Funeral services for 49-year old Marla Valencia-Vasquez are Sat, April 22, 2023 at noon at the Woyatan Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD, with Minister Jonathan Old Horse officiating and traditional Lakota services by Mike Cross
Burial follows at the Woyatan Lutheran Church with Pastor Alton Yellow Boy officiating.
A 3-night wake service starts Wed, April 19, 2023 at 5:00 at the Woyatan Lutheran Church in Rapid City with evening services starting at 7:00 each night of the wake.
Online condolences may be left at siouxfuneralhome.com
Marla Irene (High Bear Quick Bear) Valencia-Vasquez was born on September 6, 1983 in Rapid City, SD to Edward Joseph High Bear and Lenora “Midge” (Quick Bear) High Bear. Marla made her journey to the Spirit World on April 7, 2023 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Marla grew up in Lakota Homes and when she was young traveled with her late Grandfather Martin High Bear, a well-known Lakota Medicine Man and Spiritual Leader, to Traditional Ceremonies.
She played Tee-ball with the Rushmore team and was a jingle dress dancer. She attended Kicking Horse Job Corps and later loved to work as Head-Housekeeper in Hospitality with different properties throughout Rapid City.
Marla was a devoted mother to Demond and Julian High Bear and also a devoted grandmother to Eleo High Bear. She married April 19, 2008 to Julio Valencia-Vasquez on April 19, 2028
Marla was loving, supportive and caring with family and friends. She loved following her favorite NFL team. the New Orleans Saints, and watching UFC and all other sports.
Marla also loved to travel with family and friends across the world and the Seven Seas, but her favorite place to be was with her family in Kansas City, KS.
Marla loved to laugh, and her laughter and smile would stand out in the room. She was the life of the party and loved to dance, but continuously chilled with her family. She also traveled and danced on the Pow Wow trails and supported dancers at all Sundances.
Marla is survived by her mother Midge High Bear; sons Demond and Julian High Bear; husband Julio Valencia-Vasquez; grandson Eleo High Bear; sister Michelle High Bear (Vanessa & Jessica High Bear); brothers Mike and Anthony Quick Bear; godchildren Emily, Elieen and Alex Velasquez; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandchildren.
Marla was preceded in death by her father Edward “Eddie” Joseph High Bear; and grandparents, Martin & Alvina High Bear and Rebecca & Frank Quick Bear.
Pallbearers will be Michael Quick Bear, Anthony Quick Bear, Julian High Bear, Demond High Bear, Alexander Velasquez, and Victor Quick Bear.
Honorary pallbearers will be Vanessa High Bear Quick Bear-Velasquez & Family, Frances Dupris & Family, Michelle High Bear, Jessica High Bear & Family, Rebecca “Lala” Curley & Family, Candice Arthur & Family, Randi Quick Bear & Family, Cammie Joseph & Family, Grandson Eleo High Bear, Danny & Virg Daniels & Family, Ralph & Nita Flores & Family, Ryan & Little Mike Quick Bear, Ari, Kevin, Wayne, Valerie, Gloria and Margaret Eagle Tail, Alexander Velasquez, Kevin & CJ McConnell & Family, Baby D & Jonathan Sierra, Alex Little White Man & Family, Anthony Monroe-Flying By, Orlando Moreno & Family, Matty Moyer, All Friends & Relatives, and All of Julian’s friend’s
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD