March 11, 1976– August 4, 2026_______________________________________
Funeral services for Robert 'Bart' Ward, 50, of Eagle Butte were held August 13 at the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Auditorium. Bart passed away on August 4, 2026, at the Eagle Butte IHS Hospital. Burial was at the Mossman Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Bart was born to Bill Ward, Sr. and Elaine Traversie Ward on March 11,1976, in Mobridge, the youngest of five children.
Bart attended school at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte for 12 years, graduating in 1994.
Bart and Jaime got married during their senior year at C-EB. She was his only love and his partner in all things. After their graduation, Bart attended Black Hills State University for a time before returning home to await the birth of their first child, Shanee Mykel, who arrived just after Christmas, 1995.
In 2000, Bart, Jaime and Shanee moved to Aberdeen so Jaime could attend college. Bart worked for Hub City Transit while Jaime attended classes. The little family moved home in 2004 and Charlee Jo was born in August, 2005.
In 2005, Bart began ranching with his mom, Elaine, as they built their herds. He worked side by side with his children and Jaime in the ranching operation, always involving his family in every aspect of daily ranch work. He was assisted by Mike and Terry O’Neal and Cody Dog Eagle, who were always ready and willing to help. He raised outstanding Angus beef cattle and was a successful, capable livestock operator.
In 2014, the birth of their son, Kel Robert, completed Bart and Jaime’s family. Shanee nicknamed him Kel Bob and it stuck.
Bart had a deep connection with his Traversie family and maintained strong and loving relationships with his siblings, Bill, Kelly, Brady and Robin.
Bart worked for Mni Mart, CRST Game, Fish & Parks, Farlee Trenching & Backhoe, Bureau of Indian Education C-EB Schools, and BIA Land Operations. He was employed in Federal Service for 19 years. He served on the 20-1 School Board for 6 years.
Bart was elected to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council in November 2024. He served in this capacity until the time of his passing. He was always looking for new and innovative ways to fix the issues that exist for the people. He had a no-nonsense approach to tribal business because he was a get-it-done kind of guy.
He served as the chairman of the Tribal Roads Committee, chairman of the CRST Rodeo Committee, vicechair of the Fair Board, and vice-chair of the Education Committee. He also served on the Tribal Land Committee, Election Board, Veterans Affairs Committee, TECA Committee, Cannabis Control Commission, Loan Committee, Human Services Committee, Tribal Projects Committee, Buffalo Board, Tax Committee, Claims Committee, and the CRST Indian Relay Committee.
Bart is survived by his spouse, Jaime; daughters Shanee and Charlee; son Kel Robert; siblings Bill (JoDonna) Ward, Kelly (Bo)Ward, Brady (Kim) Ward and Robin Ward-McCoy; his nieces and nephews; father-in- law Mike O’Neal; godsons Seth Stadel and Gus Colliflower; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bart is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Elaine Ward; mother-in-law Carole O’Neal; all of his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins