Mary Moran

Mary Moran, 68, of Eagle Butte, passed away, Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Sanford Health, Bismarck, ND.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte with Mother Margaret Watson presiding. Burial of her cremains followed in the United Eagle Butte Cemetery. Wake services began at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the church with services at 7:00 p.m.

Mary Eloise Moran was born November 10, 1947 in Green Grass, SD to Donovan and Lema (Red Dog) Moran. She attended school at St. Mary’s Episcopal School for Indian Girls in Springfield, SD, graduating in 1967. She continued on at Huron College for a short time.

As Mary’s Lakota name says, Omani Win, she loved adventure; which led her to travel around before she would start her life as a mom to Brad then leading her to work for Sioux San in Rapid City. From there she moved on to Aberdeen working at the Federal Building and finally returning home to Eagle Butte where she worked for the Cheyenne River Housing Authority and Indian Health Services.

During her relocations she met Richard Yellow Bird, moving to Cuny Table for a time being. She would talk about the different places she and Richard would travel during his truck driving all over the United States.

Mary was always there to lend a helping hand; whenever, wherever and for whomever needed her. Her compassion for others led her to become a foster parent of the Cheyenne River Reservation for a short time.

Mary was full of liveliness and adventure. Telling stories of her time growing up, the things she said or did, she was always doing or saying something to make everyone laugh and was always there to pull everyone through tough times.

Mary is survived by her son, Brad L. Moran; stepson, David Steele; stepdaughters: Sandy (Yellow Bird) Yellow Boy and JoAnn Yellow Bird; granddaughter, Emilias M.R. Moran; siblings: Doraine LaPlante, Linnell Moran, Aldina Moran and John Moran; and lifetime friends: Linda Rose Simon, Rosie Roach and Georgette Yells Eagle.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Donovan and Lema (Red Dog) Moran; stepmother, E. Rose (Red Dog) Moran; husband, Richard Yellow Bird Sr.; siblings: Clara Lois Moran, Donovan Stanley Moran, Betty Jo Moran, and Dayton Scott Moran; stepson, Richard Yellow Bird, Jr.; paternal grandparents: Louis “Posey” and Clara (Road) Moran; maternal grandparents: Baptise and Lizzie Mary (Runs Above) Red Dog; and numerous nieces and nephews: Jean Marie Red Bird, Tiffany LaPlante, Benjamin Williams and Justin Moran.

Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends. When you’re missing her she said: “Remember the good times” those are what will pull you through and eat some ice cream! She loved ice cream! There are plenty of good times to remember her by. Celebrate her life and remember she hurts no more.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.