Funeral services for 70-year old Clara Whipple are Sun, Jan 22, 2023, at 11:00 at the Porcupine School Gymnasium in Porcupine, SD, with Sam David White Face Sr of Ite Ska Ministries officiating.
Burial is Monday, Jan 23, at 2:00 at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis
A one-night wake service starts at 12:30 PM, Sat, Jan 21, at 12:30 at the Porcupine School Gym with evening services at 7:00.
Clara D (White Face) Whipple “Wičháȟpi Wiyákpa Wiƞ” (Shining Star Woman) was born on November 4, 1952, to Hobart White Face and Effie (Big Owl) White Face in Pine Ridge, SD. Clara began her journey on January 7, 2023, at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Clara was a graduate of Pine Ridge High School and attended Black Hills State University and Oglala Lakota College, ultimately completing her studies with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Clara taught at Porcupine Day School, Little Wound Elementary School, and was employed at Wolf Creek School as a first-grade teacher at the time of her passing.
Her passion was teaching the Wakȟáƞyeža (children). Clara was a teacher for well over 30 years and not only never lost her enthusiasm, she drew inspiration from her work as a teacher.
Clara was a huge Elvis fan and collected Elvis memorabilia and albums through the years. She cherished her daughter and granddaughter, spending all her free time with them. She also loved to do beadwork and read.
Clara was a gospel singer and a Sunday School teacher. She was also the founder of Ite Ska Ministries and had a radio broadcast on KBHB 810 AM every Sunday morning at 10:00.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents Hobart White Face and Effie (Big Owl) White Face; son Baby Boy Good Shield; ex-husband Alphonso Good Shield Jr; sisters Trevian Scout, Amy Kay Plenty Bull, and Myrna Young Bear; and brothers Howard White Face, James White Face, and Tilden White Face.
Clara is survived by her husband Vincent Whipple Sr; her daughter Colleen Ozuya; her granddaughter Jordan Jay Ozuya; sisters Vina Steele, Lillian Good Shield, and Mary Young Bear; brothers Sam White Face and Tim White Face; and numerous nephews, nieces, and grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Mousseaux, Everett Jealous of Him II, Sam White Face II, Donald “DJ” Kills Warrior II, Tyrell Jumping Eagle, Adam Yellow Boy, Frank Lasley, and Ohitika Elk Sr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Megan Provost-Means & Family, Loren Abernathy, Julie Raben, Velma Kills Back, Avis Monroe, Gina Cunningham, Ashton Hughes, Moriah Morrisette, Julie Alcorn, Ann Weston & Family, Billy Quijas & Family, Barney White Face & Family, Rhonda Two Eagle & Family, Sharie Ricketts & Family, Muffie Mousseaux, Misty Begay & Family, Reinique Beck & Family, Phillip and Violet Good Crow & Family, Steve and Lolita Dubray & Family, Pam Attack Him & Family, Bryan, Kellee and Brent Brewer, Sarah Tenold, Teresa Fisher, Elizabeth Whipple-Mousel, Mercy Iron Crow & Family, Lovey Two Bulls & Family, Connie Two Bulls & Family, Cheryl Theisz, Megan Ruff, Charlie Abourezk, Patty Apple, Norma Ceron, Theresa Ferguson, Evelyn Gregg, Lawanda Clifford, Alton Mousseaux, Geraldine Lujan, Eunice Lavaldo, Norma Brown Bull, Phyllis Heathershaw, Jennifer Mandan, Wayne Fox, Sheralda Montileaux, Gayla Gay, Tom Anderson, Ella Coleman & Family, Mrs. Whipple’s First Grade Class, Wolf Creek Staff, Oglala Lakota County School District Staff, Oglala Lakota County Schools Superintendent Connie Kaltenbach, Oglala Lakota County Schools School Board, her former students, The White Face Family, the Jealous of Him Family, and all gospel singers and musicians.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD