Marlene Little Star, 76, of Red Scaffold, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Red Scaffold Gym. Burial will follow in the UCC Congregational Cemetery, Bridger. Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the gym with a procession from the hill west of Red Scaffold at 4:00 p.m.

Marlene was born on July 20, 1950, to Stanley and Charlotte (Garfield) Metcalf at Old Agency in Red Scaffold, South Dakota. She grew up in the Red Scaffold area and attended St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota, through the 11th grade. She was included in the Class of 1969 graduation ceremony.

At the age of 18, Marlene married her best friend, Howard Phillip Little Star Sr. Shortly after their marriage, Howard Sr. enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his service, the family moved to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where they lived for more than 25 years. During that time, Marlene and Howard Sr. welcomed five children: three sons, Howard Jr., Travis, and her baby boy, Sidney Benjamin, and two daughters, MaryLou and Cheri Ann.

Marlene later moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where she attended culinary school at United Tribes Technical College. She and her family eventually returned to Eagle Butte, where she remained. Marlene spent much of her time at home with her family, serving as the heart of the home and caring for those she loved. She also lovingly raised three of her grandchildren: Joseph, Randie, and Ava Jai Little Star.

Marlene enjoyed cooking, taking evening drives with her son, listening to powwow music, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Marlene’s life will be remembered by her children: Sid Little Star (Cassandra) & (Brooklyn)

of Eagle Butte, SD, Howard Little Star (Carla) of Eagle Butte, SD, Travis (Mary & Ian) Little Star of Dupree, SD, Cheri Little Star of Eagle Butte, SD; grandchildren: Randie & Baby A Little Star of Savannah, GA, Joseph (Jayleigh) Little Star of Swiftbird, SD, Tacoma Little Star of Eagle Butte, SD; sister, Laura High Bear of Dupree, SD; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and tiny man.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Stanley & Charlotte Metcalf; brothers: Stanley Jr and Donald Wayne Metcalf; daughter; MaryLou Little Star; granddaughters: Angel and Jessica Bear Eagle; and her family dogs: Chépa and Bella Bean.

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

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