Barbara Lee Stewart-Spotted

Barbara Lee Stewart - Spotted, 71, went to the other camp on September 13, 2025. Her Crow name was Báadát báa itchiiawiish, “Wants To Do Good Things”  She was a loving friend, sister, most of all grandmother, mother, and above all a wife. She was born on January 1st, 1954, in Crow Agency, MT, to the Late Donald A. Stewart Sr. and Olive Bear Ground-Stewart, with whom she shared the same birthday; she was her mother’s birthday present. She was a clan member of the Bad War Deed and a child of the Greasy Mouth Clan. Barbara grew up in Crow Agency and Wyola area, attending Crow and Wyola Public Schools. She was a loving wife to Kenneth Spotted and a mother to Kenny Joe (Jennifer) Spotted, Clay Spotted, Krystin Hattie Spotted, Carla Leider-Real Bird, and Cindy Bear Cloud.

Barbara met Kenneth in 1980, and they later, in 1986, moved out to Aberdeen, MT, on the Bear Ground homestead. They then settled there and made a home. There they raised their children, including Jennifer Spotted, whom she loved as her own daughter after marrying her son, Kenny Joe, as well as their children Alberto, Kole Jon, Kennan, and little Joely. She also took in Jennifer's sister, Nicole Left Hand; whatever event Barbara did, Jennifer and Nicole always made sure to be there to help her.

Out in Aberdeen, Barbara was a homemaker for her family, the children, and grandkids. After 20 years, the fences she bounded and rigged still stand and are still as strong as ever.  She never hesitated to help her husband and sons tend to the livestock, helping raise cattle and horses.

Barbara’s children and grandchildren often recall her being up before the sun. Cooking and getting breakfast ready at 4 am. Telling them to wake up now so they could have breakfast before they did their chores, headed off to school, or work. Even when Kenny Joe moved out, she’d still call him and let his family know breakfast was ready and to have some coffee before they left. Barbara was the first to wake up in her home and the last to go to bed because she’d still be sweeping and cleaning before she’d rest. She made sure she instilled a good work ethic in her children as well as her grandchildren, to live by the word, and to be obedient, listen, and learn. As well as whatever they do, do it unto the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter what you're doing, be thankful to the Lord. 

Barbara was a mother to all her nephews and nieces; they all loved to visit and see her out in Aberdeen. She made sure they were never forgotten; she knew everyone’s birthdays and made it a point to attend their sporting events, rodeo events, attend PowWow celebrations to watch her family, military achievements, academic achievements, and accomplishments, and most of all, family gatherings. She treated everyone equally. She didn’t treat one better than the other. As a Crow woman, she respected all her sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws, as well as her husband's family. 

Barbara was a humble woman. She didn’t like the limelight, even though she was her family’s number one supporter in anything and everything. At every family event, we couldn’t begin without our Barbara. Barbara was one with good words and great wisdom. She was very quiet but so strong. She made sure everyone was well taken care of with a warm, cooked meal. Especially her family when they’d stop by. Even strangers, she was welcoming and fed them. If anyone knew Barbara, they’d always recall her taking pictures. This was her keepsake. Those memories she made with her family, “let’s take a picture!” or “take a picture Hattie!”. Barbara spoke softly with a warming tone. We never heard her raise her voice. So humble and never boastful or prideful. She was the calmness amongst storms. Her devotion to her husband was like no other. Their hardships and triumphs never overcame their love and their family. Kenneth was the foundation, and she was his backbone. Their love and respect for one another were cherished by each other, no matter what they faced, good and bad, smooth or rough. Where Kenneth went, Barbara followed; where Barbara went, Kenneth followed. They were truly the heart and mind of their family. They were the bond that their family had together for so many years.

We often wondered what made our Barbara such a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. So calm, humble, and wise, but yet so strong, loving, and collected. It was Barbara’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She had her own special relationship with the Lord. She didn’t brag or boast about it. 

Barbara had her moments, as her children recall. When she’d be cooking, cleaning, or just going about her day in her home. She’d pause and glance out the window, either in the kitchen or the living room. She’d just get real quiet, sometimes taking a deep breath, or just looking outside at the view. They knew those moments their mother was speaking to The Lord in her own way. How peaceful she was in those moments. They could feel it. The power and relationship she had with her faith, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. That’s what made our Barbara the calmness amongst a storm. Barbara’s passing is very hard for our family, especially her husband, children, and grandchildren. No words can express how much love we have for her. It will never be replaced but will be evermore remembered and cherished in our lives. Even in her last moments, she called the heavenly Father’s name. This was our Barbara; a devoted wife, a loving mother, a grandmother, a sister, and aunt.

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