PIERRE, SD – In loving memory of our mother, Marcella Big Eagle, 80, who passed away Friday, April 26, 2024, in Pierre, South Dakota.

There will be a visitation from 5-7 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1 and 2 with funeral services on Friday, May 3rd at noon. All services will be held at Diamond Willow Ministries in Ft. Thompson, SD.

Marcella was born June 15, 1943 in Greenwood, South Dakota, where she spent her younger years until the age of 8, when the family moved to Pierre, South Dakota. She met and married John Terence Big Eagle on April 24, 1960. For 48 years she was the devoted wife to John.

She was the mother to eight children; Tamara, Kathy, John, Lori, Jason, Tricia, Mendi, Terence. She has 24 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Marcella was a cook at the CCHS, a director at the Elderly Nutrition Center for nearly 38 years, and served as a dorm parent at the CCHS to the age of 79 years young. She was also instrumental in coordinating bingo gatherings at the Bingo Hall in Fort Thompson.

She loved music, dancing, family gatherings, bingo, shopping, growing flowers, and collecting windchimes. She also loved fishing, playing cards, boating, and spending time with family and friends.

Our mother was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of her family first. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge with courage and dignity. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched. She instilled in us the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right.

She was preceded in death by her father Ambrose Rouse, her mother Grace Atana, her brothers; George and Donny, her sisters; Vivian, Genevieve, Arlene. She is survived by her sister Lillian “Maxine”.

We are consoled knowing that she is reunited with the love of her life and all of our ancestors.

Rest in Peace, Mother.

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