Marlo Smith

Marlo Elizabeth Yellow Fox Smith, known by her Northern Cheyenne name Voestaa’e “Old Woman,” passed away on March 3, 2026, in Bismarck, North Dakota, at the age of 41. A proud descendant of the Two Kettle band of the Lakota and a 5th-generation direct descendant of Chief Four Bear, Marlo carried her heritage with grace, humility, and strength. Marlo is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MST, Monday, March 16, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. A wake service will be 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the church.

Born on May 14, 1984, in Pierre, South Dakota, Marlo was the daughter of the late Deanna Four Bear and Robert “Bobby” Charles Yellow Fox II. She was the middle child of her siblings, Moreau Four Bear Sr. and Mariah Yellow Fox. She attended grade school in Billings, Montana, and Rapid City, South Dakota, and graduated from Tiospaye Topa in LaPlant, South Dakota, in 2003. During high school, Marlo was a cheerleader, a dedicated member of the Lakota club, an active participant in the media club, and the yearbook editor. She also attended Journalism Camp at South Dakota State University, reflecting her early passion for multimedia.

Following high school, she attended SDSU in Brookings, South Dakota, majoring in Journalism. Marlo met Tommy Smith, and together, they built a family and welcomed three children. Marlo began her working life as a cashier at Lakota Thrifty Mart, where her reliability, warmth, and quick smile were widely known. She later moved to Bismarck, North Dakota with her husband to make a life for their family up until his death. She continued living in Bismarck, she welcomed her two youngest children, McKenzie and Ollie. Marlo’s service-oriented work as a cashier, food server and manager. Her coworkers remember her as unfailingly kind, steady under pressure, and always willing to help. Friends were drawn to her positive attitude and resilience, and she was known for lifting others up with encouragement and humor.

Marlo had her struggles after losing her husband. The last two years she remained sober and completed multiple programs to better her life for her children.

Marlo’s dedication to her family was constant and unwavering. She is survived by her children, Jaxlyn Smith, Tucker Mato Topa Smith, Chase Austin Smith, McKenzie Deanna Lapointe, and Charles Benjamin Lapointe; her brothers, Old Man Yellow Fox III and Moreau Armstrong Four Bear Sr.; her sister, Mariah Dawn Yellow Fox; and her father, Robert “Bobby” Charles Yellow Fox II.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Deanna Marlene Four Bear, and her husband, Thomas “Tommy Gun” Smith.

Marlo’s life was defined by love for her children and her generous spirit that made space for others. Her legacy will live on in the laughter of her children, the strength of her family, and the many lives she touched with kindness. Marlo always told her children that they healed her soul and were her whole world, and that she would always make sure they were okay.

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