Pius Elliott Horse

Pius Elliott Takes Horse, went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2025. Pius was born to Samuel Takes Horse and Geraldine Big Day-Schinderline on October 28, 1983, in Crow Agency. He was a member of the Zion II Church. His Indian name was Ahshiichiisuuash "Cheering On", given to him by his clan uncle, Dewey Bulltail. He was a member of the Piegan Clan and was a child of the Whistling Water.

Pius met Mariah on Mytribalspacecom, it's kind of like MySpace but for natives, in 2009, if that gives any indication of how long they've been together. You younger kids wouldn't understand. They saw each other off and on over the years and made time for each other whenever they could. Mariah's nickname for him was "Tumbleweed" because she never knew from what direction he would be blowing in from. He made plans for her to move to Montana in 2019 and start their lives together, and have been inseparable ever since. They were married on October 4, 2020, at Zion II Church. Pius and his wife, Mariah Takes Horse, made their home in Billings.

Pius grew up in Wyola, went to school there K-4, and continued his schooling in Hardin till his sophomore year. While in Hardin, Pius played basketball. Pius then transferred to Lame Deer, where he graduated.

After high school, Pius went off to college at SKC – Salish Kootenai College, where he earned his associate's degree in Liberal Arts. He attended Little Big Horn College and took Crow Language and was a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a direct descendant of his Revolutionary War soldier ancestor, Benjamin Walker.

Pius was a Highway Hero, was a truck driver, worked as a heavy equipment operator, and was an advocate for the Crow Tribal Courts. Pius earned 3 Certificates of Completion for Evangelism, his Certificate of Achievement for Travel Advisor Specialist, and was a licensed member of the Crow Tribal Bar.

Pius was a passionate believer in Jesus and would be called upon to perform house blessings. He would be invited repeatedly to bring out the word of God as a guest pastor at various churches and even Christian podcasts. He, his wife, and his mom would feed the homeless in and around Billings.

He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, taking them to the Y to either work out or play ball. Pius would teach them about God and reading the bible with them.

There was never a dull moment around Pius. He was always laughing and making jokes. His big laugh could fill a room with love. He would go out and give to anyone in need.

Pius is preceded in death by his dad, Samuel Takes Horse; grandparents John Takes Horse Sr. and Mary Cummins; Carlton (Big Boy) Nomee Sr. and Ester Big Day; uncles John Takes Horse Jr, Joe Cummins; aunts Arlita Young, KarenSue Takes Horse, Tina Covers Up, Janice Bad Bear; and sisters Ester J. Takes Horse and Eva Bulltail.

Survivors include his wife Mariah Takes Horse; sons Chance Flores-Takes Horse, Antone, Zephaniah (Zeph) Takes Horse, John, Bowen McCollum; daughters Peyton McCollum, Jazlene (Shnazzy Jazzy) RockAbove-Half; granddaughter Quannah Kelly; his mother Geraldine Big Day- Schinderline; brothers Henry John Burlison, Leroy, John Take Horse, Simon BullTail, Pete, Shane Schinderline, Daryl, Carlton 3rd, Calvin Nomee, Nathaniel Deputee, Gavin Jefferson Jr.; sisters Shelley (Jack) Covers Up, Zakiah Takes Horse, Tyree (Robert) Grenier, Lucille (Allen) GunShows, Eugenia, Alta (Timothy) Deputee, Bernice Jefferson; uncles James (Jimmy) Takes Horse, Gordon Real Bird, Donnie (Boy), Clinton, Carlton(Lori) Nomee Jr., CJ (Jana) Not Afraid; aunts Sherlie Kristufeck, Marlene Stewart, Lucy, Karoline Lee, Sarah May Takes Horse, Virginia Real Bird, Donna J. Jefferson, Freida Ann Booth, Berthina Nomee.

There were many kids who looked up to Pius over the years as a second dad; he was loving to all and had numerous nephews and nieces he had taken in as his own.

Extended Families: Takes Horse, Nomee, Big Day, Bullinsight, Real Bird, LaForge, Birdinground, Old Elk, Enemy Hunter, Brien, Bad Bear, Eastman, Cummins, Backbone, St. Mark, LaMere, Parker, Nault, Yarlott, Morrison, Beaumont, St. Germaine, Anderson, and Willamson families. Our family is large, and if we've missed anyone, please understand.

Special Thanks to the Billings PD, Fire Department, and EMTs for doing their best for Pius.