Linda (SpottedEagle) HeavyRunner

Linda Kay Spotted Eagle-Heavy Runner was born in Browning, Montana on May 30, 1949 to Matilda “Mattie” Spotted Eagle-Running Wolf & William “Red” Hall.  She was raised by her grandparents Francis & Maggie Spotted Eagle at their homestead west of Heart Butte, where Linda spent her entire life.  She attended grade school in Heart Butte and graduated from Browning High School in 1968.  While in high school, Linda participated in the arts by acting in school plays.

After graduating, Linda remained in Heart Butte with her grandfather Francis, Aunt Teresa and cousin Gene as her Grandmother Maggie passed in 1967.  Linda worked as a cook at the old Heart Butte School for a few years.  After her Aunt Teresa’s passing in 1978, Linda became the caretaker of her Grandfather Francis & Cousin Gene.  Francis passed away in 1991 and Gene moved on.  Linda continued to live at the family ranch until ???? when she moved to downtown Heart Butte where she lived until her passing.

Linda was raised very spiritual both in the Blackfeet way of life and as a devout Christian.  She attended ceremonies with her grandfather Francis & Uncle Sam Spotted Eagle as well her family from the Blood Tribe, Frank & Helen Eagle Tailfeathers family and Ed & Adelaide Heavy Shield family.  She was a member of the Catholic Church until the early 90’s when she became a member of the Heart Butte Baptist Church (now Whitetail Baptist Church) and was baptized and welcomed by the Reverend Larry & Carol Bunyan and family.  Linda was very active in her church supporting it in any and all aspects.

Linda loved her family.  She had a special relationship with all her siblings and nieces and nephews.  Her parents, Melvin & Mattie, took extra special care of Linda.    Linda always carried some type of candy or had a sweet roll for you at her house.  Linda’s generosity stretched far and wide to all who knew her.

On September 16, 2016, Linda married Frederick “Francis” Heavy Runner.  They spent her remaining years together.  She was welcomed by the Heavy Runner family with open arms, especially by her son Johnathan and his wife Marla.

Linda passed away on April 9, 2025 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls.  She was 75 years young and lived a beautiful life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin & Mattie Running Wolf and William  “Red” Hall, sisters Bonnie Morris & Karen Running Wolf, brothers Melvin “Tucker” Running Wolf, Gabriel “Mouse” Running Wolf, Merlin Running Wolf, and Eugene Spotted Eagle.  Grandparents Francis & Maggie Spotted Eagle and Bill & Minnie Hall.

She is survived by her husband Frederick “Francis” Heavy Runner, son Johnathan Heavy Runner.  Sisters Connie Crawford, Gloria Welch and Fran Racine, Uncle JR Spotted Eagle.  Her extended family is Spotted Eagles, Running Wolfs, Bloods, Kicking Woman, Eagle Tailfeathers, Heavy Shields, Russells, and Halls and the Bunyun Family of Dupuyer.

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