Anita Fray LaRance

Anita Fray LaRance, affectionately known as “Swede” was born on August 6th, 1953, in Sheridan, Wyoming and departed peacefully on January 27th, 2026, surrounded by her family in Billings, Montana. Anita was the beloved daughter of James “Jimmy” LaRance and Emma LaForge. She was lovingly raised by Francis “Papa” Laforge, Gilbert Scott & Harriet Don’t Mix, Harold “Buster” & Josie Brien, Linda Lee Laforge, Albert LaRance and Wanda Door Medicine Horse— All of whom contributed to her upbringing and nurtured her with love. Anita’s Apsáalooke name was “Binnaaskeen Biilaalish” (Blessing at the River Bank), a name bestowed to her by Richard “Dickie” Cummins IV, after giving her original name to her granddaughter Micah Beth. She was a member of the Ties the Bundle and a Child of the Whistling Water clan. Anita was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her. Anita attended Wyola Public School then earned her diploma at Lodge Grass High School and later pursued higher education at Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University–Billings). Anita applied her education by working in the Payroll and Finance for the Lodge Grass Schools and then Crow Tribe of Indians. She concluded her career at St. Labre Indian School, after dedicating 17 years before retiring.  Anita enjoyed family outings, fishing, picnics, NFL season and cheering on her Kansas City Chiefs. She was an accomplished beader, creating beautiful Apsáalooke designs as a labor of love for her children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Deeply proud of her culture and heritage, she participated in sweat lodges, Sundance, and Native American Church ceremonies. She played handgames with her beloved Mighty Few district. Known for her generosity, Anita raised many children and provided a loving home west of Black Bridge near Wyola. A place where she always called and considered home no matter where she happened to be living. She delighted in cooking large meals for anyone who stopped by. Her residence was consistently displayed in immaculate condition, exemplifying her meticulous attention to detail, cleanliness and sense of pride. Anita cherished the earth and its gifts, often saying that plants offer healing and wisdom freely, asking only for respect and care in return. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Please remember Anita for her life of love, compassion, faith, generosity and the grace she showed and the impact she had on everyone she met.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, James and Emma LaRance; grandparents Agnes Cummins, Andy LaRance, Beth Iron Horse and Francis LaForge; sisters Mary Beth Castro and Agnes LaRance, daughter Alberta Rides Horse, her grandson Chaz Tushka, granddaughters Whitney and Nisha Rides Horse, and brothers William and Richard “Dickie” Cummins.

Survivors include her only daughter Valenna Medicine Horse; grandchildren Jessi (Micah) White Clay, Micah Beth (Clement) Other Medicine, Mikki (Rudolph) Old Crow and Kylee Jo Tushka; great children Charly, Tyree and Micayla White Clay, Rayvon Rides Horse, Tayzlee, Tyzell, Tarayah and Taiden Other Medicine,Chazlynn Big Day, Sheridan Wagner, Burdette and Leilynn Birdinground; sons Angel Velasquez, Michael and Chris Pisano, Dillard Birdinground, Sonny LaRance, Santana Castro, Richard Takes Horse,  Julio Garza, Dana Wilson, Allison Bouyer, Jr., Jim Tushka, Jr, Robert “Hoss”  and C.J. Rides Horse, Jordan Brien, Allen Knows His Gun, Gilbert Scott, Jr.; daughters Carla Catolster, Kassie Anita, her namesake and Kristen Birdinground, Becky Jo Graham, Misty Aragon, Chantina White Hip, Helen, Misty and Wahelah; sisters Kathey Birdinground, Barbara, Toni, Namoi Rae and Jolene Aargon, Myrna Belle Small, Regina Bends, Gail Rock Above, Betty Jane Bouyer, Joyce LaForge, Anita Stewart, Francine Small, Debbie Gust, Mary Mak Ten Bear, Denise Bear Ground, Valerie and Bobalene Brien, Georgiann Pease, Shirley, Lucy, Sarah Mae Takes Horse, Marlene Stewart, Rachel and Dorothy Pretty On Top; brothers Harold Jess Brien, Jonathan, Evan and Henry Pretty On Top, Edward, Billy Ray and Larry Eastman, Billy Back Bone, Kenneth, Curtis, Jon Lei, Danny, Erik, Vernon and Harold Brien, Allison Bouyer, Sr., Woodrow Brien, Delmar Aragon, Delano, Chester White Clay, Clinton and RC Old Coyote, Harold,Sr., Mike and Sonny Hill,  Joseph “Jobo” Stewart, Bradford Crooked Arm, John III, Thomas, George, Barney, Anson and Leroy Cummins, Jimmy Takes Horse and Tommy Carpenter; aunts Angela Red Wolf Stewart, Mary Louise LaForge, Delmyrna Yarlott, Rosella Corington and Agnes Joy Takes The Gun. Anita’s good friends are Gilbert “Popcorn” Birdinground, Ursala Russell, Serena Brady Wetherelt, Georgia Wilson, Wanda Bixby, Carlene Old Elk and Debbie Passes.

Extended families include Cummins LaForge, Briens, LaRance, Aragon, Iron Horse, Bouyers, Hill, Medicine Horse, Walks Over Ice, Hill Side and Eastman.

We have a large family and we apologize if we have inadvertently left your name out. Thank you to Aspen Meadows and Stillwater Hospice staff for your care, and St. Labre Indian School.

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