Manataba Messenger

Page 18 Obituaries In Loving Memory of George E. Keller March 9, 1931—April 22, 2020 George E. Keller was born March 9, 1931, at Rosebud, South Dakota, to Frank and Olive (Flood) Keller. He grew up in St. Francis and graduated from St. Francis Mission in 1949. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1955, he enrolled in college at Chadron State Teacher College. During these years, he met and married his first wife, Mina Marie Connot. This union brought seven children into the world. Mina passed away in 1970 due to complications of childbirth. This left George alone to raise seven children by himself – Nancy, Tom, Linda, Richard, Ron, Sandy, and Anita. George ended up being a single father to all seven children, ranging from the age of 14 years to the youngest, a newborn. During his college years, he was a painter and did general construction work. He also worked for law enforcement in Chadron during the latter part of his college career. After graduating from Chadron Teacher College, he landed a teaching job in Ewing, Nebraska. He taught science and the US government and became the high school principal. He next took a position at Flandreau Indian School as a teacher, then in a supervisory role at the dormitory. A job came open in Rosebud, and he moved back to the Rosebud Reservation in 1968, where he became the head of the BIA dormitories. Following this position, he served as the CAP (Community Action) Director. He then became the first high school principal for Lower Brule. He also taught college extension courses for the University of South Dakota during the time he lived in Lower Brule. George met Marcheta Ann Cook, and they were married in 1973. They had four sons together – Gene, Jeff, Marc, and Tim. They moved back to the Rosebud Reservation, and George took a position as the BIA superintendent for the Rosebud Agency. He became a career BIA employee and transferred to San Carlos, then to Truxton Canyon Agency, and finished his BIA career in Salt River Agency with 32 years of federal government service time. After retirement, he continued to work in the field of housing, resource development, and education. He served the Native American people as a grant writer for the Resource Development Office on the Rosebud Reservation. One of his proudest achievements was securing a veterans’ cemetery on the Rosebud Reservation. George possessed a Master’s Degree from SDSU and had also taken courses at Haskell and the University of Nebraska. George received his Honorary Doctorate at Sinte Gleska University in May 2008. He was a very devoted father, husband, and provider for all 11 children and his two wives. He faithfully practiced and relied on his Catholic religion. George was an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He was involved in many volunteer projects ranging from coaching, refereeing, serving as a Cub Scout leader, and working in the communities building playgrounds and places for children to play. He was a grandpa, great-grandpa, cousin, and uncle to many on the Rosebud Reservation. He never put himself above anyone and always conducted himself in a respectful, pro- fessional manner. He lived a very productive life and represented the true meaning of Ikceka Wicasa (common Lakota Man). George, 89, of Kingman, Arizona, and formerly of Rosebud, South Dakota, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Marcheta Keller, Kingman, Arizona; and his children, Nancy (Walt) Keller Hernandez, Mission, South Dakota; Linda (Mike) McGrath, Rapid City, South Dakota; Richard (Kathy) Keller, Mission, South Dakota; Ron Keller, Mission, South Dakota; Sandy (Dan) Steele, Rapid City, South Dakota; Anita (Richard) Mergy, LeGrand, California; Gene (Lauren) Keller, Kingman, Arizona; Jeffrey (Shelley) Keller, Bakersfield, California; Marc (Jennifer) Keller, Prescott Valley, Arizona; and Tim (Shaye) Keller, Goodyear, Arizona; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister Belva Anderson, Hastings, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mina Marie Keller; a son, Thomas Edward Keller; and his parents, Frank and Olive Keller. Private family services were held with interment at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. In Loving Memory of Ronald Marvin Dock April 24, 1955--April 28, 2020 Son of the late Henry Manuel Dock and the late Ione Tex Dock. Brother of Samuel Tex Dock, the late Sarah Dock Russell, the late Ivor Dock, and the late Bradford Dock. Brother in law to Terry Dock. Memorial services were held on May 2, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona. Interment took place on May 2, 2020, at 10:00 AM at Parker Cemetery. In Loving Memory of Courtney Stillman, Jr. December23,1965—May 5, 2020 Courtney Stillman was born on December 23, 1965, in Parker, Arizona, and passed away on May 5, 2020, in Goodyear, Arizona. He was under the care of Parker Funeral Home. Funeral service was held on May 9, 2020, at 6:00 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona. In Loving Memory of Harley Mitchell February 4, 1953—May 18, 2020 Harley Mitchell, age 67, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2020, in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Parker; the eld- est son of the late Anthony Mitchell Sr. and the late Frances Day Mitchell. Harley was a proud Navajo member of CRIT and enjoyed working on cars, sports, fishing, and spending time with his family. He attend- ed Le Pera School, Parker High School, Arizona Western College, Mesa Community College, and was a proud Arizona State University Sun Devil. He was married to Lula Begay Mitchell, from Tolani Lake, AZ, for 46 years and they have two children and five grandchildren. Those that knew Harley know that he was a hardworking, generous person willing to help those in need; he attributed his work ethic and generosity to his late parents. He was an avid reader throughout his life and had an appreciation of knowledge and education. Harley was a hard worker providing for his immediate and extended family; helping others to recognize their dreams and capabilities. He was an advocate for Native American issues and those values are instilled in his children and grandchildren to con- tinue making our voices heard. He was not afraid to “tell it like it is” and share his per- spective for the betterment of the person or the situation. He is survived by his wife Lula; two children Harlietta Mitchell and Steven Mitchell; five grandchildren Cheyenne Weston, Audriana Mitchell, Sean Mitchell, Reese Mitchell, and Emily Mitchell; seven siblings Sara Honadick, Lorraine Chavez, Anthony Mitchell Jr., Mary Mitchell, Gene Mitchell, Diane Mitchell Wyasket, and Rosanna Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services took place on Friday, May 22, 2020 at the Parker Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Dignity Parker Funeral Home. The family would like to thank all those that attended or sent their condolences. Harley will truly be missed and his family will carry on his teachings. Photo left: Harley is Grandpa to the current reigning Miss Indian Arizona, photo was taken on the night she won in Chandler, AZ. In Loving Memory of Nola Aspa February 7, 1957—May 20, 2020 Nola Aspa was born on February 7, 1957, and passed away on May 20, 2020. Arrangements were handled by Dignity Parker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on May 22, 2020, at 5:00 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona. Interment took place on May 23, 2020, at 5:00 AM at Parker Cemetery. In Loving Memory of David L. Ameelyenah April 3, 1966—May 26, 2020 David L. Ameelyenah was born on April 3, 1966, in Parker, Arizona, and passed away on May 26, 2020, in Parker, Arizona. Arrangements were handled by Dignity Parker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on May 30, 2020, at 6:30 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona. Tribal Rites of Cremation took place on May 30, 2020, at 8:00 PM at Colorado River Indian Tribes Cemetery.