Doris Bessie (Holds The Enemy) Hill

Doris Bessie Holds the Enemy Hill, 75, of Garryowen, MT passed away peacefully to the Other Side of the Camp on April 23, 2024 at Crow Indian Health Service Hospital surrounded by family. AWAXAAWE’ UUHPAWISHE DUUHPAAHIISH “Reaches Twin Peaks Twice,” given to her by Holds the Enemy, was born on July 18, 1948, in Crow Agency, MT, a daughter to the late John and Agnes Birdinground Holds, Sr. Doris was deeply rooted in her culture, being a member of the Tobacco Society, Sundance, also the Sioux Sundance as a pipe carrier and actively participating in cultural activities. She was also a Greasy Mouth and a child of the Bad War Deeds. Doris is a direct descendant of Pretty Eagle.

Doris, a true Garryowen native, had a deep-rooted passion for horse riding. Her horse, Snip, was not just a companion but a trusted partner in many barrel races. This love for Snip stayed with her even after she moved to Binaate upon her marriage. Doris's dedication and skill in horse riding were a testament to her spirit and determination. She attended Crow Agency and Billings schools and graduated from St. Labre Catholic School in 1967, where she was a cheerleader and later cheered for the State Class C Team for the St. Labre Braves, a role she cherished.

She later went to Eastern Montana College, now known as Montana State Billings, receiving her Elementary Education in 1975, continuing later to Montana State University Bozeman for her Master's.  She married Harold Hill, Sr. in 1968 and later divorced from this union, and they had children.

Doris's career in education began as a Head Start Teacher in Lodge Grass. Her experience as a Bilingual teacher inspired her to pursue further education and become a full-time teacher. Throughout her career, she taught at Pryor Public Schools and Lodge Grass Public Schools, where she ultimately retired. However, her passion for teaching led her to continue working at Crow Agency Public School before her final retirement. In addition to her work in education, Doris also provided valuable support to families as part of the social service department for the tribe, assisting them in obtaining licensing. She was also an advisor to the 8th-grade classes, a cheerleader advisor, and a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of America.

Doris had many talents. She was a skilled seamstress, especially in making cultural outfits and moccasins. She shared this talent with her daughter, nieces, and granddaughters. She was also proficient in writing the Crow language. Doris Bessie loved that her great-daughter MaShaya Bessie and later Julianna Addison Bessie carried on her name.

When Doris’ mother passed away, the late Anna Cummins Bear Cloud took Doris as one of her daughters out of the compassion and love of her heart. Doris had a love for all her nephews and nieces, which is numerous.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Aloysius & Jacob Big Hair. Sister, Joaney Holds Champ. Her aunts, Gladys and Dorothy Jefferson; Uncle Ernest Holds Her Tobacco Society mother, Mable Pretty On Top; nephews Dennis Jr., Daryl, and Thornton Big Hair, Gary Jo Real Bird, Myron and PJ Jefferson, Jacob Big Hair, Jr. Niece, Dennell Big Hair.

Doris is survived by her children: Harold “Big Boy” (Indy), Helmeg (Nina), Hans, Holden, Adian Hill, Gary Davis, Dominica Hill Bear Crane, and Paizley Goes Ahead. Her grandchildren are Sharmaine, JLewis, Harold III, Jericho, Jaziree, Polly, Angelina, Matthew, Kamie, Daylon, Myron, Helmeg, Jr., River Jericho, Victoria, Tony, Kristopher, Joe and Aleigha; her great grandchildren Phamous, Reigh and Saint. Doris' siblings: Velma, Tronson, Dennis (Nora) Big Hair, John (Laurena) Holds, Jr. Sarah (Henry) Small, Denise Goes Ahead, Rhonda and Janell Jefferson, Acorn Holds the Enemy. Her sisters through the Tobacco Society, Margo and Birdie Real Bird, Jessie and Te-Atta Old Bear, and Helen Old Coyote. Adopted siblings: Alma Real Bird, Agnes, Tina, Rachel, Jonella, Angela, Mike, and Sonny Hill.  Her special friends were like sisters: Linda Covers Up, Beldean Pease, Diane Hoffman, Arbutus Cover Up, Deloria Spotted Horse, and Randine Fitzpatrick. Aunts Sandra (Myron) Shields, Lou Old Coyote, and Brandee Rhae Mays; Uncle Kenneth (Fannie) Plenty; adopted children David Iron, Amber White, Justin Howe, Johnny Yellowtail, and Michael Hill, Jr.

Nephews and Nieces, Dennis (Henrietta) Whiteman, Jess (Mary) Half, Aldean (Leo) Good Luck, Dalean, Dorcus, and Joaney, Trudy, Allena, Jaylene, Michelle, Deneen (AJ), Dale (Eva), Tysha, Agnes, and Al Jay Big Hair, Jaychelle Ten Bear, Ray (Jimi), Jonalena, Joe, Johnny, Deborah, Isaac, Joaney Champ, John III, Whitney (Emerine), and Laramie Holds, Jonalea (Chester) Nomee, Kim (Bryce) Hugs, Jasper, Cameron (Zandee) Half, Rheannon and Jonetta House, Clemadean (John) White Grass.

Extended families: Holds the Enemy, Bird Hat, Beaumont, Little Owl, Bell Rock, Door, Big Shoulder, Birdinground, Reed, Laforge, Rock Above, Old Elks, Three Irons, Big Lakes, Stewarts, Young Swallow, Pease, Rondeaux, Caufields, Sings Good, Capletts, Wesley, Good Horse Takes Wrinkle, Brien, Beads, and White Clay.

The family would like to thank the following Indian Health Service nurses who took care of her: Judy, Cynthia, Racheal, Molly, Angela, Farrah, and Rochelle.

Please forgive us if we have forgotten anyone during our time of grief.

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