"Grandma Nellie," as she was known by thousands of people from all over the world
journeyed to the Spirit World on February 18th,  2007. With her passing was lost one of the
great links to the traditions of the past. The darkness brought by her passing is lifted by the
shining example of her life.

Nellie,  a direct descendant of Chief  Man Afraid of his Horses was born on  January 25th,  1926.
 She resided in Pine Ridge Reservation's  Payaba community for over 79 of her 81 years on this Earth.

Nellie married her beloved husband Matthew in 1940 and they remained inseparable for 54 years
until his passing in 1994. They had 7 children,  30 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren. and
over 100  Hunka (adopted)  children and grandchildren.

She and Matthew were storytellers,  singers and educators,  the likes of which may not be seen
again.  They traveled all over the United States teaching the songs,  stories and traditions of the
 Lakota  People. Especially memorable to Nellie was an honor song she sang at a memorial service
in Rhode Island for Senator Robert Kennedy.

Nellie taught at Red Cloud Indian School for over 20 years. She was a Board member for KILI radio,
a Tribal  Council member representing Wakpammi District, and on the advisory board for
Journey's Museum in Rapid City  where her holographic image is featured in a storytelling exhibit.
Nellie and Matthew were honored by Rapid City by having a day named in their honor.  Nellie was
honored by "The Northern Plains Tribal Arts," and named "A Living Treasure Award." Nellie was
 given a lifetime achievement award by "The Black Hills Pow Wow Association," she held an
Honorary  Doctorate Degree from the Oglala Laktoa College and awarded a "First People Fund
 Community Spirit Award."