Darlene Hedy Bird Faraway

Darlene Hedy Bird Faraway, “Kalitchiia Aakeen Disshiiitahchissh” (Dances on the Lightning So Beautiful), of Pryor, Mt, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 23, 2026. She was born on November 23, 1961, to Steven Birdfaraway and Aileen Not Afraid. Darlene was her father's pride and joy and remained a daddy's girl throughout her life. 

Darlene was a Greasy Mouth and a Child of Whistling Water. 

Darlene enjoyed life in her own way and was known as "Calamity Jane."  She was known for her sense of humor, quick remarks, and ability to make people laugh. She loved visiting with family and friends, was a caretaker for those in need, listening to all music, especially Crow hymns & Native gospel music, and she danced whenever she had the chance. She was a champion fancy shawl and traditional dancer, and she won many contests all over Indian Country. Powwows, celebrations, horse racing, rodeos, and loved to travel, which brought her joy. She appreciated her culture, traditions, and Western lifestyle. She loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, and riding horses, which connected her to her people and those she loved. She liked collecting knick-knacks and Friends everywhere she went. Darlene was a hardworking woman who was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. She was a Brown Belt in Martial Arts. She found happiness in life's simple moments.

Crow was her first language. She also was able to speak other languages: Navajo, Chippewa Cree, Blackfeet, Arapahoe, Hawaiian, Chinese, Sioux and German.

Darlene attended Pryor Public School, Plenty Coup High School, Chemawa Senior High School and graduated from Intermountain Indian School in Utah in 1980.  She excelled in Cross Country and Track. Where she made a lifelong Navajo friend, Sarah Billie from Cortez, CO. 

She is survived by her loving husband James Hill. Her children, Stephen and Appleen. 14 Grandchildren, whom she loved; Aspen Rae Rising Sun, Lyman Apple Turk Plain Bull III, Caleb Jake Caplett, Levi Justin Falls Down & Aloycious Paddy Ryan Caplett. Her son Stephen has 9 children.  Her sisters: Faith B. Faraway, Lavern (Wales) Bull Tail, Karen Austin, Warlene Fights WellKnown and Patrice Not Afraid. Her brother, Vidal, Marlon and Garland Not Afraid. Aunt: Agatha (Bruce) House Sr., and she loved all her nieces and nephews, whom she adopted as her own.

She was preceded in death by her Grandparents: Birdfaraway, Hoop That Sings, Leslie Not Afraid, and Rose Plenty Goods. Her parents, Steven Birdfaraway and Aileen Not Afraid. Her brothers: Duane Costa, Oliver Costa, Steven Birdfaraway Jr., Woodson Birdfaraway, Felix Birdfaraway, Garfield Costa and Bruce Big Hail. Her Sisters: Shirley Ann Not Afraid, Rosie Bearcrane, Colleen Jones, Marlene Red Star, Nadine Bird Hat, Jolene Not Afraid, and Dorothy (Chuck) White Plum Gambler. Her Uncles, Flex and Joe Fights WellKnown.  Her Aunts, Elizabeth Driftwood and Pearl Little Nest. 

Darlene will be missed by her family and friends for the laughter she shared, her generosity, and the memories she leaves behind. The family is also grateful to the medical professionals who cared for her with compassion and dignity.

Her extended families: Bright Wings, Howe, Bear Ground, Tilton (Sarah) Old Bull, Little Nest, Grey Bull, White Hip, Plenty Hawk, Fights WellKnown, Costa, Plain Bull, Not Afraid, Goes Ahead, Big Hail, Plain Feather, Hugs, Bulltail, DeCrane, White, and Ben White Plum family from Arapaho, Wyoming. Our family is very large; please forgive us if we have forgotten anyone in our time of grief.

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