Juanita Young

“Ti Waste Win”

(Woman Who’s Home is Good To Come To)

Juanita Young, 57, of Eagle Butte, died Monday, January 29, 2007 at her home.

Funeral services were held at 11:00a.m., Saturday, February 3 at the HV Johnston Cultural Center in Eagle Butte with Mother Marion Rechtenwald and Earl Red Bird officiating. Burial was in the Episcopal Cemetery at Thunder Butte under the direction of Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte. Wake services started Friday at 4p.m. with a procession into Eagle Butte from the 4 mile junction. Services began at 7p.m. at the cultural center.

Juanita was born on May 16, 1949 to Charles and Mary Elk Eagle Red Bird at the Old Cheyenne Agency. Her paternal grandparents were William Red Bird and Ellen Iron Lightning Red Bird and her maternal grandparents were Thomas and Agnes (Lone Man) Elk Eagle.

Juanita had three brothers Tom Red Bird, Richard Red Elk and Byron Red Bird; and she had four adopted (hunka) sisters Madeline Good Will, Darlene Medicine Horse, Sara Young Bird and Roberta Ramsey.

Juanita married Gilbert Larrabee (deceased) and from this marriage three daughters were born: Lynette (Ivan) Love Joy, Delberta Larrabee who entered the Spirit World on July 28, 1992 and Katherine (Randy) Silk. She married Jim Young in August of 1990 who passed away in 2005. Juanita was a proud grandmother of ten grandsons who she loved very much.

Juanita was an LPN by professions and had also received an AA Degree for Office Technology. She also worked in the fields of Business Administration, Computer Technology, Lakota Language, Economic Development, Education and Health.

Juanita lived in Bismarck for many years and worked with the American Indian Community by organizing pow-wows and other cultural events. She returned to Cheyenne River in 1996 and began working for the Tribe and was very active in community boards and committees.

Juanita was elected in 1999 to serve as a Tribal Council Representative for District 1 and during her term she was very active in improving health care, education, economic development and social welfare.

Juanita’s life was dedicated in preserving the Lakota language, culture, customs and traditions. She practiced the Lakota way of life by sun dancing, traditional dancing and by sharing her knowledge of tribal customs. Juanita kept the teachings of her parents and grandparents by always being respectful, generous, helpful and loving to everyone. She walked her life in a humble way and honored the elderly and children.

Juanita was also a leader, an educator and a representative for her family and relatives. Her life has been on tradition, hard work, perseverance, selflessness and dedication to her family and all her family and relatives and friends. She has given much to her people and family during her lifetime.