Funeral services for Janessa A. Medina, 18, Zia Pueblo, NM/Sisseton, SD will be held 10:00AM MT on Friday, December 9, 2022 at the Eagle Butte Bingo Hall. A wake service at the Bingo Hall will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Interment under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge, SD will be at Ascension Episcopal Cemetery, Blackfoot, SD.  Janessa passed away on December 4, 2022 at her home in Sisseton.

Janessa was a beautiful, strong, resilient, respectful young lady. She took pride in her cultures from dancing away with all her heart and soul to singing loud and proud. Very humble, caring and nurturing. Her one true wish was to become a mama and that she did. She was damn good at it too. If you've ever spent time with her, she was one you could cry with (especially when it came to wanting pizza lol), you would have uncontrollable laughing sessions, and of course serious conversations. She often asked for advice and appreciated reassurance. She always gave words of encouragement and uplifted those around her. Her sweet gentle soul and positive energy was infinite.

She is survived by her son, Kaleb Wayne Jr., her mother, Shawnee S. Sam, her father, Alfred L. Medina Jr., her stepmother, Erin Shije, her siblings Milton Medina, Makaylin Medina, Natalia Shije, Scott Baca, Cree Sam, Nadiya Shije & Bodhi Shije. Her niece and nephews Ethan Kyler, Khalil Ezra & Nylaka Rose. Grandparents Alfred Medina Sr., Thelma Medina, Catherine Tsosie, George Keryte. Her aunties Serina T. Medina, Dursilla Medina, Sage Sam, Cherokee Sam and uncle Magoo. Cousins, Desiree Coriz, Ethan Coriz, Audrianna Toribio, Serena Eagle, Elizabeth Eagle, Alec Trancosa, Alexis Trancosa, Nicholas, Junior, Kent Jr., Nathaniel Yazzie, Marquis Aungie Jr., Tyler Aungie, Tavin Aungie, Mato Cikala Casiquito, Nizhoni Sam & Wynter-Star Casiquito.

Preceding her in death are great grandparents Dennis Sand Sr. and Catherine Catch the Bear. Grandparents Frank Sand, Tom Sand, Audrey Makes Room for Them and Grandmother Beatrice Shije. Aunties Cheyanne Crane, Kelsey Makes Room for Them. Uncle Wanbli Sam, Cousin Serena Trancosa.