In Loving Memory of Renee Yellow Owl

October 17, 1970 - October 15, 2026

Renee Lynn Yellow Owl was born on October 17, 1970, in Browning, Montana, to Wilbert "Big Donnie" Yellow Owl and Charlene Yellow Owl (Barrios). Raised outside of Browning, Renee grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the stories and traditions that would remain close to her heart throughout her life.

Renee's journey took her to many places, including Seattle, Washington, Oklahoma, and Pablo, Montana, before she eventually returned home to Browning. Wherever life took her, she carried a strong sense of family, a desire to help others, and a deep and abiding faith in God.

Education was important to Renee. A determined go-getter with a brilliant mind, she was a dedicated student who excelled academically and approached learning with ambition and enthusiasm. She attended Renton Vocational Technical Institute and Rhema Bible College in Oklahoma. She later earned her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Salish Kootenai College, where she was recognized as Student of the Year. Her passion for learning and personal growth continued as she pursued a master's degree at Walla Walla University.

Renee carried that same determination and dedication into her professional life, devoting much of her career to serving others. She worked as a social worker for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, a vocational rehabilitation intake technician, and a medical office assistant in Seattle. Helping people was more than a career for Renee; it was part of who she was. She inherited much of her loving, generous, and kindhearted nature from her parents Big Donnie and Charlene Mae. Renee had a heart for people and a willingness to give of herself to help others.

Even while facing struggles of her own, she continued to offer compassion, encouragement, and comfort to those around her.

Her Christian faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Renee loved the Bible and had a remarkable gift to recall scripture, often finding just the right verse to offer encouragement, wisdom, or comfort in any situation. She was involved in ministry during many seasons of her life and traveled alongside her brother Jeff to support his ministry work. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about; it was something she sought to live through her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.

Above all, Renee's greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. Her love for them was endless, and she made sure they knew how deeply they were loved. She especially enjoyed making snacks and treats with her children during the holidays. With Renee, every holiday was an occasion worth celebrating, and she had a way of making those moments feel special and memorable.

Renee also loved sharing stories with her children about her own childhood. She would reminisce about fishing trips and picnics with her family, she talked about her fun childhood growing up in the country and the love of riding horses with siblings and cousins, she admitted to the endless teasing towards her brothers, and listening to her grandmothers praying over their families. These memories were precious to her, and through her storytelling, she passed along pieces of her life, her family history, and the love that shaped her.

Renee will be remembered for her love, generous spirit, her faith, her sense of humor, her love of family, and her desire to help those in need. Even through her own pain and hardships, she continued reaching out to others, hoping to bring healing and encouragement wherever she could.

She leaves behind her beloved children: son Luke Running Crane; and daughters La'Shelle Yellow Owl, Shandeen Belanger, Shi'Anne Belanger, Rebecca and Mercedes Running Crane.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, listed from oldest to youngest: Darrianna, Colton, Maya, Kascius, Mary, Valentin, Micah, and Amani.

Renee is survived by her sisters, Dawn Yeager, Lailani Upham, and Carrie Lynn (Upham) Bear Chief; and her brothers, Jeff Yellow Owl, Wilbert "Little Donnie" Yellow Owl Jr., and Benjamin Yellow Owl, and her dedicated partner Mitchell Stripped Squirrel along with numerous extended family members, relatives, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Charlene Yellow Owl (Barrios); her father, Wilbert "Big Donnie" Yellow Owl; her former husband, Keith Running Crane; and her grandmothers, Mary Jane Wren Barrios and Jennie Wells, and her grandfathers Steve Barrios Sr., and Dominick Yellow Owl.

Renee's life was one of faith, love, perseverance, and service. While her family and friends will deeply miss her presence, the memories she created, the stories she shared, the prayers she offered, and the love she gave will continue to live on through the generations of her family.

Her greatest legacy is the love she leaves behind.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)