Tahca Luzahan Win

Mary Jane Woodard (Peters), Tahca Luzahan Win, came into this world on January 23, 1953 to Jacob Earl Peters and Ora (Dubray) Peters. Mary began her journey on the White Path of Stars on November 16, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, relatives and loved ones in Rapid City, SD.
Mary was a strong practitioner of the Lakota Way of Life and the Lakota Spiritual ways. She was raised in the Lakota ways in Allen, South Dakota, with her siblings and many relatives. She grew up to become a paramedic in Idaho, then later became a CNA. She really enjoyed her path in nursing as she loved caring for people.
She also enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and friends. Mary was a staunch supporter in standing up for the human rights of Indigenous people specifically the Oglala Lakota Nation. She was among those who brought much needed items to the Warriors of Wounded Knee in the dark of the night. She attended many rallies; being held to draw attention to the injustices of Lakota People she stood in solidarity with those who fought to protect the water by attending the No DAPL protest. She was a fearless activist for Lakota People and all Indigenous people of the Turtle Island.
Most of all, she loved all her family, friends and relatives. She always tried to be there to care for everyone and anyone. She had a huge heart that made her even reach out to strangers in need, especially children. She was the one everyone went to talk to; she was the backbone to many of us. She was a wonderful and strong mother and grandmother. She loved all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren equally. To all those who knew and loved her will miss her very presence, her loving smile, the positivity and energy she shared. The love she had for her loved ones will always be felt and never forgotten.
Mary is survived by her son, Vincent Peters; daughters, Cherie (Keith McClain) Peters and Katherine (Bennett Kelly) Williams all of Rapid City, SD; grandsons, Virgil (Delenna Kerr) Peters, Christopher Peters, and Richard Peters; granddaughters, Miquela (Michael Sharpe) Peters, Taylin Peters, Aliyah Peters, Kyra Williams, and Sylvia Williams; great grandchildren, Roman Sisneros, Rosalie Peters, Hamilton Peters, and Virgil Peters, Jr.; siblings, Donnie (Sandra) Peters of Rapid City, SD, Will (Lena) Peters of Pine Ridge, SD, Judy Peters of Lincoln, NE, Betty Peters of Martin, SD, and Annette Peters of Rapid City, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her spouse, Hamilton "Bob" Woodard; parents, Jacob Peters and Ora (DuBray) Peters; siblings, Richard Peters, Amelia Peters, and Renee Peters; grandmother, Eva Jane (Hopkins) DuBray; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Wayne Peters, Warlance Ruff, Danny Peters, Derek Peters, Anthony Peters, Michael Sharpe, Keith McClain, and Bennett Kelly.
Honorary pallbearers will be Art & Cathy Zimiga, Sam Dubray Sr., Eula Young, Hazel Wilson, Theresa Kelly, Sharon Stewart Cox, Debbie McShane, Connie Hopkins, Karl Feavel, Sugmanito Tanka Peters, Dimitri Freeman, Chichika Oldfield, Charlie & Carol Zimiga, and All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: Two night wake service starting at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the American Horse School Gymnasium in Allen, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Friday, November 28, 2025 at the American Horse School Gymnasium in Allen, SD
Traditional Lakota Services: Darla Black
Burial Services: 2:30 PM, Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD