Margo Real Bird

Baakukaawia (Early Dawn Woman), also known as Margo Real Bird, 89, passed away on January 8, 2026. Apsaalookbia (Crow Woman), Bilikooshbia (Whistling Water Woman), Uuwatashiiwaakaate (Greasy Mouth Child), was the 9th child born to Baáte, (Attends all Things - Florence Medicine Tail) and Isaashke Xaxxe (Owns Painted Horse -Mark Real Bird) on April 25th, 1936, alongside her twin brother, Charlie.

At a year old, she and her twin were raised by their paternal grandparents, Annie Medicine Crow and Frank Bethune, with her niece, Justine Little Light, in accordance to the Crow tradition of grandparents' grandchild, "Kaalishbaabiduk".

She spent her formative years on the banks of the Little Bighorn River, at the base of the coulee named after her maternal Grandfather, Chiish Baaxpe (Medicine Tail). Her Grandfather, Frank Bethune, is credited for bringing the Native American Church way of life into Crow Country, wherein Margo (English name) would learn to pray in the sacred lodge, Crow Sweat bath, and other ceremonies. It is through this upbringing that she developed an unwavering faithfulness to her Crow way of life and language, which taught her the discipline that allowed her to live up to her Crow name, waking up early every morning to pray.

She attended Crow Agency Public School and graduated from Hardin High School in 1954, the same year she was the first runner-up for the title of Sheridan, Wyo. Rodeo Queen and served as the Rodeo Queen for the 35th annual Crow Fair Rodeo.

In 1956, she became a mother to her firstborn, Curtis Ross, followed by her only daughter, Mimi Karen (named for Mimi Tate of Sheridan, Wyo., Margo's good friend), and then her baby, Barry Johnson.

In 1971, she joined the Teacher Corps, followed by her graduation from Eastern Montana College (now MSUB) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, 1975. She would continue her 25-year career at Crow Agency Public School until her retirement. Throughout her career, she molded the minds of generations of Crow children, some of whom to this day acknowledge her as their favorite teacher, becoming like a grandmother to them and their children. Her career would also spark a future of what would become 20 educators over the course of the next three generations of Real Bird family members. From this, she earned the title of Akbawaachimiche (Teacher).

There was an undeniable authority about her, yet her motherly kindness would shine through in her laughter and warm smile, especially while teasing others.
She exemplified the virtues of a true Crow woman in her dignity, grace, and humility. She role modeled what it is to persevere in life through her feats of accomplishments. Throughout the years, she made it a point to camp during Crow Fair and parade every year. She enjoyed serving as a parade marshal and supporting her granddaughters as parade managers, most recently, Crystal. She also outfitted many daughters-in-law.
She became a great-grandmother in 1993 to Shakira Glenn, and as it was in her time, she in turn, raised many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Nina, Holly, Wolfy, Cotton, Tater, Shane, Maggie, Hillary, and Journee. She truly was kaale xaalia (grandmother).

A proud moment of her life was in 2019 when she traveled with family to Chicago, Illinois to the Field Museum to participate in the Apsáalooke Women and Warriors Exhibit curated by her granddaughter, Nina.

Margo took pride in all of her friends and family members' accomplishments; you would see her anywhere up front and center from dancing at an honor song for Crow Fair Royalty to cheering on rodeo contestants, singing at handgames with her beloved Reno Cowboys, and supporting high school athletes and graduates. During her nephew Gordon's coaching days, she was the utmost LG Indians basketball fan, traveling through blizzards to all the games. Often, she would participate in family peyote meetings and Sundances, giving what she could by providing food or giveaway items. Margos' motherly love for others was so great that she was never one to ask for anything, but she always contributed something wherever she went. She was a true believer in all Crow ceremonial ways of life, giving instruction to all those around her and praying for her clan children. She gave pouring rights, named many children, and took in morning water for numerous peyote meetings, as well as serving as a water woman in sundance. She was adopted into the Tobacco Society by John and Agnes Holds the Enemy. Her tobacco society sisters are Jolene (Beaumont) Whiteclay and Velma Fitzpatrick, brothers, Johnny Boy (Laurena) Holds the Enemy, and Dennis (Nora) Big Hair.

Recounting the life of an extraordinary woman is like counting the number of stars in the sky, though the many memories be near and dear to our hearts, we must all know that she lived by what she taught and that of which carries on in each of us. In the words of her mother to her children and her to us "love one another for you are all brothers and sisters".

Those who have gone on before her include her parents, Florence and Mark Real Bird. Siblings; Martha Little Light, James Real Bird, Lorraine Moccasin, George, Pius, Floyd, Edison and her twin, Charlie Real Bird. Grandson Jordan "Wolfy" Real Bird. Her close cousin, Bertha Bear Claw. Her Tobacco Society brothers: Arlis Whiteman, Mervin Eastman, and Ed "Buck Day" Little Light. Lifelong friends: Dora Old Elk, Victoria Bad Bear, and Ruby Plain Feather.

She was the last living member of a 9-sibling generation, those she leaves behind her children, Curtis, Mimi, and Barry. Grandchildren: Nina Sanders, Holly (Jimeno Leider), Crystal (Jordan Whiteman Sr.), Cotton, Nolan, Rama (Jeremy Wyles), Rainee, Santee (Joy), Beth, Delcey, Noah. Great Grandchildren; 45 Great-Great-Grandchildren; 9. A sister, Ramona Beth Real Bird, Rosaline (Hill) Yellowmule. Ilene (Hill) Big Hair.

Neices and nephews:

Martha Real Bird - Little Light children; Corn, Lena, Ella Beth, and Janice (Leo) Hudetz, 24 grandchildren, and 68 great-grandchildren. James Real Bird Children: Henry (Alma), Kennard (Diane), Birdie, Jimmy (Katie). 21 grandchildren and 65 great-grandchildren. Lorraine Real Bird Moccasin children: Joyce, Helen Crooked Arm, Loretta Johnson, and Lana Moccasin. 17 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. George Real Bird children: Doris Stewart, 6 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Edison Real Bird children: Dr. Lanny Real Bird, Natalie, and Rhea, 6 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Pius Real Bird children: Gordon, Girl, Putt (Jill) Thompson, and Butch (Glenda) Jellis, and 8 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Charlie Real Bird children: Shawn (Lynelle), Nicole, and Tim (Gaynell). 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Medicine Tail Grandchild; Marlene Falls Down and 7 great grandchildren.

Adopted Sons: Shawn Riley, Paul Pryor, Darren Charges Strong, Kyle Gibson, Narsis Reevis, and Ron Brugh. Adopted Daughters: Diana Volk and Bethany Yellowtail.

Lifelong friends and former classmates: Regina Gros Ventre, Angela Red Wolf, Miriam Old Coyote, Caroline Small Martin, Shirley Pitsch-Margheim, and Deloris Wittmier.

Extended Family includes: Medicine Tail, Deer Nose, Not Afraid, Howel Hoops family, Medicine Crow, Onion, Fire Bear, Bird Hat, Bad Horse/Covers up, Don't Mix, Leider, Tobacco, Anderson, Round Face and Bear all the Time, Spotted Wolf.