CHERRY CREEK, SD – Reuben LeGrand Washburn, Wahwala Mani (He Walks Silently), 44, of Cherry Creek, made his journey to the Spirit World on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck, ND.
Reuben will be met and escorted home by all interested memorial riders at the Cherry Creek hill heading west at 4:00 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2026. Reuben’s life will be honored throughout the weekend near the Washburn Home, located on Golden Eagle Road, three miles northwest of Cherry Creek, South Dakota. NAC Services, officiated by Vincent Powless, will be held on Saturday evening, and traditional wake and burial services will be held throughout Sunday, March 15th, and into the morning of Monday, March 16th.
Reuben was born December 26,1981 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. He was the much loved fifth child born to Rhae and Anita Washburn. Most of his childhood was spent around his country home a few miles outside of Cherry Creek. There he enjoyed running, biking, and exploring all around the creek, trees, and prairie. Most often you could find him riding the family horse Shields. He loved the outdoors, whether it was hot or cold, he preferred to play outside. Living in such a rural area, his siblings and cousins became his best friends. Companionship was never lacking, his kindness made him well liked by all. It is fitting that his late uncle, Leonard “Black Moon” Riddles, a well-known Comanche artist gave him the name “Yan-ne Toa-nah-pau” which translates to Laughing Boy. His handsome smile and sense of humor were contagious as a child and throughout his life. Reuben attended elementary school in Dupree and later transferred to complete his education. He attended Walters High School in Oklahoma, where he played football. He graduated from Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School in 2000. He was especially gifted in the areas of Math and Science. These skills earned him an opportunity to spend summers in a program for students at The School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota. There he enjoyed the opportunity to learn and excel further in the sciences.
Reuben followed his older brother’s example and rode numerous times in the Wounded Knee Memorial Ride. In the cold South Dakota winters, he would often spend his birthday riding against the bitter wind to remember Chief Big Foot and our Lakota ancestors who were massacred in 1890. Reuben also honored his ancestors as a Sundancer, firekeeper, and Itacan (leader/spokesman). His spiritual strength and wisdom would become one of his greatest traits. He loved his Maka Luta brothers and sisters. They became part of his heart and forever family.
Reuben’s greatest blessings were his children and grandchildren, whom he loved with his whole heart: Wakiza Rhae, Kicopi Mae, Oniyan Wakan Toni, Wakita Reuben and Kieran Kelis (Granddaughters, Kerce & Kiore). Through his marriage to Winona Powless, he became a father at a young age. This was the role he cherished most. He taught his children to enjoy nature. One of their favorite hikes was Placerville in the Black Hills. He loved to take his children to Green Bay Packers games and they will remember him as the biggest “Cheesehead”. He was a storyteller and his children will remember how he shared stories wherever he went. He instilled a warrior mindset in them. He taught them to be proud of who they were and where they came from. Most importantly, he taught them to have a relationship with the Creator and to pray. His children were the focus of his life and he will remain their protector in Spirit.
He spent much of his early years as a father in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was during this time he increased his knowledge and participation with the American Indian Movement and the Native American Church. He continued his spiritual journey under the guidance of his Onieda relatives. The Powless and Ninham family welcomed him in and loved him as a son. He was honored and respected by all who knew him there. They held a special place in his heart and were important in his life journey.
One of Reuben’s gifts was gentle patience and the ability to teach youth horsemanship skills. With the help of his father and mother-in-law, Byron and Toni Buffalo, they inspired the next generation to love and respect horses. The Sunwakan Agli Riders regularly rode horseback and learned to value the Horse Nation. His sons, daughters, nieces and nephews will always remember the lessons they learned from him.
As Reuben’s children grew up and he had more time on his hands, he became a strong advocate against any issues negatively affecting indigenous groups on Turtle Island. As a traditionalist, he understood the treaties and promises made by the government to tribal nations. A descendant of the Choctaw and Comanche Nations of Oklahoma through his father’s lineage and the Minecoujou Lakota on his mother’s side, he descended from a line of powerful leaders and warriors. He stood firmly for what was right and just. He was always willing to go where he was needed to peacefully stand with those who were being persecuted. He loved his travels and meeting new friends. He was a protestor at Mato Paha, a water protector at Standing Rock-Oceti Sakowin Camp, security on The Trail of Truth, a defender of sovereignty for Muwekma Ohlone, and an activist for the American Indian Movement. Reuben’s sheer size could intimidate others, little did they know he was a gentle giant with a compassionate heart. He would give someone the last of anything he had if they needed it. He will be remembered as a true Warrior and friend to many.
Reuben is loved and will be greatly missed by his children, Wakiza, Kicopi, Kieran, NIyan, and Wakita; granddaughters, Kerce and Kiore; father, Rhae Washburn; siblings: Condita, Amanda, Quanah (Erica), Crystal (Dallas), Cherie, and Jeremiah; numerous nieces, nephews, takojas, cousins, family and friends. While our hearts are broken at the loss of Reuben, we are comforted to know he was welcomed with open arms to the Star Nation by his mother, Anita Washburn; niece, Keeva Washburn; grandfathers, Steve Red Fox and Eddie Washburn; grandmother, Victoria Straight Head LaClaire; and many other loved ones.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Reuben’s arrangements.
