Patricia Chantelle (LaForge) Dust

Patricia Chantelle LaForge Dust “Known for her beadwork” (Baannaschexiassaash) 62, of Billings, Mt. Daughter to Dr. Daniel Ceivert LaForge and Violet Rose Hugs on 10/24/63 and entered heaven on 2/7/26 in Billings, Mt.

Patricia was funny, witty, chucklesome, easy-going, kindhearted, helpful, adventuresome and a bit feisty.  She loved to visit with her loved ones. She expressed her personality creatively and brought beauty and originality into everything she did. She was a loyal friend and sister in Christ. Her proudest accomplishment was having a big family. She loved to spend time with her grandkids and spoil them with all that she possessed. She was artistic and enjoyed to bead, make teddy bears, jewelry, star quilts and paintings. She looked forward to soaking in the hot springs, celebrating her children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays, and attending all family celebrations. 

She married James Dust in 1995, and they made their home in Lodge Grass, Mt then later moved to Billings, Mt. She was a career student who attended Little Big Horn College, Rocky Mountain College, Salish Kootenai College, Montana State University (MSU) Bozeman, and MSU-Billings formerly Eastern Montana College. She was an entrepreneur and did whatever she could to provide for her family, which included catering, selling jewelry and paintings. She earned her CDL and worked construction and drove bus for Little Big Horn College athletes. She worked for the Crow Tribe as an Environmentalist, which included writing grants receiving substantial funds for various programs. She worked as a teacher for Crow Tribal Headstart Program in Lodge Grass and Ft. Smith. 

Proceeded her in death: Mom: Violet Rose Hugs. Dad: Daniel Ceivert LaForge. Husband: James Dust. Grandmothers: Dorothy Big Lake-Hugs and Pearl Hogan, Ada Hugs-Iron, Maxine LaForge. Grandfathers: Elias Sr. and Oliver Hugs, and Alex LaForge Sr. Uncles: William Enemy Hunter, Alex LaForge Jr, Arlee and Robert Stops, Bruce and Sylvester Iron. Aunts: Verna Rogers, Deanna Stopsatprettyplaces, Yvonne and Daisy Iron, Rosie Bearcrane, Gladys LaForge, Diana Spint, Alexine Faller, Pansy & Merle Jean Hugs. Brother Tyler Left Hand. Sisters: Penny Stray Calf, Deanna Enemy Hunter, Susan LaForge, Pamela Stewart, and Lynn D. Hugs 

Survived by:

Her children Chantelle (Jason Driving Hawk) Big Back, Josiah LaForge Dust, Lilly LaForge Dust, Seth (Iyannii) Dust. David Dust. Adopted son Elijah Costa. Siblings Henry Kirt (Elsie) LaForge, Les(Lesley) Left Hand, Daniel T. (Sylvia) LaForge. Joen White, Dawn (Glenn) PlentyHawk, Ada Shane, Lynn LaForge, Mellanie Left Hand. Grandchildren: Asher, Zariah, Tyree, Harmony, Jaeger, Natalie, Zelda, Nevaeh. God Children: Alaya Bixby, Darris & Darrian Dust, Matthew Baker, Constance Petty. Maternal Aunts: ClaraBelle Hugs, Beldean Small, Ramona Realbird, Maternal Uncles: LT (Tammie) Hugs, Elias (Theo) Hugs. Paternal Aunt: Colleen Gordan, Paternal Uncle: Aaron LaForge. 

Extended family:

Hugs, Big Lake, DeCrane, Old Horn, Morrison, Iron, Fighter, Goes Ahead, Stewart, Not Afraid, John Stops families, LaForge, Bull shows, Enemy hunter, Bear crane, Lakeshores, Shane, Dillon, Beaumont, Birdinground, Old Elk, Pease, Russell, Alden, Whiteman, Sun Goes Slow, Dust. 

The family would like to thank Cabrina Phelan for taking care of her at the nursing home, and to the rest of the staff for being kind to our Patricia, Thank you to all the people who brought Pendletons, flowers and helped out in any way they could but most importantly your prayers and support for the family. 

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