Donna Rae Helper

Donna Helper ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Sioux Funeral Home on Mar. 11, 2026."Toka Heya Inajiya"Donna Rae Helper was born on July 11, 1967 in Rapid City, SD to Noah Moses Helper and Mary Belle Mexican. Donna made her journey to the spirit world on March 7, 2026, at her home surrounded by her close loved ones in Wichita, KS.Donna walked the Traditional Lakota path with humility and respect. She was a Sundancer at Ogle Luta Wiwangwachi (Red Shirt Table Sundance) and a thunder dreamer. She attended inipi and ceremonies all throughout her life. Acknowledging her sacred dreams and responsibilities with courage from her uncles Everett, Marvin, and Unci Evelyn. She worked with her hands as a seamstress to create traditional clothing that carried prayers, stories, and identity in every stitch. Donna was a caregiver to her loved ones until the very end.Donna is survived by her children, Dominic Helper-Johnson, Anthony Martinez, Paris Helper, Lacy Wolf, Lily Bush, Noah Helper, Shadow Wolf Meyer and Dakota Sandoval; Takojas, Preston Wolf, Lina Wolf, Washagiya Wolf, Wakiyan Wi Wolf, Everleigh Helper, Tokala Helper, Hannah Helper, Raymond Helper-Johnson, Nakota Helper-Johnson, Penelope Brown, Shoshanna Piper, Jamiliyah Piper, Oleightha "Shaliyah" Martinez, Bennet Martinez, Celina Martinez, Dasos Martinez, Anthony Martinez Jr., Blaine Bush, and two little girls; Sisters, Nyla Swallow, and Bridgette Helper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and takojas.Donna Helper was preceded in death by her Ate, Noah Moses Helper; Ina, Mary Belle Mexican; Children, Iziah Helper, Micheal Helper, Deziree Martinez, and two baby boys in pregnancy; Paternal Grandparents, Jake Helper and Evelyn Poor Thunder; Maternal grandparents, Charlie Mexican and Dorothy Afraid of Hawk; Great paternal grandparents, Jacob Helper and Carrie Comes Again; Uncles, Jacob Helper Jr., Delbert Helper, Roy Helper, Marvin Helper, Everett Poor Thunder, and David Helper; Aunts, Janey Lipincott; andSiblings, Loyola Johnson, Coretta Johnson, Andre Johnson, Frank Johnson, and Monalitto Johnson.Her pallbearers will be All family and friends.Her honorary pallbearers will be All sundancers.Wake Services: Two night wake services starting at 5:00 PM, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Christ Church in Red Shirt Table, SD with evening prayers starting at 7:00 PM.Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Christ Church in Red Shirt Table, SDOfficiating: Reverend Twila Two BullsTraditional Lakota Services: All Prayer Leaders WelcomeBurial: To be held at a later date – Cremation to follow servicesArrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SDTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.