May 14, 1984 – March 3, 2026 _________________________________________
Marlo Elizabeth Yellow Fox Smith, known by her Northern Cheyenne name, Voestaa’e “Old Woman,” passed away on March 3, 2026, in Bismarck, ND 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 was an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.
Funeral services were on March 16, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eagle Butte.
Born on May 14, 1984, in Pierre, to Deanna Four Bear and Robert “Bobby” Charles Yellow Fox II. She attended grade school in Billings, MT and Rapid City, and graduated from Tiospaye Topa in LaPlant in 2003. During high school, Marlo was a cheerleader, member of the Lakota Club, a participant in the Media Club, and the yearbook editor.
Following high school, she attended SDSU in Brookings, 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, ND with her husband to make a life for their family. After his death, she continued living in Bismarck, and welcomed her two youngest children, McKenzie and Ollie.
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.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.