Natalie E. Medicine Bear, 74, of Lake Andes

Natalie died Friday, November 17, 2023 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be at 1 PM, Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes. Burial will be in the Cedar Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Wagner. Wake services will be held at the White Swan Community Center beginning Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Natalie Elizabeth Ashes Medicine Bear was born on January 5, 1949 to Francis and Hazel (Simmons) Ashes. She was called home by her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Sioux Falls, SD. She attained the age of 74 years, 10 months, and 12 days.

Natalie who was known to her family as Charlie was born a the IHS in Wagner, SD during a blizzard. This is how her parents gave her Dakota name "Ibobdu Win" (E-bóbe-Due We).

She attended grade school in Greenwood, SD until 1963 when the family moved to Lake Andes, SD. She began her education in Lake Andes until the 10th grade. Her 11th grade year, she went to Todd County School and completed that year and began her 12th grade year, but due to personal reasons, she did not complete her high school. She then went to Job Corps in St. Louis, MO where she completed her high school education. She held various jobs throughout the Lake Andes/Wagner area. She retired due to ill health.

Natalie married George G. Squirrel Coat in September 1968 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Lake Andes, SD. Two daughters were born to this union: Melissa Kay and Danelle Dawn. She later married David Medicine Bear in 1978.

You could always find her doing word searches, sitting in front of the TV watching her game shows, Hallmark movies, and morning programs on CBS. She began her day by calling her family and friends. Then, if the weather was nice she enjoyed sitting outside. She ended her day by faithfully writing the days events in her journal. But more faithfully, she did her daily afternoon and evening prayers.

Natalie made a huge impact on many people on and off the reservation and in the non-native communities. Before her health deteriorated she was always helping others with prayer and scripture, but most of all with her voice, singing at various functions. She always lent a helping hand when she was asked or able to.

Natalie leaves behind to mourn her son Ryan Knudsen; daughter: Melissa Ashes; two granddaughters Makayla Squirrel Coat and Chelaine Knudsen; grandson Asher Vaughn; sisters: Francine Musgrove, Wilma Ashes, Ellen Ashes-Dion, Ida Brown, and Melissa Ashes; brother Raymond Blacksmith; 2 step-daughters Bernie Medicine Bear and Lydia Antelope; Hunka mom Elaine Little; adopted sisters: Ella Rae Stone, Pam Redlightning, and Patricia Troyer; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death is daughter Danelle Dawn; husband David Medicine Bear; sisters Kerry and Sophie; brothers: Donnie Byrd, Gary Aungie, and Marlin Ashes; grandson Gabriel Vaughn; nephews: Wilford Byrd, Lema Byrd, and Alberta Ashes; granddaughter "Baby Grace"; stepdaughter Clarice St. Pierre; parent and grandparents.