PIERRE, SD – Georgia Lee Tlustos, 76, passed away peacefully in her home on January 15, 2025. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at a later date.

Georgia was born April 29, 1948 in Burke, South Dakota to George and Lillian (Mundorf) Tlustos. She was the oldest of six.

Georgia’s father was as teacher and administrator in the BIA; as a result, the family moved frequently, serving Native American communities where the family is still remembered to this day. Georgia first lived in the Gregory, South Dakota area, then moved to the Cheyenne Agency, to Red Scaffold, South Dakota, and later to Brigham City, Utah and Arkansas City, Kansas. By high school, Georgia moved back home to South Dakota in Rosebud and Mission.

Attending high school in Mission, Georgia was involved in all-state choir and cheerleading. She was fortunate to have a large extended family in the area, and considered her cousins to be best friends. Georgia next attended college at SDSU and achieved a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

With her RN in hand, she went back to Rosebud to work in their hospital. Georgia spent years working as head nurse and was often the charge nurse responsible for the entire hospital while working night shift.

In 1974 Georgia met Tommy Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and had two sons, Qiana Lee and Aaron Lee. She loved attending Pow Wows and supported Tommy in his efforts to maintain traditional Native American culture. She was generous in supporting her family and Rosebud community when in need, sharing her time and material resources.

Georgia moved to Pierre in 1987 and continued her nursing career at St. Mary’s. She spent the rest of her time and effort raising her boys, supporting and attending baseball, track, hockey, and martial arts events in the community for many years.

Georgia loved to travel. She cruised the Caribbean with her sisters and went on a special trip to Africa with her sister-in-law. In later years, Georgia spent winters at Marco Island, Florida and La Hoya, California with her mother. She also took one crazy road trip all the way up the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

Georgia was known for her kind and caring heart. From her early days when she helped raise her younger brothers and sisters, Georgia was a caregiver. She demonstrated her dedication to others during her nursing career and later as a loving mother and grandmother. She spent several years caring for her own mother during a final illness and hospice, and provided crucial support to her sons during medical concerns.

She had the biggest smile, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, and the Tlustos family trademark blue eyes.

She is survived by her siblings Rebecca McQuay of Pierre, Pat (Mary) Tlustos of Rapid City, Jim (Karen) Tlustos of Chamberlain, Dr Kathy (Chuck) Anderson of Pierre. Her sons Qiana Roubideaux and Aaron Roubideaux survive her as well as grandchildren Kryschen, Daymian, Isaiah, Lakota, Angela, Zachary, Anthony, Riana, Qilani and Qyrin.

Georgia was preceded in death by her father George and mother Lillian as well as sister Angela Aames Haugland (Lois Tlustos).

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