Russell Lee Stover, “Wakinya Sapa” was born on June 2, 1953 in Alliance, Nebraska to Oliver William “Ben” Stover and Evelyn Hungry. Russell made his journey to the Spirit World on August 3, 2023 at the Spearfish Canyon Health Center in Spearfish, South Dakota.
Russell is survived by his children, Denise Lynette Stover of Aurora, CO, Timothy Maurice (Letitia) Stover of Kayenta, AZ, Patrick Wayne Stover of Martin, SD, Jesse Lee (Cenedra) Stover of Oglala, SD, Jennifer Rose (Timmy) Jones of Rapid City, SD, Annalise Rose (Alex) Stover/Green of Durango, CO, Emma Marie Stover of Socorro, NM, and Estee Alene (Kendrick) Stover/Tate of Durango, CO; grandchildren, Ashley Farmer, Cassaus Farmer, Daren “Stormy” Farmer, MaShayla Stover, Paige, Dalton & Joseph Witt, Steve Witt Jr., Nanibaa’ & Dezbaa’ Stover, Walker, Cooper & Bryer Stover, Harper Stover, Avery & Wren Stover, Kaydence Loafer, Haylee Jones, Edith & Sawyer Stover/Green; Elliah & Ivy Stover/Tate, Temika, Akicita Wakinya, Joseph, William, Paisley, and Aaliyah, Everett; great-grandchildren, Tessa, Aliana, Jacelynn, Braylon Farmer, Alexandra & Daren Farmer III, Cassius Farmer Jr & Tauni Farmer; siblings, Mary (Ronny) Black Bird, Bernadette “Bernie” Stover, James “Tim” Stover, Virginia “Gina” (Terry) Veo, Donna Stover, and Katherine “Katt” Stover; special niece, Becky (Scott) Red Bow; and hunka son, Andy Martinez & Family.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Ben & Evelyn Stover; brother, William “Bill” Stover; paternal grandparents, Edward, Sr. & Susie (Swallow) Stover; maternal grandmother, Nellie Hungry; grandchildren, Gavin, Aaliyah & Jordan; nephews, James Dawson “JD” Stover, Jaylen Jasper Veo, Arlyn Willis Stover, and Cody Oliver Hamilton; nieces, Cynthia Anne Friedman, Elizabeth Grace Red Feather & Quintina Arminta Stover; brother, John Stover Sr.; and special friend, Trinette Hernandez.
Russ was known for his magic tricks, he loved to fish, hunt, and was a rockhound. He was always cracking a good joke. He was a jack of all trades, like his father, and could fix just about anything. He baked some of the best caramel rolls and biscuits you could have ever eaten and was a really great cook. Russ worked in many different occupations, including as a locksmith, a janitor and school maintenance man. If there is one thing Russ had a passion for, it was playing cards. Russ loved to play Poker and he would skunk anyone in a Cribbage game. You could bet Russ would be in it for the win and have no pity in teasing you after he took your money or skunked you in crib. But most of all, anyone who knew Russ would tell you that Russ loved his family. Russ was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He had a sense of humor and loved to tease people and get a good laugh on any occasion.
Russell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Philip Jumping Eagle, Mike White, Ronnie Fergson, Tom Allen, Richard “Dickie Boy” Pierce, Timmy “Goldie” Jones, Dale Vocu, Richard “Dick” Two Crow, and all of Russ’s Grandson’s.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Nephews & Nieces: Paul, Mike and James “Jimmy” Stover, Jason “Moe” & Junior Stover, Shane Gibbons, Samuel & Edward Red Feather, Corey and Clayton Stover/Hamilton, Melita Stover/Janis, Naomi Stover/Dillion, Nicole “Nikki” Shaw, Whisper Red Feather, Deidra Deuder, Tiffany Two Crow, MaKenzie Stover & Chevelle Puckett; Janet Fenton, Bela Rainy, Fenton (Charlie) Spray, Hunter Family, Ferguson Family, Two Crow Family, Bull Bear Family, Clifford Family, Herman Family, Reddy Family, Swallow Family, Pourier Family, Janis Family, Jumping Eagle Family, Hernandez Family, Meridian Family, Vocu Family, Oldson Family, Garnette Family, Pinky Plume, Opal Jones, Shawnta, Wetson & Jesus Jones, Paul Herman, Leo Herman, Moe Palmer, Alro Provost, Dave (Gina) Big Crow, Robert Two Crow, TD, Gary, & Friday Garnette, Myreen & Dawn Iron Cloud & family, Sydnee (Mike) Twiss, Marvie Ferguson, Sheila Moore, Emily “Betty” Bull Bear, Angie Stover, Robert (Colleen) Stover & Family, Johnny Stover & Family, Ed (Jenny) Stover & Family, Karlene Hunter & Family, Sandy Janis & Family, Jimmy Chirstensen & Family, Steph (Ivan) Sorbel & Family, Whisper (Mike) Catches & Family, Lonnie Swallow & Family, Melvin Swallow & Family, Debbie Swallow & Family, Travis (Destiny) Loafer, Viola “Sissy” Loafer, Randi Hunter, Gayla Adams & Family, Darleen (Greg) McBride, Steph McBride, Heather Allen, Michelle Allen, Leni Hamilton & Family. Cousins: Lloyd “Ears” Rouillard & Family, Sandy Spider & Family, Carol Bravo & Family, Darleen Rouillard & Family, Donald “Duck” Stover & Family, Georgia Raye Stover & Family, Dottie Stover & Family, Charlie Stover & Family, Beverly Hendrix-Stover & Family, Janice Stover & Family, Mikey Spider & Family, Louise Spider & Family, Dennis Stover & Family, Suzanne Stover-Lamb & Family, Dale & Donovan Youngman, Carol, Frances, Laura, & Deanna Big Crow & Families, LJ, Tad, & Echo Olson & Families, Anthony Tibbitts, Sr., Norma Tibbitts & Family, Joyce Tibbitts & Family, Brownie Eagle Bull, Blake & Verine White & Family, Hank & Shirley Murphy, Migual Gomez, Sandy Spider & Family, Clarence Rouillard, Jr., BJ Rouillard, Sam Bravo & Family, Richard Sherman, Brewer Family, Heathershaw Family, Rouillard Family, Spearfish Canyon Health Care Center Staff, and many other relatives and friends.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Hall in Kyle, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Hall in Kyle, SD.
Officiating: Father Ron Seminara, S.J.
Traditional Lakota Services: Ron Black Bird
Burial Services: Stover Family Cemetery, Kyle, SD
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD