Monthly Archives: October 2021

Funeral Services for Rodney King age 70 of Gregory, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Winner-Ideal Community Center, Winner, SD. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in Bull Creek Miniska Presbyterian Cemetery in Dixon, SD. There will be a wake service on Friday at 7 pm at the Community Center in Winner, SD.

Mary Chasing Hawk, 59, of Winner, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service were held on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at 12 p.m.  at the Winner Middle School Gym.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  Wake service  began on Wednesday and Thursday Sept. 29 and 30, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Gym.

Mary Frances Chasing Hawk (Blacksmith) was born on Jan. 7, 1962 to Alvin and Frieda Blacksmith.

Mary Frances Blacksmith and Nelson Chasing Hawk received the blessing of marriage in April 1983 at his Grandpa Bill’s (Bill Schweigman / Chief Eagle Feathers) Traditional Cultural Camp in the Two Strike Community.

Mary passed away Sept. 23, 2021 and at time of death her and Nelson have been together for 43 years since she was 16 years old and Nelson was 14 years old.  They had 4 children; Marie, Nelson Jr., Casey and Rebeca and 2 grandchildren Delilah and Delrick.

Mary sun danced for 24 years and a lot of those years she helped with and took care of what needed to be done with the ceremony.  She was really proud and enjoyed her life within her spiritual beliefs.

Mary really enjoyed being around children, her siblings and Nelson’s siblings even their grandchildren called her grandma.  Even non-natives called her mom or grandma.

Mary had a very friendly personality, she was very well liked by her family and friends both native and non-natives referred to her either by mom or as grandma.  She was well liked by her bosses and co-workers, fellow students and instructors.  When she saw her grandkids playing outside she would always be happy to see them she’ll say hi and if she had something she would give it to them like candy or whatever and watch them get excited over it that made her feel good to see all her grandkids happy.  She always got her own grandkids whatever they wanted, she just loved to see them happy.  When her granddaughter wants her no matter how she felt or what time it was late at night she would sit there with them.  Mary always talked to all her friends and family and would give them advice.  She had a big heart no matter who it is was she was always kind to everybody she met.  Mary and Nelson went back to school where they both received their bachelor’s degrees.

She is survived by her children Marie Chasing Hawk, Nelson Chasing Hawk Jr., Casey Chasing Hawk, Rebecca Chasing Hawk and her sisters and brothers Marilyn and (Darrel) Herman, Dorthy Heth, Alva and (Norman “Levi”) Chasing Hawk, Alice Blacksmith and Dawn & (Tim) Sharkey, David Blacksmith and Martha Blacksmith.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother Alvin and Frieda Blacksmith, her sisters; Veneda Eagle Hawk/Andrews, and Elizabeth Blacksmith, Grandmother Mercy Andrews and father and mother in law Norman Sr. and Clarice Chasing Hawk.

Mary loved being with her family and her grandkids, she was deeply loved by all her family and friends and will be forever in our hearts and forever missed.