Lois Darlene High Elk, 62, of Spearfish, SD, started her journey on the Wanagi Ochanku (Spirit Trail) Friday, August 21, 2022 at Monument Health, Rapid City, SD.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., MDT, Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at CRST Bingo Hall, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the High Elk Family Cemetery, Thunderbutte, SD. Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 29, 2022, at the hall, with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.

Lois Darlene High Elk was born October 19, 1960, at Eagle Butte, SD. She was the third oldest child to Paul and Clara (Stricker) High Elk, who resided on Irish Creek in Thunder Butte, SD.  Lois or Darlene as everyone called her, grew up around the Irish Creek area and at the High Elk Ranch. She comes from the Howozu/Oohenunpa/Itzipcho bands of the Lakota and is a member of the Wakinyan Khiza Thiyospaye (Fights the Thunder Clan).

When Lois was six years old, she fell and hit her head. This injury damaged her brain and left her mentally handicapped. Lois attended special education class and then was home schooled by her mother. She attended the Black Hills Training Center from August 1978 to July 1981.

Lois had a loving heart and greeted everyone with a warm smile and “Hello,” and made you feel loved. She helped with the care of many of her nieces and nephews. She loved babies and was always excited to meet every baby born into the family. Lois loved doing crafts her specialty was various crafts made from yarn. She always had crosses and potholders to gift to people when they came to visit. Lois enjoyed family get togethers, wacipis actually, and gathering where she would visit and tease everyone.

She lived with her parents until they left for the star nation.

In February 2015 Lois was accepted into the Northern Hills Training Center. The NHTC was just what she needed to help heal her lonely heart. Lois participated in various activities. When she would come back for holidays and family functions, she would make sure Lavae took her back on time. This was because she had a job and didn’t want to miss work. Lois participated in the Special Olympics. Over the past years she participated in various events: bowling, basketball skills, softball skills, tennis ball throw, and 50-meter walk. She has earned over 75 Special Olympic medals and over 40 ribbons. Lois loved wearing them and showing them off. She loved being on the teams and always made it fun. She would rally her teammates and co-residents and had fun in everything she did.

Through the Center, Lois earned two trips. In September 2018, she traveled to Monterey Bay. She went sightseeing on several boats, dolphin watching and visited the aquarium. The second trip was to Las Vegas, July 2022. She tried out the casinos, went on a roller coaster ride, visited art galleries, beautiful fountains, lots of statues, the M&M Shop and the Coke Cola Shop. Her favorite was when she attended the Elvis Presley impersonator show. The entertainer sang a song to her.

Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer, December 2019, she had surgery and treatments. After January 2020 Lois was CANCER FREE and kicked cancer’s butt!! as she would say. She always had a beautiful smile, loved giving everyone a hard time, being a jokester and making everyone laugh. She loved to sew and make things for everyone. She even tried teaching her caretakers how to sew and laughed every time they poked themselves. She would help anyone that needed it.

Lois had huge heart and beautiful soul. She will always and forever be in our hearts.

She is survived by sisters: Mildred (Tommy) Carpenter, LaVae (Hermus) Red Horse, Codi High Elk; grandchildren: Mahpiya Bison, Wylie Bearcomesout; nieces: A’Reta Jo Tom, Rhea Jo (Tom) Bearcomesout, Lynnea (Ben LaPoint) Swan, Karlys (Bryan Bender) Swan, Miriam Swan, Melissa, Tiara Carpenter, Ashley Elk Nation, Lorraine Good Nature, Donna and Rikki Red Legs, Tiffany (Darrell) Boyd, Lativia Houston, Dr. Veniece (Chris) Lacey; nephews: Charles and Delano White Eagle, Manual James Swan II, Todd Johns (Kaitlin Red Legs) Justin and Jalen Knife, Tommy Red Tomahawk (LaChelle Eagle Chasing), Paul Garreaux (Taytum Condon), Charlie Marshall, CL (Marlene) Good Nature, Philip Nordvold, Skeets Dolphus (Tesla Clairmont), Kennon Houston; hunka sisters: Consuelo (Jeff) Guillory, Judy (Husky) Houston, Dr. Vicki (Neil) Birkeland; hunka brothers: John (Rita) Birkeland, Jake (Cindy) Longbrake, George Porgy (Gloria) Old Elk, Lyndon (Ann) Old Elk;  cousins: Tony Stricker, Gerald High Elk, Mark Arvin Red Bear, Michael Yates, Elwood (Lee) High Elk, Dana (Wynema), Kermit (Nancy), Barbara Connie Dupris, Carol (Tom) Knight, Diane Pretty Weasel, June High Elk, Denelle High Elk (David Janis), Kristi High Elk, Raylene High Elk, Lorna Red Bird, Tina Red Bird (Halley Maynard), Irma Noisy Hawk, Eunice Hollow Horn; uncle, Floyd High Elk; aunts, Christine Blacksmith, Beatrice Crow.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Clara; brother, Carlos Red Legs; sisters; Ruby Nordvold, Paulette High Elk, Carole Elk Nation, Alva, Della, Ruby Darlene Stricker; cousins: James, Lyle Elk Nation, Casey, Doug Sr., Fred Dupris; nieces: Jayme, Terri White Eagle, Darla, Janet, Shelly Stricker, Mary Grass; nephews: Brady Knife, Gerald White Eagle, Avery Red Legs, Kenneth Fights The Thunder, Troy Eagle Chasing Sr.; granddaughters: Angel Rose, Laila Bird and LaVae Marie Johns; and hunka brother, Floyd Hand.

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

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