Kenneth D. Pretty On Top

Kenneth D. Pretty On Top (Bishe e Chi ilapxiassaash, "Outstanding Buffalo Bull"), a name given to him by his uncle, Roger Stops, was born February 14, 1947, and was called home to his Heavenly Father on January 28, 2026, after a life marked by service, faith, and deep devotion to family and community.

He graduated from high school at Chilocco Indian Agricultural School in Kansas, the federal Indian boarding school commonly known as "Chilocco." Following high school, he attended Haskell Indian Nations University for a couple of semesters before joining the United States Army, where he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War.

On February 27, 1971, he married the love of his life, Hannah Pretty On Top. Together they established their family home and shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, faith, and love.

He began his career at Sarpy Creek Mine as a diesel mechanic, later becoming a dragline operator, and over the course of his 27-year career worked his way up through the ranks, ultimately retiring as General Superintendent. He was widely respected for his leadership, dedication, and strong work ethic.

He also answered a higher calling and served faithfully as a pastor for Spirit of Life Foursquare Church for 35 years, ministering to countless families through his preaching, counseling, and unwavering commitment to God.

His life was a testimony of service - to his country, his community, his church, and above all, his family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Hannah Arlene (Bird In Ground–Rock Above) Pretty On Top; his parents, Ned and Agnes (Stops) Pretty On Top; his siblings, Victoria, Tommy, Norman Pretty OnTop, and Lynda Whiteman; his grandsons, Ervin Joel Birdinground and Colton Chase Bearcloud; and his great-granddaughter, Mylei Morgan Rose Birdinground.

Surviving him are his children Janet (Chip) Fitzpatrick, Lesley (Ervin) Bird In Ground, Kallie Pretty On Top, Lori (Larry) Eastman, Kenny (Jerusha) Pretty On Top, Darren (Stacie) Pretty On Top, Ross (Carissa) Pretty On Top, Justin (Tia) Oleyte, Jonathan (Sarah) Kingston, David (Kristen) Mark, Jonathan (Terry) Lawton, Ronnie (Marcella) Morris, Yaseer (Monique) Handall, Chris Teller, Mike Medicine Horse, Joseph Infusio, and Marc (Susheela) Sommer; his siblings, Lizabeth Pretty On Top, Brewster (Veronica) Pretty On Top, and Randy Pretty On Top, sister-in-law Beverly Pretty On Top, Cousin, Henry and Anda Pretty On Top, Shorty Plain Feather, Catherine Old Crow, and Melvin Stops ; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, including Neil and Sharon Webb, Doug and Elaine Brannon, and Casey and Sue Osborn, Stan and Ginger Simmons, Nate and Jennie Poetzl.

He also cherished the lifelong friendships he formed, Gary Rides the Horse, from his high school football days in Hardin with Terry Bullis, and from his years working at the mine with Arnold Wilkinson and Bill Weaver, as well as with those who preceded him in death, the late Dean Barnes, the late Doug Stewart, and the late Rusty Whitebear Sr.

He leaves behind cherished memories and a profound impact on his family, friends, congregation, and community. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he now rests in eternal peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated, and no funeral services will be held at this time. A memorial celebration of his life will be planned at a later date, allowing family and friends the opportunity to gather, remember, and honor him together.

Thank you to the Medical Staff at Billings Clinic.

Kenneth has a very large family and extended family, and we apologize if we have inadvertently left anybody out.