Funeral services for Karen (Phillips) Two Hearts, 66, of Mobridge will be at 11 AM CT, Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Wakpala Community Center. Burial will be at St. Bede’s Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A procession will leave the funeral home at 5 PM, Wednesday, for a 7 PM prayer service at the community center. Karen passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Avantara Mountainview Nursing Home in Rapid City.

Karen (Phillips) Two Hearts, 66, was born on March 9, 1960, in Fort Yates, North Dakota, to Annette (Baker) Phillips and Sherman Phillips Sr. Karen spent nearly her entire life in Wakpala, South Dakota, where she was raised alongside her older sister, Bernie, and her younger siblings, Larry, Marie, Terry, and Sue.

Karen attended Wakpala School and later earned her GED before graduating from a culinary program in Brookings, South Dakota, where she received her Certificate in Culinary. Her love for cooking became more than a profession—it became her way of showing love and caring for others.

Karen was first married to Bruce Thompson, and together they welcomed two daughters, Emmalee and Luve. Although their marriage ended, Karen later found love with Marvin (Sylvan) Strong Heart. Together they had a daughter, Sylvia.

Karen and Marvin also lovingly raised her niece, Jesse, as their own, along with Marvin’s children from previous relationships, embracing each of them with the love and care of a mother.

Karen later married Darrell “Pops” Two Hearts. The two shared many happy years together until Darrell’s passing in 2021.

Karen dedicated much of her career to serving others through her cooking. She began as a cook for the Wakpala School, where generations of children came to know and love her. To many, she was more than the school cook—she was a trusted adult, a comforting presence, and someone who always made others feel welcome. She later worked at Hardee’s but soon realized her greatest joy came from preparing homemade meals that brought smiles to people’s faces. She continued her career with the Grand River Casino and the Wakpala Nutrition Program, where she remained committed to serving her community.

Karen was known for her kind heart, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. She worked hard throughout her life until her health no longer allowed her to do so. In her later years, she lived in the Wakpala–Mobridge area before moving to Medicine Wheel Village in Eagle Butte and, eventually, spending her final days at Avantara Mountain View in Rapid City.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Eric Brown; her husband, Darrell “Pops” Two Hearts; and her siblings, Lawrence Phillips, Marie (Phillips) Thomas, SueAnn Phillips, Bernardine Phillips, nephew, Zachariah Tree Top, nieces, Suzette Tree Top and EllaJane Blue Shield.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Emmalee, Luve, Sylvia, and Jesse; her brother, Terry Phillips and sister Donise Red Water; as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, compassion, and unforgettable meals.

Karen’s legacy lives on through the many people she nourished—not only with her cooking but with her love, generosity, and support. She will be deeply missed.

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