Lila Lee Hale

DUPREE - Lila Lee (Red Bear) Hale, 82, was surrounded by many family members when she took her last breath on earth and her next one in heaven at her home on Sunday, March 6, 2011.

The greatest of these is Love. 1 Corinthians 13:13, the cover and scripture of the card that she picked out personally describes her life. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother she will be remembered for her love.

She was born Nov. 26, 1928, at Bullhead to Henry and Louise (Clown) Red Bear. Growing up out in the country, Lila had loved and rode horses. Many of her stories she shared about growing up always described the hard times however these helped build the strong characteristics she displayed in her life.

Lila married Roy Hale Sr. on June 25, 1954. They resided in Thunder Butte and moved to Dupree where Lila was employed over the many years in different jobs. She worked as a School Coordinator for Dupree School, Homemakers Aide, Manor Aide, and a CHR Aide. Over the years of employment she had accumulated many certificates from trainings such as Biology and Health in Aging, Nutrition Awareness, Lakota Tuberculosis and Health, Home Safety, Food Handler, and Emergency Medical Technician Course. In those years of employment she also found time to volunteer at the Head Start. Lila was a very devoted member of the Episcopal Mission Church. She enjoyed getting involved with the women's group always planning and organizing for fundraisers, programs, dinners, lunch sales, annual bazaars and assisting where ever she could.

Lila had many attributes but none will exceed the wonderful, compassionate, generous, humorous, and loving mother she was to her family. Surviving children are Albert (Wilma) Yardley, Willard Yardley (Lil), Leon (Purr) Hale, Pam Hale, Hazel (Randy) Hahne, Karen (Chug) Garreau, David (Rhonda) Hale, Roy Hale Jr., Mary (Travis) Little Star; 31 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren (plus three on the way); a great-great- grandchild; and siblings, Roseann (Mike) Mitchell, Loretta Runs After, Kevin Red Bear and William Red Bear.

She was preceded in death by her spouse. Roy Hale Sr.; her children, Denise Flying Horse and Alan Hale: and her grandsons, Terry Curley and Colton Mike.

Services were held March 8 at the United Church of Christ with her son-in-law, Pastor Chug Garreau, her son-in-law, Pastor Randy Hahne Sr., and her grandson Pastor Randy Hahne Jr. officiating.

Special music, "Take My Hand Precious Lord" was provided by daughter Karen Garreau.

Casket bearers included her grandsons, Michael Yardley, Rusty Hale, Verdell Horse Looking Jr., Randy Hahne Jr., Jacob Garreau and Beau Garreau. Honorary bearers included all of her friends, family and relatives.

The special exiting song was "Before the Last Teardrop Falls" by Freddy Fender.

Burial services followed at the Dupree Cemetery.

Arrangements by Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte. www.familyfuneralhome.net.