Maci Jade Iron

July 1, 2022 ~ January 3, 2024 (age 1)

Our precious gift, Maci Jade Iron went home to be with Jesus on January 3rd, 2024.

Alachiiwaakii Itchiish (Her prayers are powerful) name given by Angela Howe-Parrish was born in Billings on July 1, 2022, the fourth child of parents, Shann and Tasha Iron and a member of the Piegan and child of the Whistling Water Clans. She made her home with her family on Alligator Creek.

She began to crawl at six months old and was always busy and had somewhere to go and something to do.

Maci spent her days at momma’s side and in the arms of her father as she always insisted, he carried her. She was her sister's biggest fan cheering her on at basketball games, as her sister was her biggest helper often sharing in special sister time together. Her brothers couldn’t wait to show her the world and were fiercely protective of her, guiding her steps, and laughing as they would tease each other. She was so special that they each called her their best friend.

Maci captivated the attention of all who came across her sweet smile and beautiful eyes. She was always waving her hand, giving high-fives, hugs, and kisses. Everyone she met from the students at Lodge Grass schools to relatives and family friends always wanted to carry her. She had a sassy, fierce competitive side, the family often calling her their next champion. She would clap her hands when she was happy or when she got her way. Although very young she had a good sense of humor inherited from both sides of her family, often laughing, and teasing with everyone. Maci enjoyed dancing and lip syncing and did not mind all the attention it brought. A very vibrant and independent girl. She would busily rearrange the items in the house including trying on everyone’s shoes and scattering them around the house. She loved to use her necklaces and carry her purses around. Although she was little, she was fierce and left a mighty imprint on our hearts.

Our Beautiful Maci-gaada, our princess bear, wild goose, baby sister you were Jesus’s gift. We thank you for the joy, love and laughter you brought us. We love and miss you so much. Until we meet again, baby.

Maci is preceded in death by paternal grandparents; Andrew and Inez Birdinground, Linda & Ernestine Birdinground, Albert (Dana) Birdinground, Thomas Iron, Gordon Plain Feather. Maternal grandparents; Truman Jefferson, Sr., Pius and Cordelia Real Bird, Pansy Hugs, Lester Jefferson Jr., and Uncle Keenan Old Bull and Aunt Shaylee Walks.

She is survived by her parents; Shann and Tasha Iron, sister Tashanna, brothers Blake and Hudson. Special relatives Kayleah Cummins, Bodee & Trotter Jefferson and Jericho Bullweasal. Aunts: Tiara Walks, Kobi (Ace) Lyles, Tahnee Spoonhunter, Marissa (Dakota) Twinn, Jolee & Acacia Old Bull, Valerie (Alvin) Plain Bull, Thora Iron, Terrie (Brandon) Good Luck, Kristi (Richard) Oldcoyote. Uncles: George Walks, Truman “Boogie” Jefferson, Gavin, Scottie, and Trey Old Bull. Grandmothers: Shelly Iron, Stacie Choyou, Andrea Lee, Barbara Birdinground, Elsie (Kurt) Laforge, Annette Couture, Ruby Williamson, Virginia Real Bird, Colleen Stops, Susan Birdinground, Margo Real Bird. Grandfathers: Gary (Jolene) Birdinground, Edward (Mary) Iron, Ricky Birdinground, Eugene (Lydia) Birdinground, Marvin Stops, Ricky Stops, Reuban (Kathleen) Yellowtail, Butch (Glenda) Jellis, Putt (Jill) Thompson, Gordon Real Bird Sr. Extended family: Birdinground, Reed, Iron, Hugs, Yellowtail, Jefferson, Real Bird, Medicine Tail, Yellowmule, Otter, Star and Brass Families.

Our family is large, if in our grief we have forgotten anyone please forgive us.

The funeral services will be on Monday, January 8th, 2024 at Foursquare Church with internment held at Lodge Grass Cemetery.