Norman Pretty on Top

Funeral services Wednesday December 15th at 11:00 AM at the Spirit of Life Foursquare Church in Crow Agency. Burial with military honors following at the Crow Agency Cemetery.

Norman Pretty On Top, Sr., 80, of Reno Creek went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday December 11, 2021. His Indian name was: “Iisaxpuata’hchee-Baalaaxash” meaning Crazy Mountain Goat which was given him by Douglas Adams. He was a lifelong member of the Four Square Church and of the “Greasy Mouth Clan” and a Child of the Ties The Bundle. He was born on September 26, 1941 in Crow Agency, MT to Ned and Agnes (Stops) Pretty On Top but was raised by his Grandparents: Gertrude and Percy Stops In Crow Agency. He grew up in the Crow Agency and Garryowen areas, until his parents built their permanent home in Reno Creek.

He received his early education in Crow Agency and graduated from Hardin High School. He attended Butte Business College and earned his degree in accounting. Upon completion, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Sargent 1st Class. He would often speak of his travels while in the USAF, from boot camp in Fort Yates, to being stationed in Hawaii for three years. Every Christmas and New Year’s, he shared with his family the Hawaiian saying of: “Hau’oli Kalikimaka a Hau’oli Makahiki Hoe” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. When he returned from his service he married the love of his life, Donna Belle House, in 1967 in Sheridan, Wyoming. From this union they had 3 children, Laurie Ann, Norman “Boy”, and Ross. The family made their home in Reno Creek. Norman often attended and participated in Sweat Lodge (in which he had the right to own and build and pour). He sang with the “Wranglers” drum group. He enjoyed hunting with his brothers, sons, and friends. He loved watching his children and grandchildren in sports, dancing and singing, and was an avid Hardin Bulldog fan, that never missed a home game. He was proud of his craftsmanship but in a humble way, always willing to lend a hand, in which he helped build the Black Lodge Church, and “The House” family home extension with his sons, as well as other projects in the Crow Agency area.

Norman is preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and his loving wife of 44 years, his son Norman “Boy” Pretty On Top, grandchildren Whitney and Tyler Pretty On Top, a great-granddaughter Agnes Stewart, his sister Linda (Pretty On Top) Whiteman, and his brother Tom Pretty On Top.

He is survived by his son Ross (Carissa) Pretty On Top, Sr., and his daughter Laurie Ann Smith; grandchildren Ross “Matt” Jr., Kelby (Sophia), Norman III (Precious), Donavin Pretty On Top, Julian Brien, Normanda (Camron), Norriah (James), Norveda (Kriston), Norrisa, Normae Pretty On Top, Amy (Shane) Brady of Ashland, Kayla (Kevin) Rutter of Alaska, Victor and Minerva Stewart; great-grandchildren Willow, Isaiah, and Robin Rutter, Curtis Black Eagle, Leland and Brayden Cadotte, Michaeleen Dust, Donna and Laycen Stewart, Hunter and Bryson Brady and Belo Pretty On Top; sisters Liz and Beverly Pretty On Top, Fanny (Kenneth) Plenty, Mary (Edward) Iron, and Sarah House, Dorcella Little Light, Deanna Stops, Pamela Little Light, and Cathrine Old Crow; brothers Kenneth (Hannah), Brewster (Veronica), Randy Pretty On Top, Burton (Randine) Pretty on Top, Henry (Anda) Pretty of Top, Arly Stops, Melvin Stops, Bruce (Agatha) and Raymond House and Earl Bear Crane. Our Father was a simple quiet man who liked everything to be short and sweet. We would like to thank everyone who has been with us during this time of our grief. Extended families include the Stops At Pretty Places, Pretty On Tops, Bear Cranes, Bull Horse House and Good Luck families. And if we have forgotten anybody, please forgive us during this time of our loss.

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