Ryan Cherokee Spotted Bird “Sun Ka Wakan Hdeska” Spotted Horse unexpectedly passed to the other side, into the waiting arms of his many relatives, on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at the age of 29.
Ryan was born on July 28, 1993, to Adrian and Shannon in Billings, Montana. Ryan joined his brother Austin Ray to complete their family of four. Ryan and family moved to Norman, Oklahoma just before his first birthday, allowing him to become acquainted with his southern family. Ryan loved fishing with is brother and dad, riding bikes around Norman, skateboarding and playing with his many cousins. Ryan was adored by both sets of his Oklahoma great-grandparents, helping his Papaw mow the yard and working with his Papa out in the little garden in the backyard. He held a special spot in his great-grandmother’s hearts and loved to climb up into their laps and listen to stories.
Ryan attended Pre-School through Eleventh grade in Poplar. Ryan played baseball, football, basketball, Cross Country, and Track as a Poplar Indian. Ryan attended and graduated high school from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma in May of 2012. After graduation, Ryan moved to New Mexico to live near his dad. He attended
Job Corps, worked as a Security Guard and enjoyed working out and running to keep himself in shape. Ryan loved being outside and the warm climate in New Mexico suited him well. After moving back to Montana most recently, Ryan attended Fort Peck Community College and worked in construction. Ryan was working toward a future for himself when he was taken from us too soon.
Ryan was always a shy, quiet child who was very orderly and meticulous with his little toys, cars, and figures all lined up perfectly. He paid very close attention to details and was always building elaborate structures and crashing them down with cars to build more. Ryan had an amazing belly laugh as a baby. He would get the biggest kick out of just about anything his big brother did and would laugh and laugh until we were all laughing with him.
Ryan adored his big brother Austin Ray and was often seen a his “shadow”. He and Austin competed in the Roosevelt County Talent show one summer and Ryan took first place. Ryan wanted to be just like his big brother and tried his best to keep up and hang out with Austin and his friends. Austin loved Ryan very much and was his first best buddy and teacher in life.
Ryan had special friendships that lasted through high school and beyond with Joe and Taylor Buckles. Many sleepovers with boys camped out on the living room floor included Taylor and Joe. The boys would laugh and wrestle late into the night. The trio spent time shooting hoops, hanging out, hunting and playing in Youth Tourneys. They were inseparable and had a friendship and memories that will live on in our hearts.
Madison was Ryan’s very special sister and he often referred to her as his best friend. They played games online together, sent each other silly Snapchats and enjoyed spending time together. Ryan always had Maddie in his heart and on his mind and always wished her the best. Ryan is now Maddie’s angel, watching over her as she grows up.
Most of all, Ryan loved spending time with and helping his Papa Chuck. He loved and respected Papa Chuck and would drop everything to go and help whenever it was needed. Papa Chuck was his greatest fan in life and is sitting with arms wrapped tightly around Ryan sharing stores and laughs.
Ryan’s humor, heart, smile, laugh, and love will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He was a very intelligent, articulate, and humble young man. There will never be another soul like his and we will cherish the time we spent together forever in our hearts and memories. Be happy my son.
Ryan is survived by his father Adrian (Marjorie); his mother Shannon (Tommy) & sister Madison (Richard); his brother Austin & nephew Kanicq; his Aunt Keri (Jeff) & cousins Alexis, Hunter, Wilfred, Blake, Alessia and Rylee; his Uncle Geremy (Kimberly) & cousins Kylie, Karlee, and little Geremy; his Grandfather Brad & Aunt Jessica; as well as many other grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Ryan is preceded in death by his Grandfather “Papa Chuck” Spotted Bird & Grandmother Bernice Spotted Bird; Grandmother “Gramma” Lee Ann Tande; Great Grandmother “Nanny” Carol Almon & Great Grandfather “Papa” Jack Almon; Great Grandmother “Grammy” Evelyn Fox & Great Grandfather “Papaw” Gene Fox.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.