Melidie Ilona Miner Swallow

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March 8, 1942– February 9, 2021

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  • Melidie Ilona Miner Swallow
    Melidie Ilona Miner Swallow
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Melidie Ilona Miner-Swallow was born to Elverna Thunder Hawk and Nelson Miner on March 8,1942 on the Cheyenne River Reservation. She passed away at home among family on February 9, 2021 at age 78.

Melidie spent her early years in a log cabin along the Little Moreau River. She attended the “Old Agency” boarding school. In 1960 the family moved to Rapid City.

Melidie met her future husband, Victor Swallow, in 1967 and they married in 1969. To this union were born Colin Swallow, Kate Swallow and Vikki Swallow. Later they adopted a grandson, Nathan Swallow.

Melidie enjoyed a good bargain found at rummage sales and thrift stores. She enjoyed being outdoors working in her yard and planting flowers in the spring and setting up Christmas lights in the winter. Melidie loved going to Red Shirt Table on the Pine Ridge Reservation to hike in the badlands, pick choke cherries, dig wild turnips, cut wild sage and look for unique rocks. She enjoyed family reunions, picnics, pow wows, and soup cook-offs at Red Shirt Arbor.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Victor Swallow; their children, Colin, Kate, Vikki and Nathan Swallow; grandchildren Kelly, Amanda, and Peyton Swallow; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers; one sister and her loving friends - Erma LaPlante, Suzanna Swallow, Josephine Fast Wolf, and Shirley Miner; cousin Faye Rousseau and aunt Alma Dupris.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and four brothers.

A memorial service will be held in the late spring. An online guest book is at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.