Gloria "Ouzie" Blackcrow

Gloria "Ouzie" Blackcrow, 78, ʔɔhʔɔnáákyaaʔiθaaʔ (Rock Woman) began her journey on August 28, 2024 of natural causes at her home in Fort Belknap Agency, MT, surrounded by loved ones.

A Woman's Pipe Ceremony was conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at her residence in Fort Belknap Agency. A Sunrise Ceremony was at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The Four Day Feast followed at the Kills At Night Center (Green Building) in Hays, MT.

Ouzie Blackcrow was born on September 21, 1945, at Fort Belknap, MT, to Joseph Blackcrow, Sr. and Rosie Shortman Blackcrow. She spent most of her younger years playing outdoors in the surrounding hills of Hays, MT, and the Little Rocky Mountains, while attending Hays Public School. She graduated from Flandreau Indian High School in 1965 and later on in years, earned an Associate's Degree in Elementary Education from Fort Belknap College.

In 1966, she embarked on a new chapter of her life with Lonnie R. Steele, and their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Lonette [Steele] Blackcrow and Quannah Steele. Though their marriage did not last, she found joy and companionship in Leroy 'Squeak' Shields, a true friend who has stood by her side through thick and thin and celebrated every triumph with her.

Ouzie comes from a very large Blackcrow/Shortman family. Her parents raised 12 wonderful mischievous children. Most of whom had nicknames to match their personalities. Nicknames they would never outgrow. To this day, many people still don't know their real names. From oldest to youngest, they are as follows: Phyllis, Wimpy (Edwin), Fiddles (Joseph, Jr.), Sister (Eileen), Higgin (Mark), Bussettes (Lois), Ouzie (Gloria), Cuddy (Mary), Eagle (Nora), Puny (Aloysius), Buzz (Phillip), and Zot (George).

Ouzie embraced her ceremonial traditions, holding dear her Sundance family and traveling to various Sundances in Montana and Canada. She served as the esteemed Head Lady Dancer at the Hays Sundance in the breathtaking Mission Canyon for many years, leading with grace and devotion. At a ceremony in Canada, she was gifted her own sweat lodge songs. Additionally, she was honored as a Woman's Pipe Carrier and given the right to put on a Woman's Pipe Ceremony by the late George "Sonny" Took the Shield.

Filled with a sense of purpose, she spent her best years sewing starquilts as meaningful gifts that would travel the globe. Her passion for beading and making regalia was unmatched, and she took great pride in creating special pieces for her family. Her zest for life led her on adventures across many states, from California to Oklahoma and eventually back to Montana, always seeking new experiences and opportunities for growth. She enjoyed picking berries, cutting drymeat, making bread, canning, crafts, collecting spoons and thimbles the list goes on and on. There wasn't anything she didn't know how to do, or attempt to try.

As part of the Relocation program in the mid 1960"s, Ouzie ventured to California, but her passion for working with children originated at a Headstart in Missoula, MT in the mid 1970's, subsequently progressing to Fort Belknap Headstart in the early 1980's and later as a child care provider for the doctors and nurses at St Vincent's Hospital in Tulsa, OK paving the way for a distinguished career as a Special Ed Paraprofessional at Hays/Lodgepole Schools, where she dedicated over 18 years, and eventually concluded her professional journey at Harlem Elementary School after three impactful years, leaving behind a legacy of love and admiration from her students.

Survivors include her companion Squeak Shields; brothers Buzz (Sissy) Blackcrow and Zot (Shark) Blackcrow; adopted sister (native way) Cheryl Plumage; daughter Lonette Blackcrow; adopted son (Native way) Walter Snell; her beloved grandchildren Larissa (Chris) Longfox, and Darrin Longfox Jr (aka "Son"); and her cherished great grandchildren Shaylee Johnson, Chris Johnson Jr (aka "Baby Son"), Taya Longfox, LaRyan Birdtail, Treycen Longfox, Krista Johnson, Tyus Longfox, Alden Birdtail, Douglas Johnson (aka "Baby Doug") and the caboose Waylon Johnson. Not to mention a whole flock of nieces, nephews, and grandkids (way too many to list). Also her little petting zoo, complete with birds, fish, dogs, and cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe & Rosie Blackcrow; sisters Phyllis, Eileen, Bussettes, Cuddy and Eagle; brothers Wimpy, Fiddles, Higgin & Puny; daughter, Quannah and granddaughter Selena Longfox.

Ouzie will always be remembered for her never-ending teasing, showering us with generosity, and always being ready to go 'play $5.' We'll also never forget her vast knowledge in all things ceremonial, but let's be real, it's really all about her grandchildren.

Ouzie will be forever loved, missed, and remembered.