Reuben LeGrand Washburn

Reuben LeGrand Washburn, known as Wahwala Mani (He Walks Silently), 44, of Cherry Creek, South Dakota, journeyed to the Spirit World on March 7, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Born on December 26, 1981, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, Reuben was the fifth child of Rhae and Anita Washburn. He spent much of his childhood exploring the creek, trees, and prairie near the family’s country home outside Cherry Creek, often riding the family horse Shields. He loved the outdoors in all seasons and found his closest companions among his siblings and cousins. His late uncle, Leonard “Black Moon” Riddles, a well-known Comanche artist, gave him the name Yan-ne Toa-nah-pau, meaning Laughing Boy, a name that reflected his warm smile and contagious sense of humor.

Reuben graduated from Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School in 2000 after attending Walters High School in Oklahoma. Gifted in math and science, he participated in summer programs at the School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City. Deeply rooted in his heritage, he rode in the Wounded Knee Memorial Ride, served as a Sundancer, firekeeper, and Itacan, and found family among his Maka Luta brothers and sisters. His spiritual strength and wisdom guided him throughout his life.

Above all, Reuben cherished his role as a father. He is survived by his children, Wakiza Rhae, Kicopi Mae, Oniyan Wakan Toni, Wakita Reuben, and Kieran Kelis, and his granddaughters, Kerce and Kiore. Through his marriage to Winona Powless, he embraced fatherhood early and devoted himself to teaching his children to love nature, value their heritage, and maintain a relationship with the Creator. He shared stories with them, took them to Green Bay Packers games as a proud “Cheesehead,” and instilled in them a warrior mindset and quiet pride in who they were.

Reuben later became a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights, standing as a water protector at Standing Rock, a defender at Mato Paha and the Trail of Truth, and an activist with the American Indian Movement. A descendant of the Choctaw, Comanche, and Minneconjou Lakota nations, he carried forward the legacy of his ancestors with courage and compassion. Gentle and giving despite his imposing presence, he was known as a true warrior and loyal friend.

He is lovingly remembered by his children and granddaughters, his father Rhae Washburn, his siblings Condita, Amanda, Quanah (Erica), Crystal (Dallas), Cherie, and Jeremiah, and many nieces, nephews, takojas, cousins, and friends whose hearts are now broken by his passing.