Deloria Straight Head

Deloria (Dee) Straight Head, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Auntie and friend, entered the spirit world on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Monument Health, Rapid City. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2025, at the LDS Church, Eagle Butte, with visitation two hours prior to the service. 

Deloria (Dee) Straight Head was born February 19, 1956, at Old Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota to Victoria Straight Head and Theodore Knife Sr. She was lovingly raised by her mother and other family members including grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She attended school at St. Joseph Indian School, Stephan Indian School and Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School. She went on to receive her GED at Alpine District School in Orem, Utah.

Dee was always a unifying member of her family. Her home became a gathering place for her sisters, brothers and their children. Her big heart also helped in fostering one of her nieces and nephews. Dee raised her four children, daughters: Natasha Ann, Kaylene Jo, Charla Marie and her one and only son Corey Dane. She became a proud grandmother to Courtney Dee and from her, a great-grandmother to Dazeiah Faye'Lee, Dre'syn Lee, Dae'Leigh June, Christopher Todd, and Canku Luta. 

Dee lived her life serving others, whether it was babysitting her sister's children or bettering her community through serving on the Tri-Community Development and serving Cherry Creek and surrounding communities. She was also involved in the establishment of Takini School and a member of the school board. She was a proud fan of The Takini Skyhawks. Deloria was instrumental in uniting her community. She was a key source of information and guidance to her people. Canpa Wakpa was a better place when Dee was there to bring the people together. No one was forgotten. Her employment through the years was also focused on helping others. She worked with the Single Mother's Program, Drug Elimination Program and as a residential specialist at the Cheyenne River Housing Authority. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she regularly participated in church activities and Sunday Services. 

Later in her life, Dee moved to Eagle Butte to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She was a friend to all, always greeting others with a smile and a big warm hug. Dee was known for her sense of humor, always making others laugh with her jokes and stories. All those who loved her felt encouraged and protected by her.

She was joyously greeting in the Spirit World by those who preceded her: mother, Victoria Mildred LaClaire; fathers, LeRoy LaClaire and Theodore Knife Sr.; sisters: Anita Washburn and Josie LaClaire; brother, Darryl LaClaire; granddaughters: Jozee Blair and J'Lee Shaden; grandson, Elijah Thomas; nephews: Tyson Jace, Vincent Leroy, Tyson Beau, Talon Gerard; and others who have passed that we may not have mentioned.

Deloria will be greatly missed and remembered by her children: Natasha Blue Arm-West, Kaylene Valenzuela, Charla Straight Head, and Corey Straight Head; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Carla Veaux; brothers: Darren LaClaire, Dana LaClaire, Rhae Washburn and Leon Veaux; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and all who she loved and those who loved her.

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