Yvonne Jane DeCory

Yvonne Jane "Tiny D" DeCory, daughter to Alvina Big Crow and Haley Merrill, was born on June 10, 1952, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. She was called home and began her journey to the Spirit World on January 5, 2026, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by care, prayers, and her beloved family.
Today, we gather with heavy hearts but spirits full of gratitude to celebrate the extraordinary life of Yvonne Jane DeCory-known to many as" Tiny D"-a beacon of energy, love, and unwavering devotion. Her life was a testament of resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of a true change warrior. Tiny's Motto in life was "take the best of who you are and give it to the people you serve." Her life's work was spent building the BEAR Project; a program dedicated to the empowerment and protection of the youth.
Everyone who knew Tiny believed that the roots of the Energizer Bunny were born from her boundless energy. Her name, "Tiny Girl, "was born from her childhood imagination and her imaginary friend, Tiny-an endearing reminder of her vibrant spirit. She was born into a large family of four brothers and three sisters on her mother's side, and on her father's side, she had one brother and one sister. Her Lakota name, Ni'ca Ole' Win-meaning "one who helps the poor and unfortunate"-was bestowed upon her by Dawson and Emily Has No Horse, a name she carried with great pride and humility.
Born on June 10, 1952, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to Halley Merrill and Alvina Big Crow Eagle Bull, Tiny's journey was one of love, sacrifice, and service. On August 24, 1968, she married the love of her life, Lee Allen DeCory-a union that spanned 57 beautiful years filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. Together, they raised four children-Laticia "Doni", Darrell "Hoksila", Rita, and Seneca-and opened their home to many more, embodying a spirit of generosity that touched everyone they met.
Tiny's home was a sanctuary-a place where children found refuge, a place where grandchildren and adopted children called her grandma and grams, and where love was the foundation of every moment. Her love extended beyond her immediate family to her grandchildren, who she lived her life for: Adonis, Teton, Eric "Shaka" Jr., Tyler, Stephen, Dawn, Keisha, Sharay, Greg, Tyson, Tabria, Kamiya, Andre, Alexandria, Demetrious, Claire, Julius, and countless more grandchildren from her nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren were her world and she had many; all the kids called her gram, and she poured her heart into raising and nurturing them, always making sure they all knew they were loved beyond measure. Everyone lovingly called her Tiny D or Grandma-a title she cherished and wore proudly.
Tiny D's love and relationship with her sons- in -law, and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren was a shining example of unconditional love and devotion. She loved her sons and daughters-in-law deeply, embracing them as her own family and celebrating every moment they shared. She was truly blessed to marry her grandbaby, Adonis Lee Saltes, to Miranda Reyes, and she joyfully married another grandson, Kasey Miller. These moments brought her immense happiness, and she treasured every chance she had to bless her family in this special way.
The love and relationship she shared with all her nieces and nephews was truly beautiful. Each one holds a profound memory with her-moments of laughter, guidance, and unconditional love-memories they cherish and carry in their hearts forever.
A proud bearer of her Lakota culture, Tiny believed that the Lakota Way of life was a divine gift-a vital connection to the spirit world. Her faith in her culture's blessings was evident in everything she did. Her life was dedicated to uplifting her community, advocating for children and families, and standing as a fierce protector of justice and kindness. She believed that every life was precious and that we each have a duty to serve and uplift one another. She believed in loving God and loving people.
Tiny's educational journey was marked by perseverance and achievement-earning her GED, college degrees from Bacon College, Northeastern College, and Oglala Lakota College-all to better serve her community. Her career spanned many roles: teacher at all levels, coach, KILI Radio DJ "The Twisted Sister", Youth Program – the BEAR Project Founder, tribal advocate, and ordained pastor. She touched lives as an educator, mentor, coach, spiritual leader, and community advocate, always putting children and families first.
Her passion for youth development knew no bounds. Tiny started leagues, coached basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, cheerleading, baseball, soft ball, wrestling, and was a pep club advisor. She created opportunities for young people to excel and find their voice. She organized tournaments, led summer programs, and even danced her way through life with her beloved Tiny Tots drill team-famous across the state and beyond. She believed in the power of community, loyalty, and the importance of nurturing the next generation.
Tiny D stood as a pillar of advocacy-fighting for justice, safety, and fairness. She served as an OST Public Safety Police Commissioner, championing community policing and building relationships to reduce crime and promote healing. She sat on school boards, ensuring that every child had a safe, loving, and inspiring place to learn. Her efforts were rooted in her unwavering belief that every child deserves a fair shot at life.
Her life was not without hardship. Working with the OST President and Tribal Council, she battled the rising tide of youth suicide, a cause close to her heart. She embraced the fight head-on, never giving up hope, always dedicated to saving as many lives. Tiny could never tell you the number of people she saved, she only knew the pain of the people she lost. Her love was unconditional, her spirit resilient, and her message clear: We must love one another, stand strong, and live fully.
Tiny D believed every day was a miracle. She often quoted Albert Einstein: "There are two ways to live your life-one as though nothing is a miracle, and the other as though everything is a miracle." She chose to see the miracle in every moment. Her message to us all was simple yet profound: Live with courage to be authentically you, compassion to see good in all people, have a connection to participate in life and purpose. Be boots on the ground. Keep your promises. Help others. And most importantly, love fiercely.
Though Tiny has left this earthly realm, her spirit remains alive in the countless lives she touched. She has left us with memories to cherish, lessons and wisdom to carry forward, and a legacy of love and service that will inspire generations. She believed we can change the world-together-and she dedicated her life to proving it.
As her friend Jesse Clearwater reminded her, "Strong women are not born; they are forged by the fires they walk through." Tiny D was a testament to that truth-a fierce, loving, resilient warrior in the battle for a better world and a brighter tomorrow.
Today, we honor her life, her spirit, and her unwavering commitment to making this world a kinder, safer, and more loving place. She may no longer dance among us, but her dance continues in our hearts.
As Tiny D always reminded us, "We can't decide how we're going to die, but we can decide how we live. So, live each day to its fullest, making a difference in somebody's life."
Rest in peace, Tiny D. Rest in love. Your journey has just begun anew. We love you forever.
"LIVE Laugh LOVE"
Yvonne is survived by her spouse, Lee DeCory; children, Leticia (Eric Sampson) DeCory, Rita Moran, Darrell (Angie) Eagle Bull, Sennecca Two Eagle, Reggie Rowland, and Alvina Eagle Bull; sisters, Mary Iron Cloud, Francine (Richard) Little Bear, Leatrice Big Crow, Joanne Mechini (New York), Geraldine Helper, Vanne Mocilac (Montana), Mozella Alberts, and Lindy Trueblood; brothers, Billy (Pat) Mills, Jim Dunn, and Tom Ritterbush; sisters-in-law, Doris Merrill, Carol (Francis) Big Crow, Doris (Bud) Merrill, Donna (Bub) Eagle Bull, Sis Evelyn (Butch) Eagle Bull, and Doreen (Roger) Mills; grandchildren, Adonis & Miranda Saltes, Teton Saltes, Eric Sampson, Jr., Keisha Brewer, Sharay Brewer, Tyson Red Cloud, Tyler Eagle Bull, Stephan Eagle Bull, Alexandria Bissell, Demitrius Bissell, Lakota Two Eagle, and Jaysin Two Eagle; great grandchildren, Andre Red Shirt, Kamaya Red Shirt, Jayden Whalen, Daijon Richards, Chloe Brewer, Angel Garcia, Breona Lakota, Tylin Eagle Bull, Jojo Eagle Bull, Ethan Eagle Bull, Stephan Eagle Bull, Aubrey Eagle Bull, Naloni Little Bear, Taston Big Crow, Aliyah Big Crow, and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Haley Merrill & Alvina Big Crow; sisters, Oletha Mousseau, Twila Merrill, & Eileen Janis; brothers, Lloyd Eagle Bull, Harry Eagle Bull, Jamie Big Crow, Roger Mills, Bud Merrill, Owen Eagle Elk, and Paul Iron Cloud; grandchildren, Greg Brewer, Tabria Red Cloud, and Trevor Iron Cloud, great granddaughter, Keisha Eagle Bull; and nieces & nephews, Sue Ann Big Crow, Dave Mousseau, Gerard Eagle Bull, Larry Eagle Bull, Lucy & Dave Twiss, Jim & Becky Alberts, Herb & Hermiene DeCory, Mary Murphy, John White Eyes, Buddy & Florine White Eyes, Kathy Thompson, Najee Flowers, Mim Bettelyoun, Marcella Big Crow, Lloyd Big Crow, X Big Corw, Ivy Patton and Charlie Merrill;
Pallbearers will be Adonis Saltes, Teton Saltes, Eric Sampson, Jr., Quincy Means, Shawn Keith, Jr., Stephan Eagle Bull, Tyler Eagle Bull, Ruger Merrill, Demitrius Bissell, and Tyson Red Cloud.
Honorary pallbearers will be All Nieces and Nephews (Too Many to list), Big Crow Family, Eagle Bull Family, DeCory Family, Twiss Family, Mills Family, Bettelyoun Family, Patton Family, Brewer Family, Ferrell Family, Merrill Family, Janis Family, Red Feather Family, Vermont Rotary Club, Bear Program Kids, Jeri Baker and One Spirit Family, BEAR Project Donors, OST Tribal Presidents Office, OST Tribal Council, Ground Control, Michael and Doris Sampson, Joe Tyon and Family, Cissy Kills Small-Big Crow, Casey and Kellie Means, Anna Bissell, Bobbie Ponds, Eric In the Woods, Bobbi Hanaford, Kevin Apple, Chris Bashinelli, Paula Cantu and Family, Ross Cantu and Family, Greyson Chance, Noel Bass, Cully Jon and Cece Pourier and Family, Margaret Gates and Family, Terry Medina and Family, Julie Cuny and Family, Charlie Zimiga and FamilyWill and Monica Good Eagle, William Cash and Family, Tom Ritter Bush and Family, Joe And Renee Swift Bird, Pete Swiftbird, Karen Red Elk and Family, Waylon Balck Crow and Family, Bryan Brewer and Family, Dale Pine and Family, Scott and Carol Weston, AJ Janis, Carol O'Rourke and Family, Jeff and Marisol Gritzmacher, Emma Reyes, Steve and Pauletta Red Willow, Marietta Champagne and Family, Donald and Mary Pine, Charlene Eagle Elk and Family, Dusty Lebeau Family, Mike and Marilyn Carlow and Family, Todd and Caroyln O'Bryan, Lynn Gallego, Wade and Maxine Broken Nose and Family, Chane and Mora Coomes, Wilma No Braid, Yonathan Surafel and Family, Ace and AJ No Braid, Babette Thin Elk, Dave and Tiny Pourier, Mary Tobacco, Henry Brown, Ricky and Randy Gray Grass and Sundancers, Rick and Ethleen Two Dogs, Richard Moves Camp And Family, Frank Jamison, Speck and Betty Wilson, Vee Garnier, Don Garnier, Cora Janis, Emerald Janis, Bill Pulliam and Family, Merle and Candance Anderson and Family, Barry Webster and Family, Darby Steele and Family, Ben and Voneta Neill and Family, Kevin Abourezk, Charlie Abourezk and Family, Nellie Bald Eagle and Family, Co Twiss and Family, Lucas Taylor Fan Family, Alex and Connie Lopez Morgan, Connie Kaltenbach and Family, Julian Bear Runner, Cheryl DeCory and Family, Amy DeCory and Family, Renae Carrilo and Family, Emma Blacksmith and Family, Lisa Schrader and Family, Lisa High Wolf, Michelle Belt, Francine Janis and Family, Cora Janis and Family, Angie Iron and Whitney Poor Bear, Lindy Trueblood and Family, Wilma Colhoff and Family, Rosie Bean, Donnie Ghost Bear, Ron Brown, John and Pauline Willis, Tony and Lenora Clifford, Kansas and Kyal Middletent and Family, Waldo and Sandy No Breast Family, Tom Crash Casey, Reggie Rowland, Sachin and Meghan Murphy Moonat, Bam Brewer, Dean and Frieda Patton and Family, Jess Mendoza and Family, George Dreamer and Family, Richard Greenwald and Family, Maria Rathner & Family, Damon Polk & Family, Duane Ghost Dog & Family, Julian Spotted Bear and Family, Jesse Clearwater and Family, Veatrice Red Feather, Joanne Spotted Bear, Rich Smallwood, Jesse Red Feather, Bino Garcia and Family, Bat Richards, Ed Morales, Venus Rodriguez, Mary Tederington, Gary Ruse, Ronnie Pumpkin Seed, Julie Richards, Pauline Warner and Family, Reggie Island and Family, Rae Red Shirt, Henry Brown, Garf Steele, Ray Penola, Louis White Butterfly and Family, Tre Jumping Eagle, Jerome LeBeau & Family, Mace Simmons, Joy Yellow Boy, Faith Little Sky, Roland Maldonado & Family, Marei and Elizabeth Kingi and Family, Felix and Lupe Randall and Family. All Kids who ever played Basketball for Tiny D, Easter Egg Tournament Teams, HXP Family, OST Emergency Management, Crazy Horse School Boys Basketball Teams, Pine Ridge High School Basketball Teams, Red Cloud Basketball Teams, Lakota Tech Basketball Teams, All her LDS Elders Past & Present, LNI Board of Directors, All Tiny's Friends and Family, so many to name.
Wake Services: Two night wake services starting at 3:00 PM, Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Lakota Tech Gymnasium near Pine Ridge, SD with evening services starting at 6:00 PM each night.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the Lakota Tech Gymnasium near Pine Ridge, SD
Officiating: Deacon Bill White & Joyce Tibbitts
Traditional Lakota Services: Ricky Gray Grass
Burial Services: To Be Held At A Later Date
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD