Mass of Christian Burial for Melda Crow Feather, 78, of Kenel will be at 11 AM, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Catholic Church of Assumption in Kenel. Burial will be at the church cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A procession will leave at 5 PM for services at 7 PM Monday at the church. Melda passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at IHS Hospital in Ft. Yates.

Melda Mae Crow Feather "Kangi Wiyaka Win" was born October 16th, 1946, in Old Kenel, SD, to the late William "Bill" Crow Feather and Rose (Brown) Crow Feather. Melda attended elementary boarding school in Chamberlain, SD and then graduated from Standing Rock Community High School in 1965. She continued her education and training as a practical nurse in Los Angeles, CA and was employed with the Los Angeles County General Hospital for three years. She then moved to Denver, Co where she was employed for several years at the Presbyterian Medical Center.

Melda eventually came back to her roots on Standing Rock and started working for the Mobridge Care Center/Mobridge Regional Hospital for 21 years. She then started with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's Community Health Representative Program, where she worked until her retirement in 2019. During her time with the program, she made a lot of friends, she loved her visits with her elderly, who she checked on as much as she could, not only in her district but other districts as well. She often said she wanted to go back to work, but instead enjoyed her time at home with her grandchildren. Melda was always so proud of her years in the workforce and always had encouraging words for everyone. She was awarded an Honorary Degree from Sitting Bull College in 2017, acknowledging her self-less contributions and exceptional work in the public health field.

In 1982, Melda married the love of her life, Richard "Dickie" Howard and of this Union they had 6 children, 3 daughters, 3 sons. Victoria Leigh, Melissa Ann, Derek Alden, Richard William, William Francis, and Melanie Rose. Melda Mae has 5 grandchildren whom she adored and cherished, Chasten Lawrence, Talon Dane, Sadira Raye, Khalani Rayne, and Tobias Richard. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Melda lived a happy life with her children and her husband Dickie.

Melda was a very dependable and loving woman, she was always willing to help where she could, she was also a big supporter and looked forward to the Chiefs ride every year. She also took pride in honoring her brothers on the powwow trail and always had the best specials for them. In her spare time, she liked to watch foreign movies without subtitles, sneak off to the casino, cruise around with Beana, she loved to be on the dusty powwow trail and camp out, she loved to be around family, especially her grandkids, they always made her day.

Melda will be missed tremendously by her children, Vickie (Myrtis), Derek, Jr, Will, and Mel (Chad). Her grandchildren, Chasten, Talon, Sadira, Khalani and Tobias. Her brother, Adrian Crow Feather of Bismarck, ND. Cousins, Eileen Crow Feather of Mobridge, SD, Larry Crow Feather of Sisseton, SD, her special Niece, April Shortman of Centennial, CO. Along with many nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

Melda is preceded in death by the love of her life, Richard "Dickie" Howard, her parents, William and Rose Crow Feather. Her maternal grandparents, William Brown and Sarah Blue. Paternal grandparents, Frances Crow Feather & Mamie Charging Eagle. Her sister, Isabelle Crow Feather. Her brothers, Fred Fast Horse, Fenton Fast Horse, Vincent, Wayne, Winfield, Gerald, and Little brother William Jr Crow Feather. Her daughter, Melissa Ann Howard. Also, numerous Uncles, Aunties, Cousins and good friends.