Jerrell Piapot
courtesy photo
Jerrell Piapot
BIG ARM — Jerrell Joseph Tenas Piapot, 13, became our guardian angel on Jan. 14, 2018, surrounded by his family in Kalispell, Montana.
Jerrell was born on Nov. 28, 2004, at 3:51 p.m. in Polson to Colleen Tenas and DJ Piapot. He was a loving brother to five brothers, two sisters and numerous cousins. He started his educational career with Early Childhood Services at the Pablo and Polson Headstart programs. 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 University as his backup plan.
Throughout his school years he participated in baseball, soccer, basketball and 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 included 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; his grandparents, Chrissie Ewing of Big Arm, Frank Tenas of Elmo, Darrell and Lisa Piapot of Ronan and Vicki and Clete LaForge of Pablo; his great-grandparents, Patti Piapot of Pablo, Joe Piapot of Spokane, Carol Wood of St. Ignatius and Vic Matt of Dixon; and his siblings, Malacye, Layla, Jacob, Keke, Tristan, Anthony, Zanen, Skylar, Lane, Nevina and the many cousins he was raised with.
Services have been held. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
