December 5, 2003 – December 4, 2022
Funeral services for Janessa A. Medina, 18, Zia Pueblo, NM and Sisseton, SD were held Friday, December 9, 2022 at the Eagle Butte Bingo Hall. Interment under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was at Ascension Episcopal Cemetery at Blackfoot. Janessa passed away on December 4, 2022 at her home in Sisseton.
Janessa was a beautiful, strong, resilient, respectful young lady. She took pride in her cultures from dancing away with all her heart and soul to singing loud and proud. She was very humble, caring and nurturing.
She often asked for advice and appreciated reassurance. She always gave words of encouragement and uplifted those around her. Her sweet gentle soul and positive energy was infinite.
She is survived by her son, Kaleb Wayne Jr.; her mother, Shawnee S. Sam; her father, Alfred L. Medina Jr.; her stepmother, Erin Shije; her siblings: Milton Medina, Makaylin Medina, Natalia Shije, Scott Baca, Cree Sam, Nadiya Shije and Bodhi Shije; niece and nephews Ethan Kyler, Khalil Ezra and Nylaka Rose; grandparents Alfred Medina Sr., Thelma Medina, Catherine Tsosie, and George Keryte; her aunts Serina T. Medina, Dursilla Medina, Sage Sam, Cherokee Sam; uncle Magoo; and cousins Desiree Coriz, Ethan Coriz, Audrianna Toribio, Serena Eagle, Elizabeth Eagle, Alec Trancosa, Alexis Trancosa, Nicholas, Junior, Kent Jr., Nathaniel Yazzie, Marquis Aungie Jr., Tyler Aungie, Tavin Aungie, Mato Cikala Casiquito, Nizhoni Sam and Wynter-Star Casiquito.
Preceding her in death are her great-grandparents Dennis Sand Sr. and Catherine Catch the Bear; grandparents Frank Sand, Tom Sand, Audrey Makes Room for Them and Beatrice Shije; aunts Cheyanne Crane and Kelsey Makes Room for Them; uncle Wanbli Sam and cousin Serena Trancosa.