Sahiyela Wade White Crane Jr. “Shy,” was born on March 27, 2004, and left this world far too soon on July 11, 2025.

Shy was the firstborn son of Amy Hunter and Sahiyela White Crane Sr., and from day one, he was a force of nature—vibrant, energetic, and full of light. He grew up in Williston, attending both elementary and high school there, where he made countless friends and left unforgettable impressions everywhere he went.

To his mother Amy, Shy wasn’t just a son—he was her heart walking outside of her body. Their bond was unbreakable, magical, and filled with laughter. No matter what life threw their way, Shy and Amy faced it side by side, always finding a way through—usually with a joke or two in the process.

Shy had a deep love for the outdoors—bonfires, lake days, or just being in nature with the people that he loved the most. He had a love for lifted, loud trucks, the louder the better—and if there was a chance for a burnout, Shy was in. He had a thing for Twisted Teas (Except for the Black Cherry flavor) and could turn even an ordinary afternoon into a memory that you would never forget.
If he was there, you could count on three things: good energy, big laughs, and absolutely no dull moments.

As a big brother, Shy was a protector, a problem-solver, and a partner in crime. Whether it was a sibling issue, cousin chaos, or a friend’s disaster, “Big Bro” Shy always knew what to do (or at least acted like he did—and did it with confidence).

And then there was Puff—Shy’s bearded dragon and constant companion. From the moment Shy brought Puff home, they were inseparable. Puff went everywhere with Shy, even snuggled up next to him at night. Their bond was one-of-a-kind, just like Shy himself. The love he had for Puff spoke volumes about the kindness, loyalty, and care that filled his heart.

Shy lived loud and loved hard. He was the kind of soul who made life brighter just by being in the room. His legacy is one of love, laughter, loyalty, and a spark that can never be replaced.

Though our hearts are broken, we will keep telling the stories, sharing the laughs, and carrying him with us—always.

Shy is survived by his loving mother, Amy (Tim); father, Sahiyela Sr.; sister, Alashawnee (Cayden); brothers, Kadyn, Brylan, and Jakobi, all of Williston. He is also survived by his aunts, Pamela (Jerry), Rhonda, Lauri, Nancy, and Donna (Trent); maternal uncles, Seth Carter, and Nicholas Hunter (Shiann); paternal aunts, Weona Lee Falcon, and Carley White Crane (Joshua); paternal grandmother, Skipp; and an army of cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, and friends who loved him like family.

He is preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandmas, Lenora Hunter and Rose Ortloff; maternal grandpa, William Ortloff; maternal aunt, Melissa Hunter; maternal uncles, Robert Hunter, Joe Hunter, Franklin Mundo, Sefton Kienzle, Michael Hunter, and Jamie Daily; and his paternal uncle, Chaska Running Shield.