Theresa Lofton

Theresa Marie (Laundreaux) Lofton, “Unpan Gleska Win” (Spotted Elk Woman), 70, of Eagle Butte, began her journey to the spirit world on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MST, Monday, November 13, 2023, at CRST Bingo Hall, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Congregational Cemetery, LaPlant. Wake services will be 7:00 p.m. MST, Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the bingo hall with a procession from the 4-mile at 4:00 p.m.

Theresa Marie Laundreaux was born September 6, 1953, at Old Agency on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to Mervin Laundreaux and Darlene (NoHeart) Dupris. After losing both parents, Theresa was raised by her paternal grandparents, Joe and Amelia Laundreaux in LaPlant, SD; spending much of her early life in the country. Theresa went to school at Swiftbird Day School and Eagle Butte. She was a cheerleader, and her hobby was riding horses and barrel racing, she was a natural. 

In 1969 Theresa met Alfred Delaney Lofton Jr., from their union she had Gayle, Richard, and Jody. In 1978, Theresa met her lifelong partner, Clement White Dog, Sr. From their union, she had Lesli, completing her family. They began their life together, raising their children and grandchildren, making memories, and ensuring they were never without. 

Anyone who knew Theresa knew she loved her grandchildren. She and Papa Clem were their biggest fans, from taekwondo tournaments, traveling to basketball games far and near, watching football, and her granddaughters cheer, she was proud and with a smile on her face she said, “they get that from me.” Theresa liked her bingo time and traveling to the casinos, she also enjoyed her Sunday Funday cheering on the Green Bay Packers. She was a fan like Papa Clem. Those who met Theresa knew that she was a loving mother, a great grandmother, sister, niece, auntie, and a loyal friend.

Theresa received her GED in November 1973. She worked as a waitress and housekeeper in Rapid City before moving home. In October 1978, Theresa started working for the CRST Food Distribution Program. Her character and work ethic spoke volumes about who she was, strong, hard-working, compassionate, and humble. She never looked for praise; she worked for the people and the communities. In her 44 years she showed her dedication, she never let her age slow her down, she would joke “I will outwork you,” and most days she would. Her hours were not the typical 8 to 5, she went above and beyond for her program, employees, and the people. She worked through the 2010 ice storm that crippled the reservation, providing food boxes to the people and she worked through the COVID pandemic. She made sure her program was on the front line and provided assistance to all in need. She was elderly herself but this didn't matter; she risked her health for others, this was who she was.

Theresa was proud of her family history, she was a descendent of Chief Lone Horn, Stands on Ground, Chief Spotted Elk, and Crazy Horse. To celebrate Victory Day, Theresa and Clem would travel to Montana to take part in the celebration of the Battle of Little Big Horn. 

Theresa is survived by her son, Richard Lofton and grandchildren: ShaHayla and Trevis, great-grandsons, Skylar Zayn and Damian Lends His Horse; daughter, Gayle Lofton and grandchildren: Dustin and Jordyn Brown, great grandchildren: Lillian, Emily, Kayta, Kylo, Eden, Peyton, Asa, Trey and Yolanda LeCompte, Ashley, Kira, Jordan, Jamie, Jayden, Xandra; daughter, Jody Kohlus (Dean) and grandchildren: K’Lona Lofton, Grant, Dayson and Tiana ‘T-Bear” Kohlus; daughter, Lesli White Dog and grandchildren: Nashon, Richard Ryze, Pierce, and Sunlyn Heart LeBeau, all of Eagle Butte; sister, Anita Thompson (Alfred), nieces: A’lexie Thompson, Delnita Mendoza (Rob), granddaughter: Tatum, grandson: Cade, nephews: Winston Traversie and Tyson Laudreaux, grandson: Jackson; sister, Carla Lawrence (Todd), grandsons: TJ and Smokey, granddaughter: Journey; brother, Rick Laundreaux, nephew: Marcus Laundreaux, nieces: Marisa Laundreaux and girls, Angel Laundreaux and children, Macy Laundreaux and children; brother, Tyrell Garreaux Sr. and children; brother, Carl Garreau, grandson: Tucker Garreau; aunties: Shirley Dog Eagle and Valerie Curley; uncle, Ray Dupris. Theresa was loved by many; most called her aunt or grandma.

Theresa was preceded in death by her lifelong partner, Clement White Dog Sr.; her parents, Mervin and Darlene Laundreaux, Beatrice Traversie; little brother, Smokey Traversie; hunka mother, Phyllis Gunville; paternal grandparents: Joe and Amelia Laundreaux, Narcisse and Mary Stricker, Mason Garreaux; uncle, Melvin Garreaux Sr.; auntie, Verna LeCompte; uncle, Mason Garreaux; cousin, Rocky LeCompte; nephew, Carl Garreau Jr. “CJ”; niece, McKenzie Garreau; and special granddaughters: Ricqual Jean Amelia, and D’lani Marie.

Our mother/grandmother was a beautiful soul, she was the rock of her family, she will be missed immensely by her loved ones and lives she impacted. Rest in peace, we love you and will miss you forever.

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