Funeral services for 67-year old Matilda Montileaux are Thurs, July 21, 2022 at 10:00 at the Matilda Montileaux residence, 111 No Flesh Road S in Kyle, SD, with the Rev Cordelia Red Owl, Mona Vocu, Cissy Loafer, and Ruby Clifford officiating and traditional Lakota services by Richard Moves Camp
Burial is Monday, July 25, at 10:00 at the Lakota Freedom Veterans Cemetery in Kyle.
A one-night wake service starts Wednesday, July 20, at 3:30 at the Matilda Montileaux residence with evening services starting at 7:00
Matilda Rose Montileaux was born on September 14, 1954 to George William Ruff and Sarah Littlebull at home near Kyle, SD. Matilda made her journey to the Spirit World on July 14, 2022 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Matilda was a life-long learner and educator. She not only excelled in Western education, but her knowledge of the Lakota language, traditional and spiritual culture, thought and philosophy was immeasurable.
There was nothing that she couldn’t accomplish. She was a master seamstress, quilter, and artist – which was displayed through her amazing beadwork. She created many beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces for so many special people.
Matilda was a teacher and mentor to many and truly lived by the Lakota values. Her passion was working with children and youth of all ages. She poured her beautiful loving soul into each child without prejudice.
Matilda’s intentions were to edify and uplift those around her, which was done with grace. That in itself is an art form that had a far reaching effect on her family and community.
Her professional career included employment at Little Wound School, Crazy Horse School, Oglala Lakota College, and Porcupine School. She also sat on numerous boards and was always involved in cultural and community projects.
While caring for her community, Matilda was able to simultaneously raise and pour just as much time, energy, unconditional love, and support into her family. She cherished her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
She was a precious mother and woman of honor who will be missed dearly.
Matilda is survived by her children Bert Lee Montileaux Sr, Belva Lynn Montileaux, Gladys Ann Montileaux, Hawkeye Jess Montileaux, and Sundown J Montileaux Sr; grandchildren Eric J Rojas, Journey Rose Flying Hawk, Landan Lawrence Clement, Tyrell Marcus Williams, Tayshawn Maurice Montileaux, Jessie Lynn Montileaux, Elliyanna Montileaux, and Sundown J Montileaux Jr; great-grandson Keya Jude Rojas; sisters Avrielle Marshall and Nellie Bald Eagle; aunt Georgianne Littlebull; and uncle Howard Blue Bird.
Matilda was preceded in death by her parent, George Ruff and Sarah Littlebull; spouse Lawrence Montileaux; grandchildren Bert Lee Montileaux Jr, Mariah LeeAnn Montileaux, and Precious Star Montileaux; brothers Myron Ghost Bear and Robert Ghost Bear; sister Gladys Ghost Bear; maternal grandparents David Littlebull and Jettie Imitates Dog; paternal grandparents William George Ruff and Rose (Clifford) Ruff; great-grandparents Maggie Featherman, Henry Littlebull, Wallace Imitates Dog, Belle (Black Bear) Imitates Dog, Mortimer Clifford, and Julia Margurite Lucia; and great-great-grandparents Littlebull & Holy Bear, Bob Featherman, Eagle Feather, Imitates Dog, Short Cheyenne Woman, Black Bear, and Julia Yankton (Her Many Horses).
Pallbearers will be Chuck Littlebull, Brian Littlebull, Robert Lopez, Vincent Lopez, Albert Lopez, Delaney Apple, Osceola Blue Horse, Brian Hopkins, and Jamie Big Crow.
Honorary pallbearers will be Maske pi Iyuha, Titakuye na Otakuye pi ki.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD