Frances Swallow

Born January 31, 1936, Frances Swallow has made her journey home to Maheo on November 21, 2024, in Crow Agency at Awe Kualawaache Care Center. She was the Daughter of John Swallow and Marie Bigbeaver and was born in Oklahoma. She created her home and life in Busby, MT., creating many memories which she shared for many years with her family and friends by her side. Her Indian name was Pipe Woman.

Frances was an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, where she raised her own kids along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren whom brought her love, life and joy. She had seven children of her own.

A devoted member of the White River Mennonite Church in Busby, MT, Frances’s faith in the Lord was strong and she shared her knowledge of the Cheyenne Church.

Frances worked effortlessly as a Dorm matron, Bilingual Teacher,  and a School Bus Driver all at Busby school, along with many other summer jobs working with youth sharing her faith and glory in God.  She loved providing for her family and worked until she couldn’t work any longer.

Frances enjoyed watching her soap operas, game shows, and highway 212, in her big recliner.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jessie Swallow and her mother Marie Big Beaver; her sons Frank and Charlie Risingsun; daughters Lazona and Vivian Risingsun; her granddaughter Olivia Bigback; her great-grandson Carlos Bigback; sisters, Naomi Swallow, Lena Gray; special sister Irene Bearquiver; and brother Norman Wolfchief.

She is survived by her sisters, Gloria St Claire, Flora Swallow; children: daughters Roberta Bigback, Gail Bigback; sons, Irvin Risingsun Jr. (Evalyn), William Risingsun (Deanna); adopted sons, Matt (Sue) Gilkerson, Robert (Shannon) Cunningham; her grandchildren: Josie and Chris Risingsun, Lorilei, Amy, Denise, Wade Whitewolf, Rosalyn Bigback, Krystal (Vann) Foursouls, Leyonda Bedonie, Mariah Brien, Jessie Brady, Robert Bigback, Earl John Risingsun; her great-grandchildren: Ambrien (Jeffery) Risingsun, Aubrey (Ricky) Bianas, Aiden (Beadie) Risingsun, Avin Risinsgun, Frazell Bigback, Cecelia Grant, D’kane Grant, Kidron Bigback Kimmie, Ronnie, Olivia, Cheyenne Brien, Kian Whitebear, Amiya, Acacia, Van Jr, Avana, Aizlyn Foursouls, Logan; Great great Grandchildren, Ellie and Jerald Roundstone, Rory, Chloe, Ricky Jr. Bianas, Kayle’ana, and Henny Risingsun.

We would like to say a special thank you to the staff members and caregivers at Crow hospital, and Awe Kualawaache Care Center, in Crow Agency MT.

Our family is large, so please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention you in this time of grief.

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