Nikki Nichole Grimwood, Eagle Woman, born December 5, 1981, in Havre, Montana, to Marsha Briere-Grimwood and Anthony Begay, passed away on April 12, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, with her partner, Brandon by her side, and was gently called home to rest in the arms of the Creator.

Nikki was raised by her mother and her dad, Steve Grimwood, who loved her as his own and adopted Nikki. She spent part of her childhood in Box Elder and Ronan, Montana, and later lived with her grandparents who loved her deeply and who she was truly their baby. She attended Box Elder School and graduated in 2000. As a baby, her sister Elisha couldn't quite say 'Nikki' and instead called her 'Coco,' a name that stuck and was cherished by her mother Marsha and family throughout her life.

Nikki built her entire life around being a mother. Her children, Logan and Nevada Young, were her world her greatest love, her purpose, and her pride. She had her children, Logan and Nevada, with her former partner, Che Young. Nikki and Che were together for many years and, although they later separated, they both loved and cared deeply for their children. She did everything she could for them, making sure they were cared for, safe, and loved beyond measure. Nikki loved making them smile and laugh, and she poured herself into being present in their lives. If there was one thing Nikki loved most in this world, it was being their mom. She loved giving them experiences and memories road trips, time together, and moments that would stay with them forever. She always made sure they felt her love, no matter what. To know Nikki was to know a mother who gave everything she had to her children. Nikki was with her partner Brandon for six years in Seattle. They found each other and stayed close through everything life brought them.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salish Kootenai College and became a registered nurse, something she was incredibly proud of. In her nursing career, Nikki deeply valued patient care, and it was one of her highest priorities as a nurse. Being a nurse reflected who she was at her core: compassionate, caring, and dedicated to helping others.

Nikki worked as a nurse at Logan Health in the Polson area, and later at Muckleshoot Tribal Health in Washington. Through her nursing career, she met many people and built many lasting connections. She especially loved caring for elders and was known for the way she made her patients feel seen, respected, and cared for. Nikki truly loved being a nurse and was exceptionally good at what she did.

Nikki was a loyal friend to many. She valued her friendships deeply and loved her friends and family very much. She had so many friends throughout her life that it would be impossible to name them all, but each one held a place in her heart. She gave her love freely, showed up when it mattered, and made people feel valued and important. Nikki truly loved her friends and family very much, and she knew she was loved in return.

She loved music deeply. Her uncles helped spark that love in her at a young age, and she carried it with her throughout her life. She enjoyed everything from classic rock to modern R&B she loved it all. She also loved her culture and stayed proud of who she was. She loved to have fun, no matter what it was. Anywhere you went with her, she made things fun and exciting. She was that spark that everyone needed and the one who could light up a room just by being there.

Nikki loved visiting her grandparents in Box Elder, and she cherished time spent with her extended family. She loved road trips, and she especially loved driving through the mountains with the windows down, feeling the breeze and smelling the fresh mountain air. She called many places home Rocky Boy, the Flathead, and the Pacific Northwest—but the mountains always held a special place in her heart.

She took pride in herself and how she presented herself to the world. She loved doing her hair and makeup, and she carried herself with confidence. Nikki had a gift for connection she could meet someone once and make them feel like they mattered. She was strong, courageous, fierce, and deeply loving.

Nikki is survived by her father, Steve Grimwood; partner, Brandon Mattingly; her children, Logan and Nevada Young; her sister, Elisha Grimwood (Franklin); her sister, Sierra Grimwood; her uncles, Burke Briere and Ronnie Briere; her godmother, Madonna Briere; her special cousins Tysha Swank and Shane Sangrey; and her nieces and nephews, Tyrell, Patrick, Mia, Max, and Ace. And her loving family and cousins whose lives were forever touched by her and who loved her beyond words.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Marsha Briere-Grimwood; her grandmother, Pauline Briere; her grandfather, Mickey Briere; and her uncle, Robert Briere.

Nikki is deeply missed and will forever be remembered. The love she gave, the lives she touched, and the way she made people feel will remain with all who knew her.

To our Nikki—thank you for your love, your light, and the beautiful memories you gave us. You will always be our girl, and you will forever live in our hearts.