GREEN GRASS, SD – Suella High Elk, 77, of Green Grass, passed away, Monday, May 4, 2026, at her home in Green Grass.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., MDT, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Green Grass Community Building. Burial will follow in the High Elk Family Cemetery, Green Grass. Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the community building with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.
Suella Edna High Elk was born March 23, 1949, to Silas Gabriel Sr. and Josephine (Straight Head) High Elk at home at the old homesite of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe in Green Grass, SD. She was raised in Green Grass alongside her 13 siblings, where she formed lifelong bonds with her large and loving family.
At the age of five, Suella began attending Green Grass Day School. She later attended Cheyenne Eagle Butte School and eventually earned her GED. Dedicated to education and lifelong learning, Suella continued her studies at Cheyenne River Community College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in Office Administration in 1998. She furthered her education through Northern State University.
Suella was deeply committed to preserving and teaching Lakota language and culture. Alongside the late Paulette (High Elk) Swan, she helped develop the Lakota Language curriculum used by the Cheyenne Eagle Butte School in language bowls, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.
Suella formed a close partnership with Lakota language teachers, acknowledging the close contributions, appreciation and recognition of Helene Circle Eagle, Barbara Dupris, Murphy Runs After, Harry Little Thunder, Bernadine Little Thunder, Manny & Renee Iron Hawk, Freida Condon, Iris Eagle Chasing, Emmanual Red Bear, Verdelia American Horse, Michael and LaValla Moore, Arbutus Steele, Keith Little Thunder, Glenda Thunder Hoop, Rosalie Roach, Ivan Looking Horse, Sr., Paula Antoine, Vivian High Elk, Betty (High Elk) Skaroupka, and the Sitting Bull College Summer Institute staff.
Other Lakota Language Professors who predeceased her are: Marilyn Circle Eagle, Darlene Red Bear, Paulette (High Elk) Swan, Kenny Little Thunder, Matt Iron Hawk, Dewey Bad Warrior, Dave West Sr., Delores Taken Alive, Gabe Black Moon, Tom Red Bird, Hilda Marshall, Sandra Black Bear, Marge Edwards, Narcelle Widow, Stephanie Charging Eagle.
Staff at CEB with whom Suella enjoyed a cordial friendship were Florine Larson, Jessie Mendoza, Margie Uses The Knife, Toni (Bridwell) Buffalo, Patti Decory, Kevin White Bull, Emily Lawrence, Susie Dillabaugh.
Above all, Suella was devoted to her family. She lovingly took in and raised her grandchildren, Kayla Ree Howe, Sierra Red Water, and Roddy Village Center, as her own children, providing them with guidance, love, and support throughout their lives.
Suella is survived by her children: Crescenthia Renee High Elk (Gil Walking Elk), Rhonda Frazier (Buck Scouts The Enemy), Jesse Four Bear (Sandy Valenzuda), Billie Jo High Elk/Condon, and Frances Montero; grandchildren: Oscar (Mona) High Elk; Kayla (Zach) and Earle Howe; Hyven, Sierra, Cheyenne, and Chance Red Water; Lisa (Daxton) Gallipo; Oray (Maya), Andrew (Lyric), Michelle (Tryan), Eva, and Jesse (Dacon) Frazier; Angel, Nina, and Luz Montero; Orlando and Serina Bridwell; Roddy and Ashanti Village Center; Joletta and Silas Condon; Ariana and Victoria Four Bear; Selena Martinez, and David (Kelly) Frazier; great-grandchildren: Lenni Anderson, Wicahpi Briggs, Rayson, Rae’Lyn, Oceti, and Josephine High Elk; Olivia and Mila Gallipo; Orya and Raven Frazier; James and Mildred Pearman; Mila and Lilah Martinez; Andre High Bear and Sharon Howe; siblings: Arlee High Elk, Salina (Adrian) High Elk, Vivian High Elk, Elnora High Elk, Betty (Petr) High Elk/Skaroupka, Mary (Dean) High Elk/Lopez, and Silas High Elk Jr.; hunka sisters: Irene LeChuga, Alice LeClaire, Bernadine Little Thunder, Lynn Provost, DeAnna Provost, and Joy Circle Eagle; hunka brothers: Dan and Dave Danforth; treasured aunties: Alvera High Elk, Goldie Stroup, Mona Fisher, Doris Red Bird; niece, Caroline (Diz) High Elk; and special niece, Melanie Buffalo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Emery, Cresynthia LaVora, James Sr., Twila, and Carol Jean High Elk; and nieces and nephews: Lavora, Tara, James Jr., Kelly, Brittany, and Jonathan High Elk, Angel Mestes, Ashley LeBeau, and Christopher C. LeBeau.
We thank the CRST Law Enforcement, Dewey County Coroners Service, IHS, CRST, Ivan Looking Horse, Luce Funeral Home and Green Grass Community Building.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Suella’s arrangements.
