SHIRLEY ARROW

Shirley Arrow, 69, of Lake Andes died Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Burial was in the Native American Church Cemetery. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Ann Abdo Arrow, Redlightning Woman was born to Joseph Abdo Sr. and Beulah June Trudell on February 5, 1955 at home. Shirley was the third born of her parents who raised her NAC cross-fire way. Shirley is an enrolled member of the Ihanktonwan Oyate and a direct descendant of Smutty Bear. Most of Shirley’s life was on the Yankton Sioux homelands, although she lived in many places. Shirley made her tracks in all four directions. One memory we have is when she was 17 years old, at the American Indian Movement in Washington D.C. She was an advocate for the Native Nations.

Shirley met her husband Fred Arrow in 1977. They later married in October of 1980. With this union they had daughters: Sarah, Lorena, Elaine, and sons Clayton and Adrian in addition to their children Josetta Young, Angela Arrow, Cindy Schunk, Reah Arrow, Josh Arrow, Heather Eaglepipe, Fred Arrow Jr., Christine Arrow, Kyle Fergusson as well as having many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Shirley and Fred settled in Lake Andes where she held various titles within the Yankton Sioux Tribe and Entities. She will be remembered for her strong voice in General Council. She was asked by many Elders and Societies to prepare our traditional old school dishes. She would tell our histories regarding our cooking, ceremonies, and singing. Shirley taught all her daughters and granddaughters the old school way of living. She loved gardening, cooking, and the casino.

At her time of passing she was the Chairman of the White Swan Community, TERO Commissioner, Chair Election Board, Treaty Steering Committee member, and Water Protector.

Shirley was a grandmother and she loved each one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart.

Shirley is survived by her husband Fred, her children: Josetta, Ang, Rhea, Cindy, Josh, Elaine, Clayton, and Adrian; her sisters: Joan, Lori, Niomi, Lisa, and Liz; her brothers: Nave, Tony, Bob, John, and Alan.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Nancy and Levi Trudell, Joe Abdo, and Lorena Stricker; her parents Joseph Abdo Sr and Beulah Trudell; daughters: Sarah and Lorena; her sister Caroline; and her brothers: Mike and Larry.