Vanetta L. Swift Bird was born on June 13, 1960 in Pine Ridge, SD to Francis Swift Bird and Claira (Takes The Shield) Swift Bird. Vanetta made her journey to the Spirit World on July 20, 2024 at her home in Rapid City, SD.
Vanetta is survived by her nephew, Daryl Goings, Sr. and Family, special niece, Kelsey Marie Goings; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews from her family.
Vanetta was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Claira (Takes The Shield) Swift Bird; brothers, Harbor Wayne Swift Bird and Garland Swift Bird; sisters, Cornelia “Pinky” Swift Bird-Goings, Fedelia Swift Bird-Brave and Julie Swift Bird; nephews, John Brave, Marvin Brave, Jr., and Joe Brave; niece, Tara Brave; and special friend, Marie Makes Him First.
Pallbearers will be Daryl L. Goings, Jr., Charles Barrett, Sr., Elias S. Richard, Sr., Pete Brown Eyes, Eric Little Hawk, and Shawn Sierra.
Honorary pallbearers will be Swift Bird Family, Goings Family, Red Star Family, and Hummingbird Family, all friends, family, and relatives.
A one night wake service for Vanetta Swift Bird will start at 11 on Tuesday July 30, 2024 at the Joyner Hall in Pine Ridge.
Funeral Service is at 1 on Wednesday July 31, at the Joyner Hall with Traditional Lakota Service by Pete Swift Bird.
Burial will be at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cemetery in Slim Buttes, SD.