Wilma Sally Leonard was born on May 14, 1946 in Bennet County, SD to Thomas Richard and Mary Alice Langdeau aka Cherry Bear Killer. Wilma made her journey to the Spirit World on January 23, 2025 at the Oglala Lakota Sioux Nursing Home in White Clay, NE.
Wilma was a gracefully selfless Lakota woman, who deeply valued sharing her generosity within her family and community. Wilma was devoted to the act of helping others when it came to their times of celebration, and especially in their times of need. She would courageously rise to each occasion and commit to going above and beyond to offer her assistance invariably.
Alongside her kind and giving heart, Wilma was a prestigious quilt maker. It was a great passion of hers. Wilma’s intricate designs, color schemes, and detailed craftsmanship were a true testament of her seamstress talents. Wilma sewed a legion of quilts throughout her life. They were often made for friends, family, relatives, and requests from across the miles. She also donated a lot of quilts to organizations for fund raising and a special one to the Department of Veterans Affairs for raffle and proceeds went to the Ft. Meade Women’s retreat for female veterans and family members of combat veterans. It is of honorable mention to highlight that she has even constructed quilts for celebrities, such as Actor Steven Seagal, and Country Music Stars, Marty Stewart, and Joe Diffie. Her artistry was cherished by many, and it brought Wilma pure joy to share her gifted ability that spread love, warmth, and tradition.
Furthering Wilma’s notable nature and commitments, her character also shined in other areas. Wilma worked at the Oglala Sioux Tribe Head Start Program for 23 years, where she started as a coordinator and then into a teacher’s role. Through her instructions she nurtured curiosity and instilled a desire for learning into many young children. Wilma was certified in CPR, First Aid, and continued her education in working with young children through the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and in Infant/Toddler Enrichment. She was certified in Food Handling and Nutrition, so when she was not busy teaching, she was in the kitchen preparing meals for her students.
Following Wilma’s time spent educating the minds of little ones, she moved onto working at the Bennett County Health Care Center/Nursing Home for 10+ years. Wilma was a certified CNA; her compassionate care and daily support was appreciated by all her patients. Her undeniable efforts were shown through her meticulous deeds, which led to positively transformative outcomes for the entire facility.
Above all, Wilma was a giving soul, who’s heart was made to love all of those she encountered, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wilma’s impact and the positive changes she made will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by all those whose lives she touched. Legacies like hers serve as a reminder of the lasting power of kindness, influence, and dedication.
Wilma is survived by her sons, Orville (Liz) Reddest, Jr., San Diego, CA, Cornell (Angel) Reddest, Kyle, SD, Ivan (Carrie) Reddest, Interior, SD, Tilden (Bobbi Jo) Reddest, Batesland, SD; daughters, LaVonne (Virgil) Randall, Interior, SD, Michelle Reddest, Ogden, KS, Rhonda Tallman, Allen, SD, Krista Richard & Kristi Richard and their father Delmar Richard all of Rapid City, SD; hunka sons, Tyler Cortier, Tony Tallman; hunka daughters, Mandy Blue Legs, Brittany Pourier, Janelle Noisy Hawk, Thelma Shangreaux; brother, Roland (Lisa) Bear Killer, Jr., sisters Lydia Bear Killer and 19 grandchildren – Owen Reddest, OJ Reddest, Carly Randall, Rikki Randall, Hailey Randall, Nick Reddest, Julia Reddest, Ivy Reddest, Nehemiah Reddest, Naheem Reddest, Larainey Reddest, Tristan Reddest, Katie Reddest, Tarrant Reddest, Bowen Reddest, Dovelyn Richard, Cameron Decory, Leah Jo Janis, Logan Janis, and 7 great grandchildren – Brayden Reddest, Dakota Reddest, Bryton Black Bull, Braven Black Bull, Adelyn Crow, Dine’lynn Reddest, Ivery Reddest.
Wilma was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Richard; mother, Mary Alice Langdeau aka Cherry Bear Killer; uncle Orville Langdeau; sister, Minerva Bear Killer; brothers, Larry Bear Killer, Raymond Richard and Douglas Richard; father of her children, Orville Reddest, Sr.; grandsons, Ivan Isaiah Reddest, Jr., and Jeremiah Reddest; granddaughter, Layne Rae Richard-Janis; and Ben & Alice (Little Hoop) Leonard.
Pallbearers are Virgil Randall, Joe Reddest, Rudy Reddest, Tarrant Reddest, Bryton Black Bull, Isaiah Crow, Samuel Bear Killer, Larry Bear Killer, Jr., Manny Bear Killer, Chuck Cortier, Marc Benson and Buck Tallman.
Honorary Pallbearers are Ben Leonard, Wanda Black Feather, Langdeau Family, Jacky Richard & Family, Arvine Brewer, Liz Little, Robert Two Crow, Maude Reddest, Andrea Reddest-Marshall & Family, Nancy Reddest & Family, Alva Good Crow, Cissy Blue Legs & Family, Connie Twiss, Rhonda Yankton & Family, Roberta Means & Family, Annie Means & Family, Waylon Means, Bernadine Tallman & Family, Ruth Cedar Face, Wendy Chasing Winter, Nancy Rouillard, Bull Bear Family, Rooks Family, Randall Family, Morrison Family, Joyce Sun Bear, Sharlene May & Family, George Lamont, Jennifer Iron Hawk, Inez Little Whiteman & Family, Lynnell Noisy Hawk & Family, Lyle Noisy Hawk, Jr. & Family, Mary Rose Eagle Heart, Edna Eagle Bear, Illa Lone Hill, Mekko Bear Killer, Albert & Mary Jealous of Him, Kay Bear Killer, Bear Killer Family, Christine Conquering Bear, Opal Conroy, Conroy Family, Inez No Neck & Harold Hunter & Families, Jodie Spencer & George Cortier, Kathy Ladeau, Jerome & Theresa High Horse, Irma Maldonado, Carol Wilcox & Family, Corrine Little Killer & Family, Arlette Has No Horse, Violet Bissonette, Cecelia LaPointe, Joy Yellow Boy, Millie Black Bear, Velma Kills Back, Agnes Plenty Bull & Family, Joyce Tallman & Family, Lynore Longman & Family, Arlene Tallman & Family, Amy Tallman, Ethel Swallow & Family, Deloris Bear Killer & Family, Darlene Bear Killer & Family, Doris Grass & Family, Judy Rouillard, Jackie Rouillard, Marie Rouillard, Iris Gay & Family, Charging Crow Family, Two Lance Family, Pete & Mary Plenty Bull, Reverend Rhoda Mesteth & Family, Mercy Iron Crow & Family, Arlene Iron Crow & Family, Marlene Brave Heart & Family, Peggy Two Crow, Melanie Janis, Wilma Standing Bear, Marge Few Tails, Connie Morgan, Sherlinda Red Hawk & Family, David Reddest & Family, Louella High Pipe, Sidney Reddest, Jr., Lester Jack & Family, Lyle Jack & Family, Lori Whirlwind Horse & Family, Lori Bean, Jessie Bean, Lonnie Little Hoop & Family, Johnathon Long Soldier, Rodney Bad Hand, Cecilia Cross, Vanessa Red Cloud, Willy High Bull, Gordie High Bull, Lois Fay High Bull, Marque Little Whiteman, Stacy Dubray, Tiffany Shangreau, Shyla Cox & Family, Dr. Anpo Charging Thunder, Latrelle & Denise Plenty Arrows, Poor Bear Family, Quiver Family, and all Friends and Relatives. The family apologizes if anyone has been left out during this difficult time.
And a Special Thank You to the Oglala Sioux Lakota Nursing Home, Gordon Memorial Hospital, Chadron Community Hospital, and Chadron Home Health & Hospice for providing a high level of attention, affection, support, and going beyond to show special care and love to Wilma.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 3:00 PM, Friday, January 31, 2025 at the American Horse School Gymnasium in Allen, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the American Horse School Gymnasium in Allen, SD.
Officiating: Mother Michelle Dayton and Lay Minister Mona Vocu
Drum Group: Eagle Nest Singers
Traditional Lakota Services: Vernell White Thunder and Wilbur (Chubb) White Mouse
Burial Services: Inestimable Gift Episcopal Cemetery, Allen, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD