February 19, 1956 - January 8, 2025
Deloria “Dee” Straight Head, entered the spirit world on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Monument Health in Rapid City.
Funeral services were Monday, January 20, 2025, at the LDS Church in Eagle Butte..
Deloria (Dee) Straight Head was born February 19, 1956, at Old Cheyenne Agency to Victoria Straight Head and Theodore Knife Sr. She attended school at St. Joseph Indian School, Stephan Indian School and Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School. She received her GED at Alpine District School in Orem, UT.
Dee was always a unifying member of her family. Her home became a gathering place for her sisters, brothers and their children. Dee raised her four children. 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 and a proud fan of the Takini Skyhawks. Canpa Wakpa was a better place when Dee was there to bring the people together. She worked with the Single Mothers Program, Drug Elimination Program and as a residential specialist at the Cheyenne River Housing Authority. As 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 preceded in death by 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; and nephews Tyson Jace, Vincent Leroy, Tyson Beau, and Talon Gerard.
Deloria is survived by 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; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Deloria’s arrangements.