Charlene G. LaClaire, 65, of Rapid City, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:20 p.m. at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, surrounded by her loved ones as she made her journey to the Spirit World.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Dupree Multipurpose Building, Dupree. Burial will follow at the Dupree Cemetery. A wake service will begin at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Multipurpose Building, with a procession leaving from 2 miles east of town at 4:00 p.m. All singers are welcome.

Charlene Grace LaClaire was born July 11, 1960, to Gladys (Red Bird) LaClaire and Bernard LaClaire Sr. She spent her early childhood in Cherry Creek before moving to Iron Lightning during her adolescent years. As a teenager, she moved to Dupree, where she remained into adulthood.

Charlene attended Dupree High School and later enrolled at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, where she studied mechanics. From a young age, she developed a love for cooking and baking, often preparing meals and treats for her parents and siblings. She later worked as a cook for the Elderly Nutrition Program, where she enjoyed creating delicious meals and desserts for the elders she served.

Charlene also had a remarkable talent for traditional beadwork and quillwork. Alongside her lifelong partner and husband, Jim Little Wounded, she created beautifully crafted pieces that were displayed and sold at Prairie Edge in Rapid City.

In her 20s, Charlene moved to Rapid City with her children, traveling back and forth over the years before settling there in 2009. After becoming ill, she began dialysis in 2010. Though every challenge, she remained a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend who loved her family deeply.

Charlene is survived by her children, JJ, Rayme, and Sophie; her stepchildren, Robbie, Wanda, and Dathan; her many grandchildren; her lifelong partner and husband of 47 years, Jim Little Wounded; and her siblings: Bernadine, Alice, Reggie, Perry, Delwin. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

She will be greatly missed, and her love and legacy will live on through the generations.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Bernard LaClaire Sr.; brothers, B.J. and Brent; daughter, Charish; maternal grandparents, William and Ellen Iron Lightning; and paternal grandparents, Vincent and Margaret Creek LaClaire.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Charlene’s arrangements.

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