Traditional Native American Memorial Service for Marilyn Eagleman, 42, of Whitehorse will be held at 10:00 AM (CT), Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Whitehorse Community Center. Burial will be at the Good Shepherd Cemetery, Little Eagle under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Marilyn passed away, Friday, February 2, 2024, at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls.

Marilyn Rose Miner was born to Collen Miner and Robby Rough Surface on June 19, 1981 at the Indian Health Service Hospital in Eagle Butte, SD. At four months Marilyn joined her adopted mom Verna Fielder and uncle Bruce Miner. Colleen, Verna, Bruce and later Donald Swan had the honor of helping to raise her into the strong and vibrant women she would become.

In her younger years Marilyn attended Whitehorse Head Start and Swiftbird Day School before graduating from Tiospaye Topa in 2000. She grew up hitting the pow wow trail as a fancy dancer and was crowned our very first Miss Whitehorse. She was very active in school and actually helped design Tiospaye Topa School from her position on student council. She also helped design the mural in the lunchroom. She was a cheerleader, played basketball and a manager for the football team at Tiospaye Topa as well. She continued her education after high school completing a cosmetology certificate and her CDA in early childhood development.

In 1998 Marilyn met Luke Eagleman, who was her high school sweetheart and love of her life. They were blessed with three children, Sierra, Ameriah, and Keynon who she cherished dearly and would do any and everything for. In November of 2019, they were further blessed with their first grandchild, Kash Ree Ward who carved out a special place in his Unci's heart. Marilyn was a big family person and did whatever she could for her children & grandson. She loved being around family and enjoyed playing card & board games, watching movies, and holidays. If she could spend every minute with her family, she would.

Marilyn worked throughout her life at various places always finding her niche and becoming a valuable team member. She worked at Grand River Casino, Lakota Cash, Dakota Service, CRST Head Start and Tiospaye Topa School. She dedicated her career to all the children she taught as a paraprofessional. She went above and beyond to further her education to help special needs children. Marilyn enjoyed spending every day with "her school kids!"

Marilyn became known for her amazing beadwork. She would say that it was her "zen." She beaded graduation caps, lanyards, keychains, earrings, wristlets, baby moccasins and chekpa holders for hundreds of people. Her beadwork brought joy and happiness to anyone lucky enough to receive one of her creations.

Marilyn will be forever missed by her husband Luke Eagleman, children Sierra Kaye (Sam) and grandson Kash Ree, Ameriah and Keynon, her parents Collen and Donald Swan, her siblings Wiliam Swan, Sage (Misty) Miner, Megan (Wayne) Swan, Melissa (Lucas) Curely, Vern (Hattie) Miner, Lacey Rough Surface, Lindsey Rough Surface, Barbara Ducheneaux, Warren Ducheneaux, Leo (Jewel) Ducheneaux, Nolan (Misti) Clown, Stephen Clown, Kirby Clown, Racine Stacy, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Preceding Marilyn in death are her maternal grandparents William Miner, Jr. and Dorothy (White Dog) Miner, paternal grandmother Alberta Rough Surface, adopted mother Verna Fielder, her mother and father in law, Bernadine Wald and Howard Eagleman, her brothers Chaos Swan, Benny Ducheneaux, Chance Rough Surface, Uncles Bruce and Boyd Miner, Aunts Marilyn and Connie Miner, niece Brook Ducheneaux, and beloved best friends Skylar Roberts and Jazmin Phillips.