Carla J. Veaux, 66, of Eagle Butte passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at CEB Auditorium, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Veaux Cemetery, LaPlant. A procession will be at 10:00 a.m., at the 4-Mile on Saturday morning. 

Carla Jean was born on October 30, 1959, to Victoria Mildred Straight Head and Leroy Jerome LaClaire at Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota. She was raised in Cherry Creek, South Dakota, alongside her siblings Anita Marie, Deloria Faye, Darryl Jay, Darren James, Dana John, and Josephine Rose, whom she adored. She would often visit her Aunts-Rosalie, Angeline, particularly Aunt Doris. 

At just five years old, Carla attended St. Joseph Boarding School with her older sisters, Maria and Dee, who lovingly looked after and protected her. During that time, she recalled a specific nun named Jacinta who showed special interest in her well-being, leading her to call herself Carla Jean-Jacinta. She later attended Stephan Indian School, where she completed the 8th grade, and went on to Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School, graduating in 1978.

Carla met the love of her life while in high school in 1974. What began as a close friendship grew into a deep and lasting love during their junior year. She married Leon on August 9, 1980, and together they built a beautiful life and family. From this union, they were blessed with Kimberly Dawn, Raina Arlette, Miriam Lee, Elisha Zachary, Jerris Liane, Caleb Jace, Jasper Marcel, and Rianne Jade. Carla and Leon also lovingly raised their oldest grandsons, Elias Taylor, Zion Latrell, and Liam Zechariah, embracing them with the same unconditional love and care. Her faith in Jesus Christ was made known to her children and grandchildren alike, guiding the way she lived, loved, and served others. Through everything, she taught us the power of forgiveness and to stand firm in our faith in Jesus- no matter what.

Carla began her career with the CRST Judge’s Chamber in 1988 as a secretary. Through dedication, strength, and a deep love for her community, she learned the children’s court tribal codes and later became the tribe’s Juvenile Prosecutor. In that role, she advocated for and helped guide countless children and families, always standing up for what was right.

She retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy rooted in compassion and service. Carla was also elected as a school board member for over 20+ years and served on the co-op board, where she continuously worked to ensure the best for the children and future generations. Her life was a true reflection of selflessness and care. The impact she made will be felt for years to come, and the lives she touched will forever carry her love, strength, and dedication.

Following her retirement, our dad cared for her in every way, with unwavering love and devotion. When he passed in July, she felt that loss deeply, as part of her heart was already with him. Still, we were gifted 267 more days with her- moments we will cherish for a lifetime.

She is survived by her children: Kimberly (J.) Shepherd, Raina (Jared) Slade, Miriam (Michael) Archambault, Jerris (Charles “Chuck” Archambault) Veaux, Caleb (Kayla) Veaux, Jasper Veaux, and Rianne Veaux; stepson, Eli Runs After; her beloved grandbabies: Makya Raynn(Tayven), Micah Ray, Mya Evan, Jaia Dawn, Elias Taylor (Lacia), Zion Latrell (Kyla), Liam Zechariah (Analeta), Esai Thomas (Miley), Amaziah Erik, Elisha Jaiz, Nehemiah Zachary, Jozaiah Ryan, Hezekiah Caleb, X’Lacian J’Diss, Jaazia Vai, Faden Jaspen, Eratosthenes Leon, Till Cina-Jean, Urijah Jade, Kassian Jayziel, and Kaius Jaazaniah; her cherished great-grandbabies: Zacari Marcel-Lloyd, Azariah Lee, Evelyn Victoria-Joy, Adriann Faith, Miriya Lenae, Mylah Kharia, Elliana Lou-Jean, A’layah Rita, and Leon Joel; her brothers: Daren LaClaire & Dana (April) LaClaire; her brother-in-law: E. Rhae Washburn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles.

Waiting to meet her in glory: the love of her life, Leon Marcel Veaux; son, Elisha Zachary; grandsons: Elijah Thomas & Gabriel Reign; parents; Leroy & Victoria LaClaire; sisters: Anita Washburn, Deloria Straight Head & Josephine LaClaire; and brother, Darryl LaClaire. 

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

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