Dorcella Lizabeth (Three Irons) Eastman

Dorcella Lizabeth Three Irons Eastman, affectionately known as Dorci, her Indian name, “Balahoon Chiwakish” (Prays in Front of Many People), given to her by her Uncle Clarence Three Irons. Daughter of Gale and the Late Mary (Ten Bear) Three Irons, was born August 3, 1971, in Crow Agency, MT. She was a member of the Sore Lip clan and a child of the Bad War Deeds. She grew up in St. X and attended Pretty Eagle Catholic Academy in her early years. Then, when they moved closer to town, she attended the Hardin School District. While in high school, she played basketball, then became the boys basketball manager so she could follow her big brother Alan Cue while he played basketball. Eventually graduating from Hardin High School in 1989. She was an active member of the Native American Church, living that belief daily as a child and into adulthood. Dorci was a proud and active member of the Ree Society and the Owl Society, honoring her culture and community with quiet strength and dignity. She carried those values with her in everything she did. 

Dorci was a very traditional Crow Woman. She lived and practiced the Apsaalooke way of life in all she did. She honored and referred to her relatives according to Apsaalooke Crow traditions, carrying those teachings with pride and respect. Whenever there was a gathering, celebration, or giveaway among relatives, she was always prepared, known for having her giveaway items ready and for showing up to support in any way she could. She loved attending parties and events, not simply to be present but to help, encourage, and uplift others. Her vast knowledge of Apsaalooke ways, kinship, beliefs, and customs was a true gift. She carried this wisdom with humility and generosity. If we ever had a question, we could call her anytime, and without hesitation, she knew the answer. Her guidance, teachings, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to learn from her. Her dedication to education was evident throughout her academic journey. Education was one of her greatest passions. She began her journey at Little Big Horn College, earning her Associate of Arts Degree in Science with an emphasis in Pre- Nursing. She continued at Rocky Mountain College, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. Never one to stop learning, she later earned her Master of Arts in teaching middle school mathematics from the University of Montana - Missoula (GO GRIZ !!). She believed deeply in the power of education and dedicated herself to uplifting young minds. Her determination, intelligence, and compassionate spirit touched the lives of many students, colleagues, family members, and friends. She led by example, showing us all the importance of perseverance, faith, and lifelong learning.  She began her career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), where she worked as a Social Worker for several years. She then continued her service with the Crow Tribe, serving in Contract Care and later with the Crow Headstart Department and Grant Department. Ultimately, she transitioned into higher education, where she became a Professor of Mathematics at the Little Big Horn College. 

From a previous marriage, she was blessed with her beloved son (Regineld “Sonny”).  Later in life, she married Edward Porky Eastman in Crow Agency, MT, on February 27 of 2009. He was her soulmate and the love of her life, with whom she shared companionship, happiness, and enduring love. In addition to her beloved son, she was a loving and devoted mother to three more children: the late Heather Eastman, the late Jeremy “Squish”, and Teff Eastman. Whom she cherished and welcomed deeply into her heart and family as her own. 

She cherished and loved playing in the Handgame Tournament every year, a joyful expression of when she played. She loved creating the dresses and vest for her family each year. Sharing her love for traditions, she took pride in her culture. 

She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, whom she deeply treasured every moment spent with them; they brought her immense joy and laughter into her life. They were the light of her life, and she created memories that will forever be held close to her heart. Together, they built cherished memories that brought her great comfort and fulfillment. She was more than just an aunty - she was an “Aunty Mom” to so many of her nieces/nephews, caring for them as if they were her own children. She offered guidance, support, and encouragement through every stage of their lives. Always ready with a listening ear, practical advice, or a comforting presence. She celebrated their successes, stood by them in challenges, and quietly shaped their lives with her wisdom, patience, and love. 

Her role extended beyond family ties; she embraced the responsibilities and joys of mentorship with the same dedication she showed in every part of her life. Many of her nieces and nephews remember her as a safe harbor, a source of strength, and a model of generosity and compassion. Through her example, she taught them about the importance of family, tradition, community, and embodying the Apsaalooke values she held so dear. Her love and guidance created a legacy that will live on in the lives of those she nurtured, a lasting reminder of her heart, her wisdom, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

She is preceded in death by her mom, Mary Ten Bear Three Irons; brothers, Buster, Greg, Alvin, Indian Three Irons, Terrince Ten Bear, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Joe and Gladys Ten Bear; paternal grandparents, William and Louise Three Irons; uncles: Cue and William “Bill” Three Irons, Tyrone “Linda” Ten Bear, Carl Vanne, Sr., Joe Ten Bear, Jr., Joseph “Clara” Smells; and her children, Heather, Jeremy “Squish” Eastman, and  Mylei Birdinground.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Edward “Porky” Eastman; her father Gale Three Irons (Jesica); her children, Sonny (Tika) Flatmouth, Carly Eastman, Karston WalksoverIce, Bryce Three Irons, Teffany Eastman, Alanya (Isaiah) Dust, Josie (Chamique) Not Afraid, Andrea (Trajan) Hill, Hannah, Anna Ten Bear, Amberly Shigley, Haylee Jo (Kirby) Pretty Weasel, Gabriella Dawes, Mikayla (Steffan) Walks over Ice, Nathaniel (The late Lisa) Whiteman, Beau Venne, Bodee Jefferson, and Jae Hugs; her grandchildren (aka her “Babies”), Landon, Mary, Walker Flatmouth, Gia, William Three Irons, Jessie Door, Kingston Chief Child, Grayson, Kooper Hill, Kennedy Bad Bear, Kobi Lafromboise, Skilynn, Azayla WalksOverIce, Cody Flinn, Kenzyn Venne, and Ja’Kai Shigley; siblings, Alan Cue (Michelle) Three Irons, Levi (Cheryl) Yellowmule, Clay, Cameron (Tena), Randy (Jalana) Three Irons, Rusty, Theadore, Cody (Carlotta), Glenn Ware, Ty (Shana), Thomas (Mary) Ten Bear, Marvin (Glenda), Dean (Nadine), Larson Dawes, Ken Henry (Sena) Real Bird, Jolene Ten Bear, Eden Old Crow, Larsena (Miles) Burshia, Keri Benzel, Melvette, Staci Three Irons, Trina (Kevin) Ware Stanford, Presina (RJ) Pease, Tami Grant, and Mallory Venne; aunts, Annie Real Bird, Verna Hicks, Lori (Larry) Birdinground Eastman, Dorcella Little Light, Sophie PrettyonTop, and Sandra Grant; uncles, Clarence (Joselyn) Three Irons, and Clyde Little Light; and her grandparents, Laura Pickett and Lloyd (Alvina) Pickett.

Extended Families include: Three Irons, Ten Bear, Big Ox, Birdinground, Other Medicine, House, Stray Calf, Big Man, Half, Hogan, Morning, Stewart, Nomee, Brockie Jackson, Dancing Bull of North Dakota, and her in-laws, the Eastman Family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, cherished by family and friends and warmly remembered by the Little Big Horn College faculty. “With our large family, we are doing our best to recognize everyone. If we have accidentally left anyone out, please accept our sincere apologies.” 

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