09/04/2024
Austin Levi Tushka Little Light
November 22, 1984 ~ August 31, 2024 (age 39)
Auzz Day Lite
(UPDATED SERVICE TIMES AND OBITUARY FOR AUSTIN)
Austin passed away on August 31, 2024 in Billings Montana of natural causes. you are welcomed to leave a comment below of Auzz in remembrance.
Austin Tushka Little Light Obituary
Austin Levi Tushka – Little Light 39, of Crow Agency, Montana, a friend to all made his journey to the other side camp on Saturday August 31, 2024, at the Billings Clinic with his loved ones by his side. Ittatbalaxe -Sings Alone, a name given to him by his grandfather, the late Cedric Walks Over Ice, he was born on the cold winter Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 1984, to the late Myron Little Light Sr. & Kaylene Tushka in Sheridan, WY. as Mandell Levi Little Light, later his name was changed to Austin Levi Tushka after his maternal great grandfather Austin Levi Tushka.
He grew up in the Crow Agency area, belonging to the Big Lodge clan and a child of the Whistling Water Clan. He was a member of the Night Hawk Society and belonged to the Full Gospel Faith. As a child he was given to the Late Arthur & Velma Fitzpatrick Sr.& Lucille Brien, a Crow tradition. Austin received his early education in Crow Agency, Hardin and whizzed through High School ‘as he would say’ at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools in Busby, Montana, He graduated in 2002. While in High School Austin excelled in Basketball and was an All-Star Varsity Player all 4 years for the Busby Eagles. Austin also learned the Cheyenne language, of course it was the simple social words, yet he was proud of the fact that he could tease his friends back in their own language. Austin was very popular and outgoing while in High School. His brother Butch was right there by his side, and they were a dynamic duo while playing for the Busby Eagles. This is where Austin’s competitive nature began. Austin being the baby of 7 children he sure loved to take advantage of every chance to prove himself to his older siblings. He truly outdid every one of them.
Austin’s first job was for the Crow Head Start as an Assistant Teacher, more so than often one would see Austin coming down the hallways with kids hanging from his legs and arms “it was a site to see” one co-worker expressed. He later worked as Executive Security for The Venne, Black Eagle, Old Coyote, Not Afraid and most recently the White Clay
Administration. Austin enjoyed serving his Crow people and working for each of these Administrations.
Austin was born into a singing family; you would hear him singing so in tune at Sunday school, word for word, at the family’s home church with all his cousins. At that early age he sang with such confidence, as it came so naturally to him. When Austin discovered his passion for Hand games the whole family backed him up as they did in all his endeavors and often traveled with him to tournaments. With the guidance of his dad Myron Sr., Grandpa Buck, and Uncle Alan, Austin became “Deadly” “Unstoppable” “Wicked” “ishpiiv” and most famous, “a legend”. He won many championships, hi-point man and best guesser awards for his hand game team “Native X” and his district team “The River Crows”.
Austin became very loved and adored throughout Indian Country and especially in Oklahoma, creating many lifelong friendships, with many of those friendships he became family over time. In 2002, Austin along with his brother Butch and a few close relatives started the drum group “The Soaring Eagles” and eventually carrying on the name of the family drum group; The Night Hawk Jr’z who became known overnight for their wicked leads and unmatched talent. This talent took their drum group across the United States and throughout Indian Country. A highlight for Austin was in 2011, when the Night Hawk Jr’z were invited to Washington DC, by his uncle Cedric Black Eagle then Chairman of the Great Crow Nation to perform for Barak Obama, President of the United States. This was a great honor to bring The Crow Traditional music to the White House and leave his mark there. There is “No Style Like Crow Style” When called upon to sing, Austin would never say no, you could always count on him.
Austin grew up playing softball with his dad’s softball team the Black Lodge Tigers who then became the Black Lodge Indians. Playing in the outfield, 3rd baseman and eventually became the pitcher. Hitting home run after home run, winning many awards across Indian country, Big Sky State Games, State Games of America in St. Louis, Indian World Series in Las Vegas and many other Invitational Tournaments.
Austin lived life to the fullest second by second, taking the scenic route, stopping to take the time to make you laugh or make you cry from laughing. Just as his brother Justin said: if you didn’t know him, you most definitely heard of him. He was loved by most, hated and feared by some, but respected by all. Everyone’s best friend lived his life to the fullest! Auzz, as he was affectionately known by his bros, ventured through life 10 miles above the speed limit, took the scenic route to make the moment last, but always too the time to stop every chance he got along the way to lend a ear, and to lend a helping hand, or offer a moment just to live a little. Austin was the person who could bring you out of your comfort zone (just ask Sheldon Big Hair).
Austin was preceded in death by- His dad and his hero Myron Sr; adopted dad Art Fitzpatrick; sisters- Natalia Little Light, Stephanie Pretty Weasel and Ta’Shon Little Light; brothers Frank, Jimmy III, D’Allen Chaz Tushka, Christopher Long Soldier, David Bull Chief, Johnathan Stewart, Antwan Other Medicine, Teddy Little Light, Terry Boy Singer, Jeremy “ Squish” Eastman, Uncles- Billy Stewart, Joe Tabacco, Lloyd (Latonna) Long Soldier, Aunts- Lori Ramirez, Marylyn Lagrant Black Eagle, Anita Tushka Bull Chief. Grandparents- Jim (Belva) Tushka, Velma Roberts, Betty Caufield, Sylvia Wilson, Magdaline Moccasin, Adrienne, Cleo Medicine Horse and Candy Medicine Horse, Ada, Jennie, Walton, Wallace Tushka, Ted Little Light, Teresa, Regina and Cedric Walks Over Ice preceded Austin in death.
Survivors include good friend Rosebud Not Afraid. His children who were the light of his life; Mason, Mariah, Myrei, Mandell, Skylyn, Mar’lei Tayzel and his namesake Dalen Levi Little Light. His mother Kaylene (John) Adams. Adopted parents Velma Fitzpatrick, Patrick (Christine) Big Lake, Geneva Glenmore, Rebecca Elk Shoulder, Lucille Brien, Fatima Bad Horse, Everette (Kimmy) Walks, Pamela (William) Back Bone
Brothers- Dominic LaForge, Myron Jr (Ivy), Chauncey (Corina), Kymani (Autumn), Pascal Little Light, Fernando (Rochelle), Robert (Keisha),Jeremy, Brandon (Drue) and Michael Tushka, Mike He Crow Jr, Aaron (Emeri) Bad Bear, Robert (Nicole) Old Coyote, Steven Benson, Felix Blaine, Jeremy Deputee, Tye Backbone, Kevin Bad Bear, Bear ( Chicky) Bull Chief, Marc (Audrey) Crooked Arm, Mike Jr., Mikyol, Aiden Old Crane, Noel, Burdict, Jalen Two Leggins, Cordell, Gabe (Alicia), Justin (Bayleigh) Stewart, DJ , Darrin & Devin Olyte, Aaron (Daralyn) Old Elk, Peter (Andrea) Big Hair, Vaughn, Christian(Shyanna), Julian Doyle, Baby Shobe Little Light,
Adopted brothers- David Parks, Arthur Fitzpatrick Jr., Charles (Shannon) Walks, Jodee (Elizabeth) Jenson, Josh, Jason, Jeremy (Laura) Link, Tyson Fox, Albert (Becky) Gro Von, Clint Keyoite, Dane Bullin Sight, Jordan Gets Down, Roy Rides Horse, Sheridan Wagner, Joel Brady, Everette Moore, JP Yellowmule, Wade (Lorna) Driftwood, Shawn Old Mouse
Sisters- Juanita (Conrad) Yellowmule Sr, Tamera, Myranda, Marshea Little Light, Shylei (Ben) Little Light-Yellowmule, Mallory Venne, Joyce Pretty Weasel, Violet Bad Bear, Christina Chalepah, Olivia (Davy) Crawford, Sarah (Gerald) Redwolf, Kylee Tushka, Melissa Old Crane, Jamie (Richard) Sleeper, Thea (Wyatt) Skunkcap, Tia, Teri Lee, Tanya, Tracy, Evalina, Franchesca Little Light, Skye (Hayden), Colby (Caleb) Doyle, Elizabeth, Jacelyn, Jalyn Gondora, Marina (Eric) Plain Bull and Flora Big Hair, Lisa (Gabin) Jefferson, Jr.
Adopted sisters- Bertha, Felicia, Naomi Nomee, Charla Old Bear, Charette Yellow Robe, Tiffany Fitzpatrick, Denise Hill, Vonia Big Left Hand.
Uncles- Jim Tushka Jr., Mike (Anna) Old Crane Sr, Titus Upham, Jared (Eliza) Stewart, Franklin (Verna) Jefferson, Dale (Christine) Good Luck, Rod “Fatman” Rondeaux, Coolidge (Michelle) Jefferson, Victor Sr., Clyde Pretty Paint, Greg (Christine), Darin Williams, Scott (Lauren) Medicine Horse, Porgie (Gloria), Lyndon (Anne) Old Elk, John IV, James Wilson, David Bearshield, Porky (Dorci) Eastman, Shobe, Clyde, Curtis (Wanda), Yvon (Renay) ,Orland (Barbara), TR (Stephanie) Little Light, Larry, Dana To***co, Lawrence, Mike, Amos Brown, Cedric (Audrey), Hartford (Dinah), Bradford (Billie Kaye) Black Eagle, McKinley (Velma), Richard (Amy) Sees The Ground, Larry (Lori) Eastman, Cal (Mary) Walks Over Ice, Carl (Sunshine) Goes Ahead, Velda (Darius) Deputee.
Aunts- Lynn Tushka, Mikki (George) Riddle, Jewel (Vincent)Tushka-Crooked Arm Jr, LaVern (Evan) Pretty On Top, Billie (Burdict) Two Leggins, Sr., Karen Takes Enemy, Kristine Haukuus, Diane Two Bulls, Myrna Medicine Horse, Twyla (Wesley) Birdin Ground-Stewart, Pansy (Sonny) Yellowmule, Orvaline (Richard) Monroy, Rhonda, Robin Caufield, Rosanna Bravo, Melva (Ray) Iron, Melvina, Jeannie, Brenda, Jana Pretty Paint, Georgiann Old Elk, Vanessa, Pauline Little Light, Margret Gail Stops, Edwina Venne, Lois Ann, Loreen (Myron),Valencia, Brad (Loretta) Crooked Arm, Gema, Cassi, Bobby Sox Walks Over Ice, Francis Stewart, Sharolyn (Chester) Nomee, Tina Black Eagle, Mary Ruth (Danny) Plain Feather, Sarah (Tilton) Old Bull, Carlene, Gloria Goes Ahead, Roberta Henman, Ava (Carson) Bell Rock, Karen (John) Old Elk, Linda (Tommy) Little Owl, Marla Fritzler, Rosella (Issac) Shane.
Grandparents- Ernest (Artina), Gary (Adrienne), Senora Tushka, Verna (Tommy) John, Glenda S***t, Esther Tehauno, Sherleen Glenn, Bonita Hawk, Ardith Hogan, Chief (Mary Helen) Medicine Horse, Shorty Plain Feather, Theo (Elias) Hugs, Ora May Shane, Roberta Old Bear, Rod Caufield, Myron (Sandra) Shields, Peggy White, Fannie Plenty, Pamela Little Light, Maxine Jefferson, Linda Bulltail, Marvin (Rebecca) White, Larry (Pearl) To***co, Delma Adams, Mary Black Eagle, Cornelius Little Light, Sr.
Extended families include, Bravo, Big Shoulder, Medicine Horse, Door, Plenty Hawk, Holds The Enemy, Whiteman, Plenty Hoops, Shane, Jefferson, Dawes, Carpenter, Hiwalker, Lacqutte family of Canada, Stewart, Iron, Pretty Paint, Other Medicine, Blaine, Horn, Sees The Ground, Brown, Lieder, Iron Horse, Costa, Walks Over Ice, Little Light & Bell Rock. Adopted families include Koomsa, Benson, Bearshield, Bointy, Sutton, Cozad, Addison, and the Joe Fish and Mary Beaver families of Oklahoma.
this post is also available on TikTok and Instagram and will soon be on our website fhmemorials
Crow Tribal Multipurpose Building
