Elaine Keepseagle | 1945-2022
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Nov 14, 2022 | 10:41 AM / 401 views
Funeral services for Elaine Keepseagle, 77, of Ft. Yates will be at noon on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the Cannonball Red Gym. Burial will be at the Keepseagle Family Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. All night wake services will be at 7 PM Monday at the gym. Elaine passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.
Elaine was born on April 3, 1945, in Cannon Ball ND to Thomas D., and Nellie Cottonwood-Blackhoop. She was the youngest of five children. She attended high school in Flandreau Boarding School in 1964. She then moved to Brocket Alberta Canada where she married Hugh Croweagle. In that time she was in Canada, she had five daughters: Thomasene, Wanda, Candace, Teresa and Trudy.
Elaine was one of the first female bus drivers in Brocket Alberta, in 1960s, she joined the bus co-op and bought a school bus. She was the best bus driver as the kids would say. She became a foster parent to countless kids; two young brothers came to stay and forever became family. They become her sons Randal Wolf Tail and Frank Wolf Tail. Her only sons to this day.
Elaine moved back to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in 1976 and began working with the CHR Program in 1978, but shortly after began her employment with the Standing Rock Head start. Worked closely with one of her long-time friend Marcella Yellow Hammer. Soon after that she went back to the CHR program. During that time in 2004 she enrolled in the University of Mary Bachelor of Science and graduated at the age of 59 years old, she felt that was one of her greatest achievements. She was extremely proud of herself that she made it through at her age.
Elaine also became a contact person with Partnership, a program in Rapid City SD. Chris Burd whom she developed a special friendship with. Elaine and Chris met and diligently fought with ND Senate to help benefit the programs on SRST. Elaine reached out the many who were instrumental in getting help for individuals who were stranded at home, who needed help getting to their appointments. She also worked with the American Indian Relief Council now called the Northern Plain Reservation Aid.
There are so many people that Elaine has worked with and developed a special bond and most of them came from the time when she was employed with the CHR Program; Wayland Yellow Earrings, Larry Brown Sr, Melda Crow Feather, Randi Dogskin, Virginia Leaf, Jackie Elk, John Eagleshield, Bernadine Broken Leg, Randal White Sr, the late Gene these were her best friends, her work children, her work brothers and sisters. She thought of them a great deal. In 2012 Elaine retired from the CHR – Community Health Representative Program. She enjoyed the remainder of her years with her love, Paul.
There are so many we didn’t get to mention who are in our hearts and would like to express our gratitude at this time. She enjoyed life, her family and grandchildren, she loved to work and challenge herself. Elaine would always tell her daughters to “just pray”, and that is the only words they would share with God that will keep them during this time.
Elaine Marie Keepseagle left behind her husband Paul keepseagle, her children; Thomasene, Candace, Teresa, Trudy, Randal, Frank, Merri “Bear”, Lovene. She had humble pride in her her 18 grandchildren that she thought so fondly of: Calvin, Edison, Charmaine, Charla, Pat, Tyrus, David, Dylan, Daniel, Dawson, Felicia Christopher, Moriah, Michele, Heighlon, Tanisha, and Soroya. And 23 great grandchildren.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Thomas & Nellie Blackhoop; sisters, Florestine Yellow Hammer, Thelma Shelltrack; brother, Arnold Blackhoop, Floyd Blackhoop; daughter, Wanda Croweagle; granddaughter, Whitney Louise Croweagle; great grandson, Paul Colton Hugh Croweagle