Benjamin Wendell Smoke was born on November 19, 1958 in Pine Ridge, SD to Melvin Emil Smoke and Irene Red Shirt. Benjamin made his journey to the Spirit World on January 22, 2025 in Terr Haute, Indiana.
Benjamin is survived by his sons, Cody Two Lance and Benjamin Wendell Smoke, Jr.; siblings, Vina Smoke, Edward Smoke, and Merleen Bear Robe; and nieces & nephews, Otakuye Conroy-Ben, Arlo Conroy II, Weewashte Arroba, Jesse Conroy, Sotah Conroy, Roxie Whirlwind Horse, Theresa Dreamer, Rhonda Dreamer, Rachel Dreamer, Rose Dreamer, Wendell Smoke, Gwendolyn Smoke, Oleaupi Smoke, Edna Moves Camp, Adam Elk Boy, and Emil American Horse.
Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Smoke and Irene Red Shirt; paternal grandparents, Wendell Smoke & Emma Charging; maternal grandparents, John Red Shirt & Mary Pumpkin Seed; sisters, Bertha Smoke & Delores Red Shirt; brothers, Delbert Red Shirt & John Red Shirt; niece, Okinyan Smoke; and nephew, John Smoke.
Pallbearers will be Clyde Squirrel Coat, Burton Chief, Sr., Waverly Chief, Conrad Thunder Hawk, Maka Moves Camp, Saunders Young Bear, Dennis Bear Runner, and Dewayne Eagle Tail.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Young Dog Family, Kills Back Family, Conroy Family, Iron Cloud Family, Locke Family, Ragona Family, Red Nest Family, Wounded Horse Family, Janis Family, Bear Runner Family, Dreamer Family, Two Lance Family, Young Bear Family, Whistler Family, and All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 11:30 AM, Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the Makasan Presbyterian Church Hall in Oglala, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Makasan Presbyterian Church Hall near Oglala, SD
Officiating: Brother Benton Bordeaux
Traditional Lakota Services: Mike Little Boy
Burial Services: St. Julia’s Episcopal Cemetery, Porcupine, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD