Jenica Dawn Passes

Jenica Dawn Passes, 37, of Hardin, MT, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on July 21, 1988, in Billings, MT to Tana Howey and Victor Passes. Her Crow name, Kaalitchiia’ Hileen Chiiwakiish (Prays in the Thunder), was given by Marlon Passes. Jenica was a beloved mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, and Kaale.  

Jenica was raised in Crow Agency and Busby, MT, by her parents, Tana Howey and Victor Passes, her mom Lavina, and her papa, the late Donald Victor Passes Sr. Jenica was affectionately referred to as “Princess” by her papa Donald, a nickname she proudly carried throughout her life. She was part of the Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Greasy Mouth Clan. 

Jenica attended Head Start in Crow Agency before beginning elementary school at the Hardin Public Schools. She later attended middle school at Colstrip Public Schools and continued her education at Hardin High School, where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society.

Jenica met Jordan White, with whom she spent much of her life with and started a family, raising Brooklynn and Taurean. She cherished being a mother and embraced the joys and challenges of young motherhood with strength and devotion.  

In later years, Jenica made her home in Hardin, MT, with Anthony, where they shared life together and created many cherished memories. 

Jenica entered the workforce at a young age and held several positions throughout her life. She took great pride in her role at One Health as a Peer Support Specialist, where she compassionately supported individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. She was also a dedicated advocate for the Toys for Tots program within her community, generously volunteering her time at the food bank and farmers market. Most recently, she worked as a bus driver for Cannon Transportation, a position she truly enjoyed, especially greeting the kids each day with warmth and kindness. 

Jenica was a light and a joy to be around. She was genuinely kind and welcoming, making a friend of everyone she met. She was always laughing and joking, and her unforgettable giggle will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Jenica found hope and strength through her faith. She was baptized Catholic, but did not limit herself to one way of worshipping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether attending Catholic Mass, Pentecostal services, or participating in Sweat Lodge ceremonies, Jenica embraced every opportunity to pray and strengthen her spiritual connection. 

Jenica is preceded in death by her papa Donald Victor Passes Sr.; great-grandparents, Ralph and Molly Small, grandfathers, Ervin Small and Dale Small, Josephine Three Irons, Robert and Geneva Other Medicine, Kelly and Stella Passes, and Baby Megan Howey. 

She is survived by her children Brooklynn (J’Lewis Hill) White and Taurean (Tilonie OldBull) White. Her significant other, Anthony Springfield. Her parents Victor (Barb) Passes, Tana Howey, and Lavina Passes. Sisters: Amanda Passes, Meigan (Jerry) Lafranier, Remi Red Star, Josie Passes, Ashlee (Gary) Stevenson, Katelynn Passes, and Madison Passes. Brothers: Kole (Sarah) Passes, Benjamin Passes, Brodie Passes, Riggins Passes, Neuce Passes, and Drake Passes. Grandparents: Jeanie Small, Gary (Linda) Howey, Frances Pretty Paint, Val (Jeff) Packs The Hat. Nieces: Susanna (Zane Plain Feather) White Clay, Raylee & Kaydee Birdinground, Lexi Passes, Maliyah Passes, Auriana & Aurelia Stevenson, Ayla Lafranier. Nephews: Carter Birdinground, Dallas & Slick White Clay, Cassius Reed, James & Elam Porter, Passes Rhodes, Bryson Passes, Jadence White Quills, DJ Little Sun, Adaias Red Star, Ezekiel Melendez, and Isaac Birdinground “Baby Bird”. Sister-aunt Stell Jo (Boots Beatey) Passes. Aunts: Becky Howey, Melissa Passes, Rosie Other Medicine, and Thelma (Mike) Hill. Uncles: Rodney Trehan, Kelly “Dee” Passes, Bruce Other Medicine, Emerson Other Medicine, and Brother-uncle Brenden Passes. Brother-in-law: Anihkan Springfield. Her special friend Jovonne DeCrane. Cousins:Jeana, Cassie and Angel, Jordan, Madison, Bailey, Hunter, Decker, Sawyer, Fin and Molly.

Extended Families: Three Irons, Passes, Birdinground, Big Man, Pretty On Top, Deer Nose, Small, Spotted Wolf, and Rondeau. Our family is large, we sincerely apologize for any accidental omissions.

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