Thomas Acey Russell

Thomas Acey Russell, 34, was born on July 8, 1988, in Crow Agency, Montana to Barry and Ursula Rides Horse Russell.  Baaheeleen Xiassaash (Stands Out in a Gathering) his Indian name was given to Thomas by Marvin Dawes.  Thomas was a member of Big Lodge and child of Bad War Deeds. Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep April 6, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. Thomas attended the following schools; Lodge Grass Elementary School, Plenty Coups High School, Billings Senior High School and Big Horn High School in Big Horn, Wyoming. He played football at Billings Senior High School and was a member of the Big Horn High School football team when they took the state championship in 2005.   He later received his GED at Little Big Horn College.

His favorite past times were singing at pow wows, hand games and peyote. Occasionally, Thomas would be invited to sing at peyote meetings. He was an avid artist, drawing designs for his mother’s beadwork. He also made fans for himself, family, and friends.  Thomas' design received recognition during the Junior Handgame Tournaments as best designer.

Thomas is preceded in death by his grandparents Henry and Ada (Whiteman) Rides Horse, Fred and Lucy (Yellowmule) Stops, Robert Russell, Clara White Hip - Nomee, Rapheal White Hip; sisters Melanie DeCrane and Tanisha Rides Horse; brothers Henry “Mickey” Rides Horse and Emery White Hip, niece Ta’Shon Little Light and grandson Michael DeCrane.

He leaves behind his parents Barry and Ursula Russell. Adopted parents Diana Volk, John and Laurena Holds, Starr and Julie Luli.  His pride and joy Levi Bastien, Amaiziah, Saphira and Jada Nomee. Brothers Dennis “Tiger” Bastien, Jr., Robin (Tonya) Stewart, Martin, Frank (Braylee), CJ, Harold (Simba) and Adriano Rides Horse, Sidney DeCrane, Stephen White, Darren Fritzler, Cotton and Gordon Real Bird, Jr. Sisters Nina Russell, Stephanie (TR) Little Light, Rhonda (Pedro) Rides Horse Hernadez, Whitney, Shylee and Cadence, Bethany, Stephanie, Selena, Juliana and Janada Rides Horse, Leona Half, Joanna Nomee, Dorcus and Rynell White Hip. Crystal Whiteman, Ramona (Brian) Blacksmith, Mary (Eldon) NotAfraid. Uncles Henry, Robert and Harold Rides Horse, Adrian Whiteman, Clement Nomee, Scott (Lauren) Medicine Horse, Gordon (Bernadine) Real Bird, Levi (Cheryl), Dominic (Norma), John Paul, Gary, and Mike Yellowmmule, Neil (Sandy) and Gary (Rochelle) White Hip, Curtis (LaVonna) Real Bird, Harold Jess Brien, Darren and Everette Howe. Aunties Luanna (Marvin) Stewart, Christine (Reuben) DeCrane, Carmen LaForge, Maria (Preston) Onion, Vera Jane and Virginia He Does It, Raphealle Real Bird, Janice Morning, Mary (Henry) Little Light and Laura Lee (Manford) Gardner, Jessica (Steve) Yupuncich, Ann (Richard) Couture, Andrea Costa, Georgine Falls Down, Annie (Cyrus) Leider. Grandparents Jerome, Vincent and Steven White Hip, Jr, Robert and Vicki Howe, Gloria Good Luck, Clifford and Ardith Birdinground, Butch (Ann) and Vernon (Theresa) Whiteman Nieces and Nephews Kylie, Zaylee, Teagan, Thea (Wyatt) Skunkcap, Tia and Jackie Little Light, Dezmond and Rapheal (Violet) Rides Horse, Blaise, Robin, Kallen, Kalillah, Kynlee, Faith, Samiya, Dalton, Braxton, Arella,and Aaliyah Stewart, Wilson, Chantina, Tamara, Francis, Neil, Ashley, Merrah, Haley, Arion and Garey White Hip,  Jr. Grandchildren Aiyana, Aizen and Aviana Skunkcap, Kamari Christian, Skylar, Haizem, Henry Alvin, Ray Von, Angelita, Hank, Royalty, Sierra, and Stephanie Rides Horse, Andre, Romello, Kurt, Devin and Sidney Decrane, Jr. Marty and Henry Driftwood, Ariahlyn Black Smith. Adopted brothers/sisters Yvon Little Light, Jr., Carl Leider, Cameron Three Irons, Acorn Holds The Enemy, LJay Big Hair, Kyle Old Elk, Pierce Big Left Hand, Spencer Spotted Horse, Ron Beaumont, Jr., Zachery Old Dwarf, Jessica Williams, Janelle Jefferson, Rhonda Jefferson, Kris Ann Buffalo.  Thomas was blessed with many many friends too numerous to name.  Extended family includes Well Known, Russell, Yellowmule, Whitemanrunshim, Flatlip, Birdhat, Littlenest, Blaine, Moccasin, Bullshows, He Does It, Fighter, Smart Enemy, Old Coyote, Brown, Hill, Crooked Arm, Bull Weasel, Bullchief, White Hip, Dillon, Big Hair, Mountain Pocket.

The family expresses the utmost appreciation to Chairman Frank Whiteclay, Vice Chairman Lawrence DeCrane, Starr and Julie Luli.

Memorial services for Thomas will be held in Phoenix, AZ, TBA.

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