Sharon Rose Martin

Sharon Rose Cuny–Martin, Taoyate Awayankapiwin, was born on Oct 28,1944. She was born at home in the Oblaya Community on her grandmother's homestead. Sharon was raised by her grandparents, Julia and Reyes Hernandez alongside her little brother Randy Tuttle. From her earliest years, Sharon learned the values of family, hard work, and responsibility, values she carried throughout her life.
Sharon attended school at Our Lady of Lourdes, Holy Rosary Mission, and graduated from Oglala Community High School in 1962. Sharon married Hep Ross and they moved to Chicago to attend school. During this time their son, Duane Ross, Jr was born. The family eventually returned to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where Sharon welcomed Gregory, Jennifer, Patrick, Margaret, and William into the world. Years later she would take Nicholas Ross as her son.
Sharon moved her children back to Porcupine, where she made her home and remained rooted in community. In 1995, she met the love of her life, Antoine Martin, they were married on February 13, 2000, and together they lived on her grandmother's homestead, continuing a legacy of care, kinship, and belonging.
Sharon's heart and home were always open. She helped raise her nephews, Eddie Peltier, Sean Means, and Ted Cuny. After the passing of her sister Carrie Twiss, she took in and looked after her nephews Don, Richard, James, and Clifford, Jr. She adopted Manual Hines, Milton Mesteth, and Ryan Sherman. Her definition of family extended beyond blood, anyone in need of love, guidance, or protection found it with Sharon.
She lived her life to her fullest. She spent 44 years working for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, where she took great pride in helping others, especially young men, find employment and opportunity. She served for many years on the Pahin Sinte College Center local board, contributing her time, wisdom, and leadership. Upon retiring, Sharon devoted her days to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment with them.
Sharon deeply loved her relatives and stood fiercely for her family. She was loyal, protective, and unwavering in her support, qualities that everyone who knew her recognized and respected.
On December 13, 2025, Sharon journeyed to the light to be reunited with her loved ones and ancestors. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren as she made her transition.
Sharon is survived by her children Chuck (Winona), Gregory (Donna), Jennifer (Melvin) Sierra, Patrick (Nanette) Ross, Margaret Ross (Jimmy Little Bull), William (Jackie) Ross, Nicholas (Ashley) Ross. Hunka children Manuel Hines, Milton Mesteth, Ryan Sherman. Siblings Lillian Cuny, Jacquie and Bob Arpan, Madonna Cuny, Connie Cuny, Ted Cuny, Orson and Gwen Cuny, 27 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and the Ihoka Okolakiciye.
Sharon is preceded in death by her husband Antoine Martin, maternal grandparents Julia and Reyes Hernandez, and Henry Tuttle, her mother Margaret Tuttle and her father Thomas Cuny. Her paternal grandparents Angelic Fire Thunder and Edward Cuny. Sisters Carmel, Caroline, Rose, Celeste, Barb, and Rose, nephews Richard Twiss, Clifford Twiss, Waylon Williamson, Alan Holiday, Joshua Cuny, and grandchildren Marvin Ross, Sr, and Chelsea Ross.
Sharon Rose Cuny–Martin will be remembered for her fierce love, loyalty to family, and lifelong service to her people. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.
Tokša ake - until we meet again.
Casket bearers:
William Morrison, Leland White Bear Claws, Ryan Ross, Steven Ross, Montana Sierra, Chandler Ross, Jon Ross, Stephon Ross, Colton Sierra, Kirkland Ross, Duane Yamni Ross, Richard Ross, Davonte Ross, Haedyn Haas, Jules Ecoffey, Kodreis Herman, Mike Clifford, Justin Ross, Snow River Ross.
Pallbearers:
Amber Sierra, Larissa Ross, Jessica Pumpkin Seed-Boltz, Brittany Ross, Sharon Ross, Shelby Ross, Justina Bagola, Payton Sierra, Griffey Big Crow, Paisley Sierra, Agnes Ross, and Aviyana Peacock.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Donna Eagle Bull, Janice Campos, Patty Ward, Renee Blue Horse, Leatrice Big Crow, Tuttle Family, Bush Family, Lone Elk Family, Red Eagle Family, Ross Family, Cuny Family, Jonas & Marty Wounded Foot, Julie He Crow, Winona Ross, Donna Ross, Melvin Sierra, Nanette Twiss, Jimmy Little Bull, Jackie Ross, Ashley Ross, Tom Conroy, Jr, Chuck Conroy, Mike Iron Cloud, Alberta Kills Right, Vernona Kills Right, Mary Kills Right, Trudy Ecoffey & Family, Connie Morgan & Family, Diane Lessert, Layne Pourier & Family, Edward White Dress, Kenny Billingsly, Karla Cuny, Jim Bill Ross, Sandy White Hair & Family, Cindy Ross, David Ross & Family, Richard "Sonny" Ross, Elaine Stephens & Family, Annie Clifford & Family, Randi Gibbons, Cheryl Blacksmith, Barney White Face, Jerome LeBeau & Family, Mike Pourier, and All Friends & Relatives.
Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, outlaws, and friends, she loved dearly.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 1:00 PM, December 21, 2025 at the Rockyford School Gymnasium in Rockyford, SD
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, December 22, 2025 at the Rockyford School Gym in Rockyford, SD.
Traditional Lakota Services: Sidney Tuttle
Burial Services: To Be Held At A Later Date
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD