Marlene Bowker, 80, of LaPlant, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Avera Gettysburg Hospital.

In compliance with the CRST Tribal Directives, private family services will be Monday, November 16, 2020 at Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg. Burial will be at the Congregational Cemetery, LaPlant.

Marlene Deanna Laundreaux Bowker was born on May 21, 1940 to Joe and Amelia (Scott) Laundreaux at the Old Cheyenne Agency in Chairman Luke Gilbert’s residence. She is one of nine siblings, with three sisters: Jolene Laundreaux (Infant), Arvilla Laundreaux Johnson and Verna Garreaux LeCompte; and five brothers: Mervin Laundreaux, Grant Garreaux, Frank Garreaux, Manson Garreaux, and Melvin Garreaux, Sr.

Marlene attended the Old Agency School and graduated in 1959. She was also the last Old Agency Rodeo Queen to be crowned in 1955. She was a real cowgirl.

Marlene married Mervin Cavanaugh and of that union she had three children: Rain’E Kavanaugh, Frank Cavanaugh, and Scott Laundreaux. They were later divorced.

She married Ellsworth Bowker and of that union she had one son, Jeff Bowker. Marlene then moved along the river to be with her husband, whom was employed by a local rancher.

Marlene enjoyed watching her favorite television shows; WWE Wrestling and game shows, going to the casino with friends, and spending time with family. She attended many rodeos and participated in some. She also honored many cowboys and cowgirls through her years. Five ran for the rodeo queen, one was a runner up, two of her granddaughters carried on her tradition as rodeo queen and one great granddaughter.

After becoming a widow, Marlene moved back home and started working various jobs. She was employed by the AGE Construction Company, CRST Law Enforcement (Detox Center), CRST LIEAP Program, and her final employment was with the CRST Tribal Council as Sergeant of Arms.

Marlene is survived by her children: Frank (Connie) Cavanaugh and Scott (Gloria) Laundreaux, Sr., both of Eagle Butte, SD, and Jeff Bowker of LaPlant, SD; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; one brother: Melvin (Melda) Garreaux, Sr.; and one sister; Beatrice Gabe.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents: Joe and Amelia (Scott) Laundreaux; her late husband, Ellsworth Bowker; three sisters: Jolene Laundreaux (Infant), Arvilla Johnson, and Verna LeCompte; four brothers: Grant Garreaux, Frank Garreaux, Manson Garreaux, and Mervin Laundreaux; one daughter, Rain’E Kavanaugh; three grandsons: Stetson Cavanaugh, Brandon LaRoche, and Drazen Lafferty; one granddaughter, Jeri Cavanaugh; her aunts: Sophie Laundreaux, Lucy Laundreaux, Josephine Laundreaux, Mildred Phillips and Bertha Annis; her uncles: Grover Scott, Elmer Scott, Sam Agneaux, and Louie Laundreaux; her paternal grandparents: George and Mary Laundreaux; and her maternal grandparents: Charles and Sophia Scott.

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

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