Funeral Services for 55-year old Esther Buckman are Sunday, June 11, 2023 at noon at the First Body of Christ Church Prayer House in Batesland, SD, with Byron Roach and Cyrus Black Elk officiating.
Burial is at the Body of Christ Church Cemetery in Porcupine, SD
A two-night wake service starts Friday, June 9, at 2:00 at the First Body of Christ Church Prayer House in Batesland.
Online condolences may be made at siouxfuneralhome.com
Esther Mae Buckman was born on May 31, 1967 in Pine Ridge, SD to Wilbert Buckman, Sr. and Joan (Whiting) Buckman. Esther departed this earthly life and joined her mother in heaven on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD surrounded by her father, children, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, and two adopted sisters, Jenni Robertson, and Tammy (Lunderman) Valdez.
Esther attended elementary school in Batesland, SD. There are many fond memories shared by her numerous friends and relatives. In 6th grade, “we had a male teacher with a big belly and Esther asked him when he was having his baby (she was serious) but his face turned red, and the class cracked up.
Growing up in Wakpamni, Esther loved spending time with her family. She attended many community dances hosted by Calvin Two Lance – she LOVED to dance.
Esther attended Little Wound High School in Kyle, SD where she participated in athletics and other school activities. Esther was a member of the LNI Lady Mustang Basketball Championship Team and she also participated in volleyball, track, cheerleading, and softball. Esther was the 1984-85 Homecoming Queen at Little Wound School.
Her compassionate disposition gained her many friends throughout her life, and she remained in contact with them until the day she departed, always messaging, or calling to see how everyone was doing.
Esther became a mother for the first time with her partner Terrence Mesteth, welcoming their daughter Terrina (Buckman) in 1985. Esther and Terrance became parents for the second time by welcoming their son TeeJay (Buckman) in 1986.
Mark (Buckman) greeted his parents, Esther, and Jerry Elk in 1988 and was welcomed home by his older sister Terrina and older brother TeeJay.
Esther met Jose Melendez Sr and to this partnership were born two children: Joanie Melendez in 1991 and Jose Melendez Jr in 1993.
The matriarch of the family, Joan (Whiting) Buckman, journeyed to be with the Lord in 2003 and this was a very difficult and trying time for the family. She is still missed dearly by her children and grandchildren.
Esther and Jose Sr moved their family to Maryland in 2003 and remained there for three years. Esther again made many friends while living in Maryland, all of whom she remained in contact with. Upon returning home to South Dakota in 2018, Esther resided in Hermosa, SD with her son.
Esther is survived by her father Wilbert Buckman Sr; children Terrina Buckman, TeeJay Buckman, Mark Buckman, Joanie Melendez, and Jose Melendez Jr; brothers Wilbert Buckman Jr and Harold Hollow Horn Jr; sister Lovie Buckman; grandchildren Charles Rucker Jr, Brazee Headley, Julianne Headley, Angel Buckman, and Christopher Buckman; aunts Christine Hollow Horn and Joyce Whiting; uncle Cleveland Buckman; and numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins.
Esther was preceded in death by her mother Joan Buckman; brother Harold Hollow Horn Sr; and maternal grandmother Esther (Little Commander) High Hawk.
Pallbearers will be Elgin Head, Bo Dale Black Crow, Lyndon Hollow Horn, William Good Eagle, Yamni Buckman, Dalton Buckman, Morgan Weston, Trevor Hollow Horn, and Charles Pain On Him.
Honorary pallbearers will be First Body of Christ Church Brothers & Sisters, Little Wound Class of 1985, Yellow Boy Family, Hollow Horn Family, Two Lance Family, Mark & Tammy Lunderman, Red Prue, Yvonne “Tiny” DeCory & Family, Jenny Robinson, Vern Robinson, Joyce Whiting & Family, Waylon Black Crow, Sr., Waylon Black Crow, Jr., and all Friends & Relatives.
Special thanks to Brenda Bair, Cindy Taylor, Stephanie Berriors, Stephanie Sturgess, Joey Brown, Jose Melendez S., Sheila Grayson, Kiasten Miller, Carmen Melendez, Jessica Cruz, Anthony Briggs, Davis Family, and the Taylor Family.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD