Peggy Lois Janis was born on February 2, 1943 in Pine Ridge, SD to Dallas Two Crow & Nancy Yellow Thunder. Peggy made her journey to the Spirit World on January 26, 2025 at her home in Kyle, SD.
Peggy deeply loved her relatives and was always willing to help those in need. She dedicated over 52 years of service to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, with nearly 40 of those years devoted to the tribe’s substance abuse program. She witnessed its transition from Project Phoenix to Anpetu Luta and played a vital role in ensuring that individuals seeking help received the care and support they needed.
She was always ready to step in, whether it was completing assessments or guiding individuals toward treatment. Peggy’s unwavering commitment and compassion left a lasting impact on the program and the people it served. She not only helped those in need but also mentored and supported staff and community members, leading by example with her strong work ethic and kind heart.
Peggy was highly accomplished in her field. Among her many accomplishments and honors, she was a certified DUI/DWI class instructor through the State of South Dakota and a certified counselor (CAC) through both the Great Plains American Indian Credentialing Board (GPAICB) and the South Dakota Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (SDAAPP). Her dedication to substance abuse prevention and treatment was recognized on multiple occasions. In 2000, she and her colleagues received the ALO United Nations Exemplary Substance Abuse Program All Staff Award in New York. Most recently, in September 2024, she was honored for her decades of service at the Great Plains Area Behavioral Health Conference in Rapid City, SD.
Peggy was a pillar of Anpetu Luta Otipi, dedicating herself to the program and its mission until her passing. Her absence will be deeply felt by her work family, who will miss her guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her love, laughter, and check-ins will be cherished and remembered always.
Peggy is survived by her daughters, Kennita (Edwin) Janis of Kyle, SD, Janelle Janis and Louella Two Crow both of Rapid City, SD; hunka daughter, Merle (Misty) Brave; son, Wilson “Willie” K. Janis of Kyle, SD; sister, Phinette Anaya of Rapid City, SD; grandsons, Trenton Janis, Tyson Two Crow, Ayden Fire Thunder, Landon Janis, Jerry Long, Marlin Long Soldier, Craig Long Soldier, Hakela Long Soldier, Jeremy Fire Thunder, and Evan Brown Bull; granddaughters, Kenlee Bettelyoun, Bailey Jo Janis, Rhonda Long Soldier, and Joylinn Long Soldier; special nieces, Cheryl Whistler, Anne Brings Him Back, and Eileen Two Bulls; nephew, Tom Janis; special sisters/friends, Carol Blue Bird, Eunice Lavaldo, and Anne Montileaux; and cousin, Robert Two Crow.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Dallas Two Crow and Nancy Yellow Thunder; spouse, Wilson Kenneth Janis; daughter, Cheryl H. Janis; sister, Phyllis Johnson; grandchildren, Hope Fire Thunder, Fonz Long Soldier, Evelyn Long Soldier, Claudette Long Soldier, and Elizabeth Long Soldier; sisters-in-law, Ora Janis, Mabel Janis, and Evelyn Janis-Long Soldier; and brother-in-law, Everett Janis.
Pallbearers will be Darrell “Sam” Apple, Trenton Janis, Mike Christensen, Lloyd Night Walker, Kevin Feather Earring, Tony Long Soldier, Edwin Fire Thunder, Vinny Fraser, Jerry Long, Travis Richards, Tanner Running Hawk, & Russ Running Hawk, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Yvette Hernandez, Rick Puckett & Family, Lydia Bear Killer & Family, Geri Brown Bull & Family, Charlie Anaya, Robert Anaya, Dwayne Anaya, Ladyne Ferguson & Family, Doug Patton, Ruth Cedar Face & Family, Colleen Bettelyoun & Family, Wilson, Joe, & Marcus Little Moon, Eileen Running Bear & Family, Marlene Brave Heart & Family, Lindsey Little Moon, Arlene Iron Crow, Mercy Iron Crow, Alsie LeBeaux, Louise Big Boy & Family, Verine & Duane Lafferty, Delphine One Horn, Jason Old Horse & Family, Sharon Little Killer, Melissa Hudspeth, Lance Christensen, Mekko Bear Killer, Lois Cross & Family, Eli Brave Heart, Dean & Monique Two Crow, Hawkeye Montileaux, Shirley Marhsall, Manuel Fool Head, Sharon Rose Janis & Family, Tyrell & Bryce, Linda Lou Mesteth & Family, Darla Red Owl & Family, Taylor Janis & Family, Rose Fraser & Family, Caitlin & Tina Fraser & Family, Inez Little Whiteman & Family, Evelyn Gregg, Mark Apple, Sharon Green, Toni Wounded Foot, Kayann Janis, Belva Clifford, Ronnie Ferguson & Family, Tiger Brown Bull, Annette Red Owl & Family, Nichelle, Ebert, Jhacie, & Cadyss Long Soldier, Steve & Pauletta Hernandez, Karlyn Janis, John Salano, Frank Shortman & Siblings, Jeren Two Crow, Lisa Hernandez, James Richards, Stephanie Apple & Family, Two Crow Family, Janis Family, Shangreux Family, Red Owl Family, Montileaux Family, Anpetu Luta Otipi Past & Present Employees, East Wind Casino, All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: Two night wake service with the first night starting at 4:00 PM, Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the Janis Residence in Kyle, SD and the second night at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall in Kyle, SD.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Hall in Kyle, SD
Officiating: Lay Minister Mona Vocu, Lay Minister Annie Montileaux, and Pastor Kim Montileaux
Burial Services: Janis Family Cemetery, Kyle, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD