02/11/2026
Patricia Chantelle LaForge Dust “Known for her beadwork” (Baannaschexiassaash) 62, Billings, Mt. Dr. Daniel Ceivert LaForge, Violet Rose Hugs. October 24, 1963 and entered heaven on February 7, 2026, in Billings, Mt.
She was funny, witty, chucklesome, easy-going, kindhearted, helpful, adventuresome and a bit feisty. She loved to visit with her loved ones. She expressed her personality creatively and brought beauty and originality into everything she did. She was a good friend and a sister in Christ. Her proudest accomplishments were having a big family. She loved to spend time with her grandkids and spoil them with all that she possessed. She loved to bead, make teddy bears, make jewelry, star quilts and paintings. She loved to go soak in the hot springs, celebrate her children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays, and attend all family celebrations.
She married James Dust in 1995 and they made their home in Lodge Grass, Mt then later moved to Billings, Mt. She was a career student who attended Little Big Horn College, Rocky Mountain College, Salish Kootenai College, Montana State University (MSU) Bozeman, and MSU-Billings formerly Eastern Montana College. She was an entrepreneur and did whatever she could to provide for her family which included catering, selling jewelry and paintings. She earned her CDL then worked construction and drove the bus for Little Big Horn College athletes. She worked for the Crow Tribe as an Environmentalist which included writing grants receiving substantial funds. She worked as a teacher for Crow Tribal Headstart Program in Lodge Grass and Ft. Smith.
Proceeded her in death: Mom: Violet Rose Hugs. Dad: Daniel Ceivert LaForge. Husband James Dust Grandmothers: Dorothy Big Lake-Hugs and Pearl Hogan, Ada Hugs-Iron, Maxine LaForge. Grandfathers: Elias Sr. and Oliver Hugs, Alex LaForge Sr. Uncles: William Enemy Hunter, Alex LaForge Jr, Arlee and Robert Stops, Bruce and Sylvester Iron. Aunts: Verna Rogers, Deanna Stopsatprettyplaces, Yvonne and Daisy Iron, Rosie Bearcrane, Gladys LaForge, Diana Spint, Alexine Faller, Pansy & Merle Jean Hugs. Sisters: Penny Stray Calf, Deanna Enemy Hunter, Susan LaForge, Pamela Stewart, and Lynn D. Hugs.
Survived by: Her children Chantelle (Jason Driving Hawk) Big Back, Josiah LaForge Dust, Lilly LaForge Dust, Seth (Iyanni) Dust. David Dust. Adopted son Elijah Costa. Siblings Henry Kirt (Elsie) LaForge, Daniel T. (Sylvia) LaForge. Joen White, Dawn (Glenn) PlentyHawk, Ada Shane, Lynn LaForge, Mellanie Left Hand. Grandchildren: Asher, Zariah, Tyree, Harmony, Jaeger, Natalie, Zelda, Nevaeh. God Children: Alaya Bixby, Darris & Darrian Dust, Matthew Baker, Constance Petty.
Extended family: Hugs, Big Lake, DeCrane, Old Horn, Morrison, Iron, Fighter, Goes Ahead, Stewart, Dust, LaForge, Bullshows, Enemyhunter, Takesthehorse, Shane, Beaumont, Birdinground, Old Elk, Bearcrane, Pease, Russell, Alden, Whiteman, Sun Goes Slow.
