September 21, 1955 – February 27, 2025
Cheryl Red Bear, 69, of Eagle Butte passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Cheyenne River Health Center.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 8. 2025, at CRST Bingo Hall in Eagle Butte. Burial followed in the Eagle Butte Cemetery.
Cheryl Charlene Red Bear was born on September 21, 1955 to Manuel Sr. and Lillian Irene (Garter) Red Bear. She spent her early years in Thunder Butte, Bear Creek, and Dupree, before making her home in Eagle Butte.
Cheryl attended Cheyenne River Boarding School throughout her elementary and high school years before earning her GED. She pursued higher education and achieved an associate’s degree in business, and a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Throughout her life, Cheryl held various roles, including working as a youth worker for Cheyenne River Housing and serving as a receptionist and secretary at Cheyenne River Community College. In addition, she took on numerous other jobs, such as cooking, serving, making regalia, beadwork, and teaching classes on culture, history, and women’s indigenous life. She also contributed her time and talents to the local radio station. She ran a sewing business, Mato Luta Star Quilts, for many years and also wrote four children’s books: “Seven Lakota Values,” “Kheya,” “Lakho’ta Oo’waptaya,” and “Morning Star.”
Cheryl was a proud descendant of Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse.
She is survived by her children Iris Hill, twins Dugan and Reagan Smith, and Chera Smith; grandchildren Mariah, Jake, twins Rocklyn and Rozlyn, Lennox, Harley, Gwendolyn “Gwen,” Sara, Braylon, Angel, Bailey, Thomas, Tessa, Eveline, Trevor, Jaxson, Tucker, Chase, A’Leigh, Abrielle “Abby,” and Tommy “TJ”; and great-grandchildren X’ander, Dylan, and Kendrick “KC.”
She was preceded in death by her parents Manuel Sr. and Irene Red Bear; son Tommy Smith; grandson Sam; brothers Terrance and Jack Red Bear; sisters June and Joann Red Bear; and grandparents Henry Louise Red Bear and Moses and Amy Garter.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.