Wambli Oihanbla Win

Peggy Lou Phelps, Wambli Oihanbla Win ("Eagle Dreamer Woman"), is Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and was born on April 20, 1955, in Sisseton, South Dakota, to Theodore and Marlene (LaBLanc) Phelps. Peggy made her journey to the spirit world on February 9, 2026 surrounded by family in Rapid City, SD. Peggy was affectionately known to many as "Hama". She was the eldest of fourteen children and a trailblazer within her family, becoming the first to graduate from high school, college, and graduate school (three times).

Peggy graduated from Wilmot High School in 1973 and went on to earn her degree from South Dakota State University in 1977. She then married Russell Means and together they welcomed their daughter, Tatewin, in 1980. Shortly after Tatewin's birth, Peggy and her siblings experienced the profound loss of their mother on December 24, 1980. As the eldest child, Peggy stepped into a nurturing role for her family, eventually fulfilling a promise to her mother by raising her three youngest siblings, Ted, Matt, and Stacy Phelps.

Peggy, her daughter, and her three little brothers lived in Kyle, South Dakota, where she worked at Little Wound School as a high school teacher before later becoming a counselor. She supported her siblings as they attended school and guided them through graduation. Later, Peggy and Tatewin moved to Rapid City, where Tatewin completed her education while Peggy worked for both Oglala Lakota College and Rapid City Central High School. After Tatewin left for college, Peggy returned to Kyle and resumed her work at Little Wound School, continuing her service to students as a counselor. She later moved to Pine Ridge, South Dakota, where she was a counselor at Pine Ridge High School until her retirement.

Peggy devoted her professional life to the well-being and education of Indian children. She was deeply committed to guiding not only high school students but also the many college students she taught through Oglala Lakota College. Over the years, she helped shape countless professionals who now serve the Pine Ridge Reservation and communities beyond.

Peggy lived a selfless life centered on family, children, and the Lakota/Dakota way of life. She lived an alcohol- and drug-free life, guided by strong values and personal discipline. A deeply spiritual woman, she held an unwavering belief in the sacred Ca núpa (pipe) and the teachings and responsibilities that come with it. She truly believed in and lived by the values of the sacred pipe and traditional ceremonies.

Peggy was the first in her family to participate in Sundance and to carry the sacred pipe. She was deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from respected elders and teachers, including Grandpa Frank Fools Crow at the first Sundance circle on the Pine Ridge Reservation. She often reflected on those teachings and carried them on, sharing them generously with her family and those she loved.

Family was at the heart of Peggy's life. Having lost their mother at a young age, she worked tirelessly to keep her siblings connected. She was a constant presence at family gatherings, sporting events, meals, birthdays, graduations, and holidays - always offering guidance, love, and support.

Peggy leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, wisdom, compassion, faith, spirituality, and an immeasurable amount of love. Her life's work and teachings will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Peggy is survived by her sisters, Charlene, LaDonna, Debra, DeAnn, and Lisa Phelps; brothers, Verland ("Dusty"), Byron, Ted (Alice), Matt, and Stacy Phelps; hunka sisters, Ann Many Birds and Edwina Brown Bull; daughter, Tatewin Means; grandchildren, Mankato LeBeaux and Persayah Parker; Great Granddaughter, Avery Warner-LeBeaux; and numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Peggy was preceded in death by her, Mother Marlene; Father Theodore; sister, Valerie J. Arcoren and Eleanor ("Baby Girl") Phelps; brothers, Farrel M. Phelps and Myron R. Phelps; Grandparents, Martina Neilan, Wilford Brown, and Ralph and Eleanor Phelps.

Pallbearers are Peggy's brothers Verland ("Dusty"), Byron, Ted, Matt, and Stacy Phelps.

Honorary Pallbearers are all former students and staff she worked with at Little Wound School, Pine Ridge School, Rapid City Central High School and Oglala Lakota College; Hocoka Tokahe, Wakinyan Opha Hocoka, Wasu Kasna Hocoka, Tusweca Gleska Wawangwacipi, Tusweca Tiospaye, Steve and Lolita Dubray and family, Jerome LeBeaux, Sr. and family, Mike Carlow, Jr. and family, Richard Two Dogs and family, Sherry Means and family, Hank Means and family, Veronica "Pebbles" (Steven) Jedlicka and family, Michele Means (Wayne Cortier) and family, Scott Means (Audrey Narindrankura) and family, Sheena Means (Duane Gibbons) and family, Tatanka (Christine) Means and family, Nataanii Nez Means (Amber Westbrook) and family, Betty Sinquah and family, Gloria Grant and Family, Linda Hunter, Allie Bad Heart Bull, Marlyce Miner, Karla Cuny, Lynnette Sandy Cuny, Lonnie Pourier, Toni Montileaux, Isabel Gaddie, Sally Dubray, Carmelita Dubray, Phyllis Dubray, Dainna Red Owl and family, Tim McGowan, Bull Bear Family, Iron Cloud Family, Two Bulls Family, Red Cloud Family, all her Sundance Family, and Dr. Ogunremi.

Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Rockyford School Gymnasium with evening services starting at 6:00 PM

Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Rockyford School Gymnasium

Traditional Lakota Services: Steve DuBray, Jerome LeBeaux, & Bino Garcia

Burial Services: Mediator Episcopal Church Cemetery, Kyle, SD

Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD