Sharon Joyce Running Bear-Kirk, age 48, of Poplar, MT left her earthly journey on August 5, 2009 and entered the Spirit world to join her father and sister’s world. She passed away at Billings Clinic in Billings, MT from long-term illness.
Sharon was born in Poplar, MT on June 13, 1961, to Manuel Sr. and Evadna Running Bear.
She attended schools in Poplar and Intermountain Indian High School then graduated from Poplar High School in 1980. She attended Haskell Indian Jr. College at Lawrence, KS. In 1979 she received her Cosmetology License from Acme Beauty College in Billings, MT. She moved back to Poplar and operated her own beauty salon in her home and was employed at Kathy’s Beauty Shop. In 1981 she made camouflage nets at A&S Industries in Poplar, in 1985 worked for Spotted Bull Treatment Center in Poplar.
In April of 1986 Sharon married Lee Black Hoop. They had 5 boys together. They later divorced.
In 1988 Sharon worked in Sidney, MT for Home Health Care, in 1999 for Juvenile Correctional Center in Poplar and in 2001 for Fort Peck Head Start in Poplar. In January of 2007she married her high school sweetheart, Lenard (Jay) Kirk. He passed away in April, 2009.
Sharon was active in Iron Ring and Fort Kipp pow-wow committees. She loved dancing at pow-wows and was once the Princess of the Iron Ring Celebration. Sharon was well known for her beadwork, especially her medicine wheels. She also worked on crafts for church fundraising bazaars, was involved with the Wellness Center and loved providing treats for school classes.
Survivors include her mother, Evadna Running Bear of Poplar, MT; brothers, Manuel (Debbie) Running Bear Jr., Roger (Ida) Running Bear and Narvin Running Bear , all of Poplar; her children, Lindy Sue Redwood and Mathias Black Hoop of Poplar and Mato Black Hoop of Billings, MT and her 8 grandchildren: Bobby, Denver and baby Robert Burshia , baby Joe and Daniel Erickson and Carol and Jaycee Burshia, all of Poplar and Quincey Burshia of Great Falls, MT.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Manuel Running Bear Sr; maternal grandparents, Levi and Sarah Crow; paternal grandparents, Ambrose and Mercedes Running Bear; her husband, Lenard Kirk; her sisters, Beverly Running Bear and Carol Running Bear; three sons, William Running Bear and her twin boys, Meshach and Shadrach Black Hoop.
A Wake and Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2009 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, MT. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery west of Poplar. Condolences may be sent tot the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.