Rose lebeau biography

The daughter of a pig farmer, Rose LeBeau grew up in Hubbardston.
Rose LeBeau.
Marcella Rose LeBeau, a tribal citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux, lived a long life that was spent in service to others–in Indian Country and.

•

During the month of March, in recognition of Women's History Month, Native News Online will feature various Native American women who have contributed to the betterment of Indian Country.

Marcella LeBeau (October 12, 1919 – November 21, 2021)

Marcella Rose LeBeau, a tribal citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux, lived a long life that was spent in service to others–in Indian Country and beyond–as a nurse, tribal councilor, and advocate.

Born in Promise, South Dakota, her grandmother gave her Native name: Wigmunke’ Waste Win’, which means Pretty Rainbow Woman. She became a nurse in 1942 and one year later, LaBeau enlisted in the Army Nurse Corp, and served as a combat nurse during World War II where she served the the “Greatest Generation” wounded solidiers.

She provided medical care for soldiers injured during the Battle of the Bulge in Normandy, France on D-Day. For her heroic service, LeBeau was honored by the country of France with its highest honor, the French Legion of Honor Medal

Upon receiving a Leadership Award from the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI

•

Marcella LeBeau, WWII nurse and tribal leader, dies at 102

Marcella Rose LeBeau, an Army nurse who was honored for her service during World War II and leadership in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has died. She was 102.

Family members said she “passed on to journey to the next world” late Sunday in Eagle Butte, South Dakota after experiencing problems with her digestive system and losing her appetite. LeBeau had remained active all of her life and earlier this month traveled to Oklahoma for a ceremony honoring her induction into the National Native American Hall of Fame.

Her daughter, Gerri Lebeau, said the matriarch of her family demonstrated fortitude, as well as an ability to seek healing, as she overcame the abuses she faced at an Indian boarding school during her youth. She went on to treat frontline soldiers as an Army nurse in Europe during the Allied invasion of Normandy. After returning home, she became an outspoken advocate for health in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

More:South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem among influential Women of the Century from Mount Rushmore

•

Marcella Rose Ryan LeBeau

Marcella Rose Ryan LeBeau, Wígmuŋke Wašté Wíŋ (Pretty Rainbow Woman), of the Cheyenne River Oóhenuŋpa (Two Kettle) Lakota Nation was 102 years young when she started her journey to the star nation. She passed away on November 21, 2021, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota surrounded by family. Funeral services for Marcella will be at 10 AM, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School Auditorium. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cemetery in Promise under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 5 PM Friday with a prayer service at 7 PM.

Marcella was born in Promise, SD on October 12, 1919, to Joseph M. and Florence (Four Bear) Ryan. Marcella was the second oldest of five children: Eugene, Johanna, Michael (Mike), and Leo. Marcella embraced caregiving at an early age. She took care of both of her mother and little brother Leo before they passed.

Her Grandmother Louise Bear Face passed her Lakota name onto Marcella. There were no ceremonies taking place in those days, Grandma Louise honored Marc