Lorene Victoria (Rainwater-Rames) Zephier, 100, of Wagner

Lorene entered the Spirit World on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. She attained the age of 100 years, 7 months and 2 days. Funeral services are 1 PM, Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Boys & Girls Club in Marty. Wake services began Sunday at the Club in Marty. Burial is in the Sundance Grounds at Seven Mile Creek, rural Marty. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements. She was born June 24, 1912.

Lorene resided at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. She was a member of the Rosebud Sioux and of German Ancestry.

Lorene married Ted Wright and unto this union four children were born: Arliss, Audrey, Mardell and Michael (deceased at the age of 4) until the dissolution of this marriage.

Later she would meet and marry Fred Zephier of Marty, SD, a member of the Ihanktonwan Oyate, of this union would come six children: Bernadette (deceased as an infant); twins, Cornelius and Cletus; Berdelene; Fred Jr; and Bernadette, named to honor her older sister.

In 1975, Fred and Lorene traveled to Green Grass, SD to the International Sundance to ask the Spiritual Leadership if he can host the ceremony upon his Ihanktonwan homeland once again for his people. The Headmen and Chiefs were so impressed with Mr Zephier that they told him "You don't have to ask, we will come help you". Despite the beautiful ceremony being outlawed under US Law, Fred and Lorene courageously hosted the Sundance for many years.

Lorene was well known by the thousands of visitors and campers as a good host and a great cook for the people. The direct action by Fred and Lorene helped the Sioux Nation and Indigenous peoples to force the US to legalize the ceremonies of the American Indian. Recently, Lorene changed her name to Victoria Rames in honor of her mother's maiden name.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred Sr.; sons: Arliss; Cornelius; Cletus; Step-sons: Clem; Al; Greg; and Zeph; daughters: Bernadette; Audrey; Mardell: Berdelene and step-daughter, Jenny.

She is survived by two sons: Fred Jr. and Robert (Big Bob) Humphrey; two daughters: Bernadette and LuAnn Perkins; two step- daughters: Margaret Z; Florence D; and numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; and great-great-great grandchildren. Grandma left all of us with her knowledge, courage, wisdom and humbleness. She will be missed greatly but her memories, laughter and smile will forever remain in our hearts. Thank you Mom, Grandma (Unci) for teaching us everything you knew and staying here with us as long as you did. WE LOVE YOU!!