Marilyn Happy Lone Hill

Marilyn Happy Lone Hill, “Happy”, 72 of Sioux Falls, SD, began her journey after a short illness surrounded by family and friends on November 15, 2025.

Happy was born August 5th, 1953, in Denver, CO to Malcolm Lone Hill and Victoria Standing Bear. Happy grew up in Porcupine, SD, where she attended Porcupine Day School and learned Lakota traditions from her grandparents, uncles, and aunts that she would observe the rest of her life. After graduating high school Happy studied English at South Dakota State University. While at the university, Happy met her husband of 34 years, Arlin Meier. Happy and Arlin raised three children, Dawn, Thomas, and Micah. Happy later married Dennis Quigley until his passing. In 2025, she became engaged to Allen Branum of Sioux Falls. Al and Happy enjoyed travel, concerts, and several shared interests. 

Happy served as the Executive Director of American Indian Services in Sioux Falls, SD. Happy lived Wačaŋte Ognáka, her family and friends knew she would always help when they were in need. Reading, writing, music, and travel were Happy’s passions. Happy’s quick wit, superior frybread, superb sense of humor always lifted our spirits. Happy observed Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ—the interconnectedness of all things—reminding us to also observe the sacredness in which we relate to each other. Happy will be dearly missed, yet for those who learned from her, she will be present in a new way.

Happy is survived by her fiancé, Allen Branum; her daughter, Dawn Frioli (David); her sons, Thomas Meier (Lauren) and Micah Meier; her granddaughter, Lucy Frioli; her grandson, Hunter Meier; her brothers, Randy Lone Hill (June) of New York, NY, and James Standing Bear of Pine Ridge, SD; and her sisters, Norma Lonehill (Allan Cable) of Rapid City, SD, Maxine Dubray (Larry) of Mission, SD, Billie Mae Bettleyoun (Lynn) of Rapid City, SD, Vivian “Sissy” Beem of Mission, SD, Renee Berens of Mason, TX, and Veda Harrison of Marshalltown, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm Lone Hill and Victoria Standing Bear.

Her life will be celebrated at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD, Tuesday, November 18th from 5PM - 8PM.

There will be a service at Sioux Funeral Home Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM, officiated by Reverend. Followed by a procession to and wake in Porcupine, SD, at Our Lady of Lourdes Mission, November 20th. A funeral will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at noon at Porcupine Presbyterian Cemetery. 

Pallbearers Dorin Lonehill, Derrick Butler, Cole Dubray, Jason Lonehill, Carl Garnett, Jim Meseth jr.

Honorary Pallbearers All Family and Friends