Obituary - Madeline 'Bunny' Billy

Madeline “Bunny” Billy, loving wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, surrounded by her family. 

Madeline was born on Easter and the rest of her life was lovingly referred to as “Bunny.” This was a most appropriate name as she “never quit” and “was filled with energy” in anything she did. Her strength of character, amazing work ethic, commitment to family, faith and love of animals clearly guided her life. 

Her early years were spent in Rocky Boy and later attended Pierre South Dakota Indian Boarding School. She returned to Rocky Boy where she attended school and she met Lloyd Billy in 7th grade. She attended Box Elder High School. 

In 1959, Bunny married Lloyd Billy. From that day in May began 66 years of marriage with three sons – Lloyd Nolan, Lynden John, Gordy (Mitchell) and daughter Mary Lynne. And, one granddaughter, Sheridan Billy and great granddaughter, Journey Billy.

Family was Madeline’s priority and focus. She spent her life at the family ranch in Parker Canyon. Despite the challenging early days of living in a 2-room house with no running water, she never quit and took great care of her family. Upon moving into the “new” house, she took careful effort to create a warm home. Despite not having a lot of money, she would lovingly select items for the home. She always had a lamp lit with a warm light in the kitchen window every night for her children. 

Bunny also loved her yard and plants. Although it took years to create, she hand selected each tree and lovingly planted each one with care. She would take time to monitor each small tree and plant. She also loved planting flowers in her yard and every year, she would prepare for a new planting season. On a quiet morning in the spring and summer time, one could hear her lawn mower start up at 6 a.m. and you could see her working in the yard.

Bunny was also a rancher’s wife. This meant she spent many days and hours helping to feed cattle, break water for cattle and horses in winter time, haul hay, and open gates to chase cattle. Despite being a petite person, she also pulled calves by herself and doctored cattle. She did not ride horses, but could easily round-up cattle with her black garbage bag and assistance from her dogs. 

Bunny also managed the family ranch’s bookkeeping and maintenance of cattle records. She was very careful in her recordkeeping of new born calves, feed, and costs. She maintained a meticulous filing and recordkeeping system for the ranch. 

Her love of animals was known by all who knew her. She had many critters over the years, including chickens, calves that she adopted, geese, cats, and dogs. To name a few – Duffy, Kitty Kot, Boggs, Pup, Pup-pup, Freddy, Jake, Sara, Ginger, Sadie, Maggie, Trailer, Tosh, and Petey. And, her  horse – Little Man. 

Bunny loved being outdoors. She would take daily walks, including walks in Parker Canyon with Daisy and Sister Margaret. What one might refer to as a “long hike,” Bunny would just say, “let’s take a walk” and 8-miles later, you would find yourself exhausted. She spent many hours exploring the hills and mountains – even in the deepest snow! While she loved the outdoors, she also spent many years in an ongoing conflict with the Parker Canyon beaver families. She would spend time by the creek waiting for the beavers in their never ending pursuit to create a beaver dam in her culvert. 

She was also known for her love of reading. She was an avid reader of all types of books and read 4-5 books at one time. As small children, she read to her children every day. As such, she passed her love of books to her children. 

Bunny’s strength and work ethic continued through her work off the ranch. She worked for the Indian Health Service, Chippewa Cree Tribe, and Rocky Boy School. Her favorite job, however, was working for the Havre School District. She started as an administrative attendance assistant. Where most students at Havre High School knew her and even to this day, we may hear her referred to as “Mrs. Billy.” She enjoyed talking to previous students and was always happy when they said hello to her in town. After occupying her position as administrative attendance assistant, she moved on to her favorite position of Indian Education Counselor. She worked for the program in supporting and assisting Native American students, as well as serving for multiple years as the Indian Club student group mentor and advisor. 

Life on the ranch and out of town, however, was her priority. She retired from the school system and she spent the rest of her days at home in Parker Canyon. 

Bunny’s love of family extended to her supporting of children – Nolan, John, Gordy, and Mary Lynne – in their activities in the rodeo arena, basketball courts, and school efforts. She was a constant in every effort, including taxing kids, transporting horses, and being the biggest fan. 

Bunny will be remembered by many for her loving heart, witty and clever sense of humor, and generosity of spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her and knew her. Bunny leaves behind her legacy of kindness, strength, and character. 

She is deeply missed. 

Mom — the light is on for you now. We love you.