Funeral services for Velia Salas, 59, of McLaughlin, SD, are 12PM-CT, Friday, September 11, 2015, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church of McLaughlin. Burial at the McLaughlin City Cemetery under the direction of the Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge, SD. Visitation is 6:30 PM-CT, with a rosary at 8:30 PM-CT, on Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the church. Velia passed away on Monday, September 7, 2015, at the Sanford Medical Center of Bismarck, ND.

Velia Carmen Salas was born July 15, 1956 to Evelyn Bernice Bullhead and Modesto Medina Salas. She grew up and attended school in McLaughlin, SD. Upon graduating high school, Velia enrolled in the Teacher Training Program at Sitting Bull College and the University of North Dakota where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She then taught at Various Standing Rock Schools including Rock Creek, Little Eagle, Fort Yates and McLaughlin. In 2001 she enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Mary where she received her M.ED. degree in 2003. She then returned to the classroom as a special education teacher and most recently as a Lakota language teacher at the Mclaughlin Public School. She loved teaching the Lakota language and she loved speaking her language as often as possible. She enjoyed taking classes through the language consortium for the past several summers. Ill health forced her to retire in 2014. She continued to assist with the Lakota language testing at all Standing Rock Schools.

Velia was a kind and loving person and always did her best to ensure that anyone who needed help received it. She was the "back bone" to not only her family but to so many people, she always knew what to say and do to make everything "okay" .She was always making someone laugh with her wittiness and at the same time she was not afraid to stand up for what she knew was right.

She enjoyed being a positive force in not only her children and grandchildren's lives but everyone she came in contact with. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow into caring young adults. She encouraged them in all their varied interests and activities. She was known as " Unci" to many children, she will be greatly missed by her family and all her friends and relatives.

Velia leaves behind her son Taylor Salas, Two daughters, Sarah Salas (Jade Red Bear), Thalia Flying Horse (Sonny Wald), adopted daughter Michelle West &Family, adopted sons Kyle Baker, John Guggolz, Jody Sam & Families. Her Special Grandchildren Jerome and Jestice Talley, Teylor Salas, Taya and Karma Howard and Caiden Demery. Brother Darrell (Imogene) Bullhead, Earl (Peggy) Bullhead, Tom ( Bev) Bullead, Frank Bullhead and adopted brother Greg Sherwood. Sister Tyra Hamlin, adopted sisters Candy Sherwood, Bev Iron Shield and Rosellen Ward. Nephews Darrell (Bunk) Bullhead, Dusty Thompson, Thomas, Saul, Francis and Leland Bullhead, Bryan Howell, Jason, Ira, Joshua Bullhead, Kenny Jay and Chasten Bullhead. Nieces Nichole Bear King, Tanya Bullhead, Luta and Sammi Bullhead, Nina, Amorette and Kateri Bullhead, Maryann Bullhead, Jolynn Angle, Robyn Liljenquist, Jessica Tunca, Bethany and Jana Bullhead, Xia and Tianna Hayes.
Velia was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son Cody.