Keith Lyle Red Elk, age 67, passed away on August 29, 2020 in Billings, MT.
He was born in Geneva, New York at Sampson AFB. He was the son of Kenneth and Pat Red Elk. He graduated from Eastridge High School in Rochester, New York in 1971. After high school Keith joined the Army and was honorably discharged in 1977. He was a welder by trade. When he returned to the reservation in the early 2000’s he bought a home and made it his forever home. He taught welding to many young Native American men. This was made possible through a program provided by West Electronics a tribally owned company. Keith was very proud of his Native American culture and enjoyed traditional dancing. He was a well-known and respected individual. He will be remembered and missed by all the individuals he met while here in Poplar.
He is survived by his brother Keene (Melanie) Red Elk; his sister Kristen Red Elk; his daughters Mariah (Alonso) Mandujano (Red Elk) of Atlanta, GA and Violet Blue McBride of Homer, AK; he is also survived by his grandchildren from Mariah, Kamaria (10), Khloe (4), and Abram (7 mo); as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his dad Kenneth and mother Pat Red Elk and his sister Kari Red Elk.
A family service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chelsea Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chelsea Church. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery.
Sandy Lane says
You will always hold a special place in our heart.
Sandy and Tabitha in Georgia
Rose Morsette says
Condolences to the family, Keith was friends with my husband John,Prayers for his family,.
Gina Bearfighter says
Rest in Peace Keith. Prayers of comfort and blessings for your family left behind.
Your cousin Gina
Bill Eidman says
Red Elk Family, Keith was a special friend, a long time friend, a brother. We share in this time of grief, but also share love and memories of Keith. Love and Respect Always. I’ll truly miss you Brother. HD (Bill) & Barb Eidman
Kenny Shields says
I am so sorry that Cousin Keith passed away. We had many great times together dancing at powwows, carrying in flags and eagle staffs. He and Uncle Kenneth were always respectful and kind to every one they met, and dearly loved family. He would always stop to say Hello and reminded one to ‘stop in and visit sometime.’ That’s the way he was. Whenever someone needed help he lended a hand and would never turned anyone down. Love you Cousin! Your Cousin Kenny
Donna Bergen says
I am so sorry for your profound loss. On Facebook I help manage the Eastridge Alumni Site. It is my custom to celebrate the lives of our Eastridge Alumni. I want to share with you what I wrote. I also want to share with you that there has been an outpouring of life as countless folks celebrate Keith. Godspeed, Donna LaTour-Bergen
“Unable are the loved to die for love is immortality.” Emily Dickinson
Here it is: “Once again it saddens me to share the news of the untimely death of one of our Eastridge Family. Keith graduated in 1971. We grew up in the neighborhood. From the time we were kids he had this innate charisma. Keith made many girls’ hearts flutter and the guys wanted to be his buddy. He always seemed larger than life. It was very rare to see him without a smile. I can clearly see it, the impish sparkle in his eyes wondering what he was going to do next, hear his laughter, his words that always made you feel like you were important to him, and the offer of support however you needed. Keith embraced all lucky enough to cross his path like family complete with his bear hugs. It didn’t matter if it had been years since you last saw him. He was the kind of friend that you just picked up where you left off as if time hadn’t passed and you saw each other yesterday. Life wasn’t always easy for him but you would never know because he had a zest for it, people, and animals making the best of it. He was always proud of his heritage. In his later years he returned to his Sioux roots at Fort Peck. That is where his sister, Karri, is buried sadly gone too soon as well. It brought me peace when I read in his obituary that he will be danced to his final resting place. May now even more treasured memories bring joy. May it bring comfort to his youngest sister, Kristen, his family, and all who love him to know that only the cancer is buried but his soul will live on in each us from earth and now from the great spirit beyond. When I read this Sioux prayers I thought it was perfect since Keith embodied being “relative to all.” RIP”
“A Sioux Prayer”
Grandfather, Great Spirit, you have always
been, and before you nothing has been.
There is no one to pray to but you.
The star nations all over the heavens
are yours, and yours are the grasses
of the earth. You are older than all need,
older than all pain and prayer.
Grandfather, Great Spirit, all over the world
the faces of living ones are alike. With tenderness
they have come up out of the ground. Look upon your children, with children in their arms, that they may face the winds and walk the good road to the day of quiet.
Grandfather, Great Spirit, fill us with the light. Give us the strength to understand and the eyes to see. Teach us to walk the soft earth as relatives to all that live.
Leslie Gath Spring Fafard says
I went to school and graduated with Keith. He was quick to smile but could also be reserved. Prayers for the family. Fly high warrior.
Gay Pennington says
My condolences to Keith Red Elk family. I got to know Keith when he move to Poplar. He always had a smile on his face. When ever I needed help he was there to help me. May god be with all of you. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keith you are with your love ones in heaven. From Gay(Stephanie Paulson) Pennington. Rest in Peace.
Sioux Dawn says
My Love, it gets harder & harder for me everyday. I miss u’r huggz & goofy sense of humor. Memories of our love & life together, makes me smile, cry & laugh! I’m glad u’R not in pain & not stressed over things here. U left a big imprint on my heart & in my life. U showed me what real love iz. U were & still are my best friend Lyle! U treated me like a queen! I am very thankful for our love…U know U have my heart Keith! Love U forever & more my love.
Mikal Dene says
You were like a brother to me. You were there for me when I needed help. We hunted many deer together, fished the Missouri, and bagged many pheasant. You called me at 2am when you got stuck in the snow at minus 20 degrees more than once. I never said no. We worked together, we laughed together, we broke bread together many times. I stood by you through thick and thin. You gave me a life I can never thank you enough for. I held your hand when you could not answer. I cried at your funeral and I cried while writing this. I miss your laugh. I miss your smile. I miss you Brother…till we meet again.