Alta Bird

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Browning, Mt for Alta Marie (Running Crane) Bird, age 54, of Browning, MT who died Tuesday, August 28th at the Browning Community Hospital from natural causes. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, September 3, at the Glacier Homes Community Center in Browning, MT and a wake is will be held starting at 2:00 PM Saturday, Sept. 1 at her home at 1221 Low Rent, Browning, MT and continuing on Sunday and Monday at the Glacier Homes Community Center in Browning, MT. Burial will be in the Wells Family Cemetery under the direction of Gorder Jensen Funeral Home of Choteau.



Alta was born November 26, 1957 in Browning, MT, the daughter of William Mitchell Running Crane and Doris Wells. She attended the Northern Arizona College in Flagstaff, AZ and the University of Montana and obtained an Associate's Degree and a BA Degree in Education.



She was married to Donald L. Bird on January 1, 1999 in Couer d'Alene, ID.



Alta enjoyed traveling to Pow Wows, loved doing beadwork and baking. She also enjoyed playing stick games and attending ceremonies. She especially loved being a grandmother.



She was recently employed as Director of JET Services in Spokane, WA.



Alta was a member of the Little Flower Catholic Church.



She is survived by her husband, Donald L. Bird of Browning, MT, her son: Sievert Running Crane of Browning, MT and stepchildren: Gina Bird and Don Bird Jr., both of Missoula, MT sister: Kim Running Crane Kipp of Helena, MT; sisters: Olivia Bear Child of Oakland, CA and Gail Bear Child of Browning, MT and brothers: Matthew J. Wanehena of Tacoma, WA and Terry W. Running Crane of Browning and a granddaughter: Kiaya T Running Crane of Missoula.



She was preceded in death by her parents, sister: Abby Running Crane-Green, and Anthony Running Crane and a brother: Stormy James Bear Child.



Online condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com