Johnny Littlewolf

Johnny “ichi yamish” Big Buck Littlewolf of Toppenish, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Yakima Regional Hospital after suffering from a lifetime illness. He was born October 9, 1957 and raised by his grandmother Nock Nock Woods. He attended school at McKinley and stayed at the McKinley Mission in Wapato until the 11th grade. Johnny had worked since the age of 14 years and helped his uncle and aunt Ted and Nettie Moses in the fields. He also worked various labor jobs for Snokist, Del Monte, and for Yakama Housing for 12 years. Over the years his hobbies included wood cutting and playing pool for Tiny’s Tavern for 2 years. Johnny was mostly known for being an avid fisherman and hunter. His favorite time, however, was spending time with his grandchildren and his friends. John married his wife Melvern at the Legends Casino on leap year and they were the 30th couple. They had just celebrated their 3rd anniversary.

John is survived by his his Melvern Littlewolf of Toppenish; 3 sons Vernon (Jessica) Littlewolf of the Tri-Cities WA., John Littlewolf of Grand Coulee WA., Richard (Nycole) Littlewolf of Wapato WA.; daughter Echo Littlewolf of Wapato, WA., stepchildren Winona and Robert George both of Toppenish; sister Leta (Wendell Sr.) Cozad of Toppenish, WA. , Edna (Reggie) Littlewolf of Wapato, Wa., Hattie Jones of Pendleton, OR., Sandra Littlewolf of Warmsprings, OR.; step-brother Josly Moses of Wapato, WA.; step-sisters Winona (Franklin) Lozier of Enumclaw, WA., Melinda Moses of Wapato, WA., Gaynell (Robert) Queahpama and Janita Queahpama both of Wapato, WA., Valerie (Wayne) Smartlowit of Toppenish, WA., and Bethann (Ron) Hartgrove of Tacoma, WA.

Johnny was preceded in death by his father Mark Littlewolf of South Dakota; his mother Juanita Wood; and 2 of his brothers.

A Dressing Service was held Monday, April 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Overnight Service will be held at Toppenish Longhouse in Toppenish, with burial to follow at the McCoy Cemetery on Tuesday, April 24th at 8:00 a.m.