deanjravon, Chad, Aaliyah (Marty), Hailey, Darius, Tavian, Lerena, Riley, Michael III, Haven, Keyonna, TJ, Taye, and Ethan. His great-grandchildren: Merasia, Merlin, Justus, Keeus, Rohen, Shoreigh, K'lell, Marika, Baby Teddy, Malik, Lariah, Halley, O'Shea, Rory, Carter, Laviath, Marvin, and Amar'e. Kenny's favorite sister, Diana McLean who always called him & spent time with hi. At the Heritage. His Beartusk sisters; Darlene, Jeanie, Caroline, Gerry, Jermaine, Jeromena & Jeri. Brothers; Marvin, Larry & Jimmy. Extended families include but are not limited to Beartusk, Mclean, Horn, Strange Owl, Red Robe, Foote, Blackwolf, Wolfblack, Bixby, Bobtail Horse, Youngman, Standing Rock Sioux, White thunder, Redfox, Wakancamni, Fisher, Bement, Taylor.
We would like to say a special thank you to the staff members and caregivers at Heritage Living Center in Ashland, Mt. And his friends & relatives for their kindness while Kenny was living there with them.
Wake Service: Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM, White River Mennonite Church, Busby, MT.
Funeral Service: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM, White River Mennonite Church, Busby, MT. Burial will follow at Busby Cemetery.