Trunson Big Hair

Karen Trunson Big Hair, 86, known to everyone as Trunson of Garryowen, MT, passed away peacefully to the Other Side of the Camp on October 4, 2024, at the Crow Indian Health Service Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family. His love and commitment to his family were unwavering, a trait he inherited and a testament to the depth of his passion and dedication, which deeply touched the lives of those around him.  ASHEELEN BAALAHPESH “Kills Amongst The Camp” was given to him by his great-grandfather, Old Rabbit, IISCHE XAALIIUSH. He was born to Agnes Schaffer Holds and Aloysious Big Hair, Sr. He was born on December 23, 1937 in St. Xavier, Montana and he was raised by John Holds, Sr.

Trunson attended St. Xavier Mission School and Crow Agency Public School in his youth. He then attended Billings Central High School, St. Labre Catholic High School, and Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, South Dakota. While at Billings Central and St. Labre, he played basketball and football, where he was a tight end. He was also a boxer for a time. As a child, Trunson was a talented hot dancer.

Trunson shouldered responsibilities at an early age, learning to wrap his tobacco to assist his grandfather, Holds the Enemy, who had poor eyesight. This early maturity was a hallmark of his character, shaping his life from a young age to his old age and demonstrating the strength of his character.

Trunson's life significantly turned in 1958 when he participated in the Relocation Act. This act, part of the US government's policy to assimilate Native Americans, led him to move to Compton, CA, with his wife. There, he learned a trade as a welder and also learned to be a barber, adapting to a new environment with resilience and determination. He returned to Montana in 1963 and left for Oklahoma with Quentin Anque, where he stayed to help with the Native American Church.

He was a member of the Catholic Church and the Native American Church. At an early age, he actively participated in the Native American Church, where he learned to tie a drum. He traveled extensively throughout the US to attend peyote meetings and pray for people. He was also an Indian doctor who prayed for people's healing, which was given to him by Bobby Jo Goggles. He was an excellent peyote singer known for his singing and drumming. He was a talented singer who composed a peyote song for the Native American Church to sing, contributing significantly to preserving and celebrating his culture.

He married Marie Covers Up and made their home in Lodge Grass, Montana. They both loved their extended families. When his wife passed away, a Crow hymn song came to Trunson, now sung by everyone, even in Jerusalem. Trunson was quiet and humble and had many talents. He was a fan and war bonnet maker; his craftsmanship was a testament to his artistry. The last war bonnet he made for his brother, Al, is now owned by MaShaya Alden. He had a talent for peyote stitching, and his work reflected the beauty of his culture. He shared these talents with others so that these traits would live on.

When Whitney Holds was born and didn’t have a name yet, Trunson showed up at the hospital and said to name him Whitney Trunson. He has also given many Indian names to individuals.

Trunson was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and John Holds, Sr., and Aloysious Big Hair, Sr.; his sons, Baby Trunson and Derrick, Dennis, Jr., Daryl, Thorton Big Hair, and Myron Jefferson; his wife, Marie Covers Up; his siblings, Aloysius and Jacob Big Hair, Doris Hill, Joaney Holds Champ, and Fred Oybei; his grandson, Dustin Jefferson; and daughter, Dennell Big Hair.

Trunson is survived by his siblings, Velma Fitzpatrick, Dennis (Nora) Big Hair, John (Laurena) Holds, Jr., Larry and Daryl Bright Wings, Sarah (Henry) Small, and Denise Goes Ahead, Lawrence (Blue Sky) Big Hair, Lou Old Coyote, Calvin and Cyrus Leider, Sandra (Myron) Shields; his children, Aldean (Leo) Good Luck, Delean (Bernard) Dust, Dorcus (Arlen Armajo) Big Hair, Deneen (AJ) Not Afraid, Joaney (Lee) Onion, Whitney (Emerine) Holds, and Annie Blaine. Grandchildren: Jonathon and Nicole Jefferson, Darwin Spotted, Brandon Alden, Luke and Sayah Deputee, and Elaina Nomee. Nieces and nephews: Dennis (Henrietta) Whiteman, Jess (Mary), Jeff, Chico (Zandy) Half, Allena, Trudi, Jaylene, Michelle, Tysha, Al Jay, and Agnes Big Hair, Jaychelle Ten Bear, Dominica, Harold (Indy), Helmeg (Nina), and Hans Hill, Ray (Jimi), Allena, Joe, Deborah, John, Issac, and Joaney Champ. John III and Laramie Holds, Jonelea (Chester) Nomee, Kim (Bryce) Hugs, Clemadean (John) Whitegrass, and Rhianne and Jonetta House, Sylvester “Cat” Hill, Rosella Bear Don’t Walk, Edwina, Yvone and Curtis Little Light. Adopted children: Melva Brown, Evelyn Roundstone, Michelle, and Nicole Cadena.

Grandchildren: Staci, Dale, Spanky, Marshall, Dacee, Cedric, Devin, Presley, Mayme, Rip, Devin, Dalaney, Melerie, Keristen, Kererra, Christy, Trista, Chase, Spud, Andre, Donita, Donnell, Cowboy, Chesa, Jontelle, Sharmayne, JLewis, Harold, Jr., Whitney, Jr., Sephra.

Extended families: Big Hair, Birdinground, Wesley, Holds the Enemy, Caplett, Reed, Old Horn, Old Coyote, Rondeau, Smart Enemy, Leider, Old Elk, Deputee, Fighter, Beaumont, and Hill families. The family of Mary Big Hair Deputee.  Our family is large, so please forgive us during this time of grieving.

A special thank you to the nurses at the in-patient at the Crow Indian Health Service, especially Heather Bear Cloud.

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