Jerrell Joseph Tenas Piapot, 13, became our guardian angel on January 14, 2018, surrounded by his family in Kalispell, Montana.
Jerrell was born November 28, 2004 at 3:51 pm in Polson, Montana to Colleen Tenas and DJ Piapot. He was a loving brother to 5 brothers, 2 sisters and numerous cousins. He started his educational career with Early Childhood Services at Pablo and Polson Headstart. He entered kindergarten in the Polson School District where he made friends with everyone he met, including teachers and staff at Cherry Valley, Linderman and Polson Middle School. His teachers said he was a joy to have in class, but his silliness was often a distraction. He excelled in all subjects and was planning to gain a scholarship to a big college with Montana State University or Gonzaga as his backup plan.
Throughout his school years he participated in Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, Football and was ready to try out his quickness in track this spring. He made a lasting impression on each of his coaches and teammates, and gained the nickname “Smiley”. He also enjoyed playing in 3 on 3 basketball tournaments with his cousins and best buddies in the summer.
Jerrell was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai tribes, representing both tribes. As a child he enjoyed dancing and singing, which sparked his interest in beading. Jerrell’s other hobbies consisted of playing outdoors, solving rubix cubes, watching youtube, eating muffins, skateboarding and sharing pictures on Instagram with his friends.
Jerrell will be remembered by his caring nature, compassion, sense of humor, but most of all by his infectious smile and laugh that would make anyone’s day better.
He is preceded in death by his great grandmother, Helen Charlo; his cousins, Dayami Piapot, Heather Adams, and Jayvyen Tenas; and numerous Aunts and Uncles.
He is survived by his mother, Colleen Tenas of Big Arm; his father DJ Piapot(Alisha) of Ronan; Grandparents Chrissie Ewing of Big Arm, Frank Tenas of Elmo, Darrell & Lisa Piapot of Ronan and Vicki & Clete LaForge of Pablo; Great Grandparents Patti Piapot of Pablo, Joe Piapot of Spokane, Carol Wood of St. Ignatius and Vic Matt of Dixon; and siblings Malacye, Layla, Jacob, Keke, Tristan, Anthony, Zanen, Skylar, Lane, Nevina and the many cousins he was raised with.
Services are scheduled for January 16, with Rosary at 8 PM. Funeral will be January 17, with viewing beginning at 9 AM and mass at 11 AM at the Community Center in Elmo, Montana. Burial will be at the Dayton cemetery.
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