Chanise Cochran

cíhkɔɔc - Bright Eyes Chanise Danielle Cochran, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, and niece and step daughter passed away leaving a void in our hearts that can never be filled.

Chanise was born on November 10, 1993, in Havre, Montana, to Melinda R. Fortin and Buzz D. Cochran. An enrolled member of the Aaniiih and Nakoda Nations, she was deeply rooted in her community on the Fort Belknap Reservation, where virtually everyone knew her, loved her, and felt her warmth. As one of the only granddaughters in the Fortin family, she held a uniquely cherished place in her family’s hearts.

She attended Hays-Lodgepole High School, where her radiant spirit and popularity earned her the honor of Homecoming Queen in her senior year. Chanise had an absolute love for the color pink, a passion for taking and looking at photographs, and an unforgettable way of keeping everyone connected. Her ultimate favorite pastime was talking on the phone, a ritual her family lovingly called her "round robin." Calling. Her  Grandma Melanie was called two or three times a day, Chanise was the heart of the family's news. If anyone needed to know what was happening, Chanise could share every detail with love and precision.

Chanise’s profound love for spending time with her family far outweighed the pain she endured on most days. She never missed a chance to go fishing or hunting with the people she loved, creating memories outdoors that will be treasured forever. In the kitchen, baking cakes and cinnamon rolls with her family stood at the very top of her list of cherished things to do, filling their homes with sweetness and warmth.

Chanise served as the unofficial, but official, one-and-only ambassador of the Aaniiih and Nakoda Nations. Her bigger-than-life hellos and powerful bear hugs had a way of healing any broken heart. The lives she touched and the care she gave to those around her cannot be measured in a single lifetime.

Above all, Chanise exemplified unconditional love and devotion, especially to her mother, Melinda. To Chanise, her mom was her entire world; as long as she was by her mother's side, she knew everything would be okay. She also taught those around her the profound power of forgiveness. The extreme hardships she endured and gracefully forgave reflected the highest form of peace and love a lesson her family will strive to carry forward for eternity.

Chanise is survived by her loving parents, Melinda R. Fortin and Buzz D.(Alvina) Cochran; her grandparents, Melanie Hawley Fortin and Dale Fortin;Grandparents: Betty Jo Longknife and Michael Buzz Cochran

 her brothers, Codylee Daniel & Lola (Bringing Good) Fortin, Vincent M. Fortin, and David Buzz Cochran; her sister, Tianna Cochran; her Aunties, Candace, Tina, and Caralee Fortin; as well as all of her cherished nieces and nephews.

Uncle Michael Buz & Monika Snezzy of Globe AZ , Uncle Michael Edward Cochran of Fort Bidwell CA, Lance Belcourt & Misty Stanley Brandon Belcourt, Auntie Missy & Uncle Randy Falls Down of Prior MT, Auntie Chrissy & Uncle Dave Kirkaldie of Hays MT, Auntie, Jamie & Uncle Clinton Haakanson of Hays MT

To have been in Her family was a high honor. The selflessness, pure love, and lessons Chanise shared will live in our hearts forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chanise Cochran, please visit our floral store.