Maple Hammersley

Maple Arlis Kay Hammersley, age 2 years, 4 months, and 4 days, journeyed to the Spirit World on June 24, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her, at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Maple’s visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Lakota Chapel in Pierre.  A two night wake will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Catherine’s Hall in Big Bend. A prayer service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Catherine’s Hall in Big Bend.  

Maple Arlis Kay was born February 20, 2023, to Memory Big Eagle and Roper Hammersley at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Maple was their only child and her parents’ whole world. 

Maple was with us for a short time, but left an impression on everyone she met. She was the happiest baby, despite all she had been through, and she was a tough little girl. Maple loved to yell and be loud, she liked to give “knucks” and high-fives, and she loved going to “nanas.”

Maple loved to eat, especially at Grandma's. She loved watching Moana and Bluey. Maple loved to talk and “tell stories” to her mom. She was the sassiest and sweetest little girl; words cannot even properly describe her personality.

Maple is survived by her parents, Memory Big Eagle and Roper Hammersley; her grandmothers, Norma Big Eagle and Lori Oday; her grandfather, Chris Hammersley; her aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandfather, and great-grandmothers.

Maple left this world surrounded by her parents, grandparents, and close loved ones.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Maple’s arrangements.