June 21, 1943 – February 26, 2022
Funeral services for Donna Clausen, 78, of Eagle Butte were Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eagle Butte. Donna passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte.
Interment under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was at the Eagle Butte Cemetery.
Donna Hope Bowker was born to Henry and Gatsy (Raven) Bowker on June 21, 1943 at the Old Cheyenne Agency.
Donna Hope, as most called her, attended school at the Agency until it was moved to Eagle Butte. She graduated from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School.
In 1960, Donna, at the age of 17, participated in the Miss Indian America contest in Sheridan, WY and won Miss Congeniality.
On March 30, 1963 Donna married Eugene “Gus” Clausen. After their marriage they lived a short while in Dupree until they settled permanently in Eagle Butte. To this union two children were born: a son, Troy Dean Clausen, and a daughter, Evvi LaDean Clausen.
Donna’s favorite past times were spending time caring, nurturing, and loving her children as they grew up. She followed them as they participated in rodeo events in the summertime. She enjoyed time with close friends and family travelling to rodeo functions, horse racing events, and visiting with family.
In her spare time Donna enjoyed knitting, artwork, beading, leatherwork and sewing. She was artistic and her handwriting was very beautiful in cursive.
Donna was known to many on the entire reservation as Mom, Auntie and Grandma. Everyone who entered the store at Mni Mart could find Donna sitting in her spot where she was greeted by all who entered.
Everyone has a story or two to tell about their adventures with Donna. There was never a dull moment in her life.
Donna is survived by her son, Troy, daughter, Evvi (Steve), grandsons Devin (Bree), Clay (Keysha) and Weston; great-grandchildren Asher and Brixlie Hope; brother Hank (Carol) Bowker and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gus Clausen, brothers Coke (Rechinda) and Rocky, and sister, Gloria.