October 19, 1960 – August 21, 2022
Lois Darlene High Elk, 62, of Spearfish started her journey on the Wanagi Ochanku (Spirit Trail) on Friday, August 21, 2022 at Monument Health, Rapid City.
Funeral services were held August 30, 2022 at the CRST Bingo Hall, Eagle Butte with burial in the High Elk Family Cemetery at Thunder Butte.
Lois was born October 19, 1960, at Eagle Butte, the third child of Paul and Clara (Stricker) High Elk, who resided on Irish Creek at Thunder Butte. Darlene, as everyone called her, grew up around the Irish Creek area and at the High Elk Ranch. She comes from the Howozu/Oohenunpa/ Itazipco bands of the Lakota and is a member of the Wakinyan Khiza Tiyospaye (Fights the Thunder Clan).
When Lois was six years old, she sustained a head injury which left her mentally handicapped. Lois attended special education class and then was home schooled by her mother. She attended the Black Hills Training Center from August 1978 to July 1981.
Lois had a loving heart and greeted everyone with a warm smile and “Hello.” She helped with the care of many of her nieces and nephews. She loved babies and was always excited to meet every baby born into the family. Lois loved doing crafts, especially those made from yarn. She lived with her parents until they left for the star nation.
In February 2015 Lois was accepted into the Northern Hills Training Center, where she participated in various activities. When she would come home for holidays and family functions, she would make sure Lavae took her back on time because she had a job and didn't want to miss work. Lois participated in the Special Olympics in bowling, basketball skills, softball skills, tennis ball throw, and 50-meter walk. She has earned over 75 Special Olympics medals and over 40 ribbons. Lois loved wearing them and showing them off. She loved being on the teams. She would rally her teammates and co-residents and had fun in everything she did.
Through the Center, Lois earned two trips. In September 2018, she traveled to Monterey Bay. She went sightseeing on several boats, watched dolphins and visited the aquarium. The second trip was to Las Vegas in July 2022. She tried out the casinos, went on a roller coaster ride, visited art galleries, beautiful fountains, lots of statues, the M&M Shop and the Coca Cola Shop. Her favorite was when she attended the Elvis Presley impersonator show. The entertainer sang a song to her.
Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2019. She had surgery and treatments. After January 2020 she was cancer free. She always had a beautiful smile, loved giving everyone a hard time and making everyone laugh. She loved to sew and make things for everyone. She even tried teaching her caretakers how to sew and laughed every time they poked themselves. She would help anyone that needed it.
Lois had huge heart and beautiful soul. She is survived by sisters Mildred (Tommy) Carpenter, LaVae (Hermus) Red Horse, and Codi High Elk; grandchildren Mahpiya Bison and Wylie Bearcomesout; nieces and nephews; hunka sisters: Consuelo (Jeff ) Guillory, Judy (Husky) Houston, and Dr. Vicki (Neil) Birkeland; hunka brothers John (Rita) Birkeland, Jake (Cindy) Longbrake, George Porgy (Gloria) Old Elk, and Lyndon (Ann) Old Elk; uncle Floyd High Elk; aunts Christine Blacksmith and Beatrice Crow; and nieces and nephews.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents; Paul and Clara; brother Carlos Red Legs; sisters Ruby Nordvold, Paulette High Elk, Carole Elk Nation, and Alva, Della, and Ruby Darlene Stricker; nieces, nephews and cousins; granddaughters Angel Rose, Laila Bird and LaVae Marie Johns; and hunka brother Floyd Hand.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.