Joseph Lee Gutierrez

Joseph Lee “Joe” Gutierrez went to the other side camp on November 10, 2025. He was born to Nicholas Gutierrez and Myrna Estelle Medicine Horse in Billings, MT, on September 16, 1968. His Apsáalooke name was Ishdeeaneh Baakbaash “Travels On A Scared Road” and he was a member of the Big Lodge clan. 

Joe grew up in Crow Agency, MT, where he attended school, and later attended Hardin High School. He also went to elementary school in Richland, WA, and spent some of his high school years there during the LDS Placement Program. Later in life, he worked as a laborer, firefighter, cook, security guard, and did scaffolding. 

Joe married Angela Gutierrez on November 3, 1999. His proudest accomplishment was his children and grandchildren, whom he loved spending time with, especially Caldera, his pride and joy.  He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved to go hunting, fishing, and he took great pride in his Crow heritage. Joe enjoyed cheering on his Steelers and spending time with his dogs, especially Chief. He was an early bird who loved his coffee, his smokes, and sitting outside and praying. He would frequently ride around the park on his bike. He loved playing bingo and was the bingo caller for the kids. He looked forward to coming home after dialysis to get his snacks together and wind down with his wife and family. He was the unifying presence within his family.

Joe maintained a traditional life with his beliefs. He started sun dancing at a young age and continued throughout his adult life in both the Crow and Lakota styles. He loved traditional dance and looked forward to the Crow Fair. 

Joe was a remarkable individual who played a significant role in the lives of those around him. He was a selfless and compassionate person who always lent a helping hand and offered wise counsel. Joe was a loving uncle who adored his nieces and nephews, and his warm personality made him a beloved figure. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Gutierrez; his adopted brothers and sister, Thornton, Daryl, and Dennell Big Hair; his brothers and sisters, Roxanna Big Medicine, Curtis, and Letha Cloud, Margaret, Merlene, Wesley, Dominic, Paul, April Medicine Horse, Robyn Blackburn, Ken, and Ranonne Dawes; his nephews, Matthew, Benny, Raleigh Cloud, and Joey Half.  

Joe is survived by his wife, Angela Gutierrez; his children, Marlee, Dustin (Laralynn), and Josiah (Austin), Joseph, Jr., Jeremy, Vivian, Cameron Gutierrez; his grandchildren, Caldera, Merek, Matea, Zacchaeus, Zadreyan Cody, Waverly, Kenton Camille and, Brielle Gutierrez, Angel, Paco, Shakira Little Head, Zachriah Enemy Hunter, MaKaveli - whom he gave his Indian Name; and his great-grandchild, Adoni; his mother, Myrna Estelle Medicine Horse; adopted parents, Dennis and Nora Big Hair; adopted brothers and sisters, Brett Haunn, Simpson Little Light, Deneen (Big Hair) Not Afraid, Garrett Door, Dee Pretty On Top; brothers and sisters, Makalia Gutierrez, Dennis Gutierrez-Swain, Theodora Hill, Angie Louie, Ben, Troy, Chris, Frankie Cloud, Inez Smart-Tom, Liz, Thomas, Jr., Tyler, Jr., Talon, DelRae, Donny Boy, Jeff, Donnette Medicine Horse, Mark and John Perez, Patrick Doctor, Jr., Alice Osceola; special neices and nephews, Anita (Chad) Little Head, Coty (Millie) Cloud, Michaelynn Tillman, Nicole Half, Marlin Cloud, Vernon Tillman; special friend, Jim - whom they would pick up for sweat.

As well as various brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews from Medicine Horse, Gutierrez, Hill, Reed, Wall, Two-Leggins, Dawes, Cloud, Not Afraid, Perez, Widner, Two Dogs, Tillman, Louie, Good Horses, High Hawk, Half, Underwood, and Armajo.

Special thanks to his provider, nurse practitioner Nichole Turns Plenty, the dialysis center at Billings Clinic, and the Circle of Life in Hardin. 

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

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