Autumn Justine Means was born on February 12, 1984 in Rapid City, SD to Dennis Means and Rosalie Trimble. Autumn made her journey to the Spirit World on February 15, 2025 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Autumn’s early years were spent in Rapid City surrounded by siblings and extended family until the age of nine. That was when Autumn and her siblings moved to Martin SD to live with their Grandmother, Myrtle Schoenly. It is here that Autumn excelled, transforming from a shy young girl who mainly went with the flow into a confident, still shy, but exuberant and sassy young lady. In these years she discovered a love of sports and had many friends.
Autumn was a hard worker, having worked the majority of her life in food and guest services. Her kind and friendly nature made these industries a great fit for her. But it was the roles of mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend that she was truly made for.
In 2001, Autumn welcomed her first son, Keaden Yellow Elk, and from that point on she defined herself as a mother. In 2002 she brought Jayce Yellow Elk into the world and in 2005, Mattia Means. The love she had for her sons could not be measured. She and her boys were inseparable and although she couldn’t give her children everything, she absolutely gave them all she had.
It was 2022 when a new title was bestowed upon Autumn, the title of “grandmother” to Luka. She was so proud to become a grandmother and poured her love, time and energy into this new role. Just a few short years later her granddaughter, Nalani came into the world. Autumn was ecstatic to finally welcome a girl into her family.
Autumn was known for her kind heart and gentle soul. She was always giving of herself and her time. It is this gentle and giving nature that made her the go-to person for most to confide in. Her friends and family will dearly miss her dry, sassy, and hilarious sense of humor. Anyone who met Autumn would tell you that her smile and laughter were contagious. She smiled with her whole heart and it shined outward for all to see
Autumn leaves behind three children, Keaden Means, Jayce Means and Mattia Means; two grandchildren, Luka and Nalani Means; siblings, Tina Held, Johnny (J.J.) Means, Luci Redowl, Lindsay Redowl, Leona Means, Maryann Means, Dennis Means, Warren Means, Caity Means, and Shea Trimble Norris; and many aunties, uncles, and cousins.
Autumn was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Means; mother, Rosalie Trimble; paternal grandparents, Myrtle Schoenly and Johnny Means; and maternal grandparents, MaryAnn & Albert Trimble.
Pallbearers are Jolden Returns, Luka Means, Quintrell Porter, III, Quintrell Porter, Richie Trimble, John Trimble, Bryson Means, and Eric Clifford.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Amy Sazue & Family, Mary & Richard Norris, Nadine Trimble, Jevon Means, Brandon Bryant, Brandon Bryant, Jr., Gianna Bryant, Quince Porter, Jaime Barber & Family, Lauren Ebert & Family, Kobi Ebert, Darren Pichulo, Scott Means, Kathi Fite & Family, Matt & Paul Plume, Tally Plume, Daniel Clifford, Brandon Clifford, Doanie Bowman & Boys, Mary & Eddie Bowman & Family, Theresa Bowman, Stormy LaPoint & Family, Katrina Standing Bear & Family, Paul White Face & Family, Hayden Miller, David Brown, Albert Trimble, and All Friends & Relatives.
Visitation Services: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD with Rosary Service being held at 6:00 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 AM, Friday, February 21, 2025 at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD
Officiating: Ed Witt
Traditional Lakota Services: Pansy High Hawk
Burial Services: Cremation to Follow Services.
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD