Sandra Doris (Ramsey) Yellow Hammer, 57, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2016 in Billings surrounded by her children and husband. She was born in Dallas, TX to the late Sidney, Sr. and Victoria Ramsey.
Sandra was raised in Cannonball, ND on the Standing Rock Reservation where was an enrolled member of the tribe. Sandra attended boarding schools in her younger years up to 8th grade at the Wahpeton, ND then she did her freshman year at Flandreau Indian School, she went on to Solen High School for her remaining 3 years where she graduated in 1977.
She met the love of her life Ronald Yellow Hammer, Jr. while attending high school and Ocotber 14, 1977 they were married at the Fort Yates Court House. In this union they had 6 children; Jennifer (Bryan) YH, Elizabeth YH, Lauren (Jimmy) YH, Wilma (Doyle) B.H.M., Ronnie YH, Joseph, Sr. (Adrian) YH; one niece they raised as their own Avis Bigtrack; a special granddaughter she was raising Terrie Bigtrack. She had a special place in her heart for all her grandchildren; 22 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson; April Brom, Wambidi YH, Shannon and Shauna Chase, Alleen, Princess, Allen III, Maryah, Presli Russell, Malcom YH, Lucy Hart, Shana, Lyn, TravisRay, Shauntae BHM, Evelyn, Kayden, Joseph, Jr., Urijah YH, AmarieJ, Kaisen and Kendreu YH and one great-grandson Tyson E. Craft.
January 1981 Sandra and Ronald moved to Bismarck, ND where they both attended United Tribes College, she graduated with her Business Associates, then September 1981 they moved to Brockton, MT. This is where Sandra made her home; she was active playing softball, basketball, and volleyball. She enjoyed powwows, she danced old style jingle and you would find her out in the arena floor at any celebration. From 1982-2003 she worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Poplar, MT and during the summer months from 1989-1996 she would be firefighting. Her most recent employment from 2006 until her passing was with the Fort Peck Tribes Senior Citizens as an assistant cook and janitor.
Sandra was also a war mother, in which she was very proud of all the veterans in her family, and a descendant of Chief Bighead for Standing Rock Reservation. Throughout her life she enjoyed playing Bingo, scratch cards, and Keno machines besides attending powwows you could find her always lending a hand at funerals, wakes, Bingos, whatever it may be she was there. One thing Sandra was a very loyal Brockton Warriors fan. She supported them always and you would always see her at the games.
Sandra had many adopted brothers and sisters; special sister/best friend Beth (Jake) Whitebull; sister Irene Evenson; sister Debbie Balch; adopted Mom Darlene Lefthand; adopted brothers Dennis FB, Tom Escarcega, Sr.; other numerous ones that we may have left off.
Sandra is survived by her husband of 39 years Ronald Yellow Hammer, Jr. her 7 children; 3 brothers; Sidney, Jr., Claude of Cannonball, ND, Sterling Ramsey of Poplar, MT; 1 sister Katherine Many Horses of Billings, MT; 22 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. She had a very large extended family, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins on the Standing Rock Reservation.
She is preceded in death by her parents Sidney, Sr. and Victoria Ramsey, 5 sisters Mavis, Harnet, Claudia Ramsey, Linda Many Horses, Elizabeth Parks; 3 brothers Cederic, Terrance Ramsey, Bobbie Many Horses; 2 nieces Roberta, Laura Ramsey; 2 nephews T.C., Andrew Ramsey.
Forgive us if we forgot to mention anyone.
Mom, You will be greatly missed. You made an everlasting impression on everyone’s lives. Until we meet again, WE LOVE YOU!
Kathleen says
My sincerest condolences to the family of Sandra. May she rest in perfect peace until we all meet again.
Donald Lee Boyd says
Sorry About Your Loss Praying For You In The Days To Come…..
Terry McAnally says
To all of Sandra’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. May the Creator wrap loving arms around you all as you move through this difficult time.
Rosella Sky Arrow says
Many blessings for Sandra’s husband, girls and son Joe. May the Great Spirit watch over you in at this sad time and during the coming year. I know it is a difficult time but remember all the good times. I will always remember Sandra and her love for the wicipi celebrations. You could always count on seeing her around. She always had time to visit. I pray for her grandchildren and her new great grand baby.
Iva Darnell-Harris says
To one of my best friends/sister Jenny:
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom “Sandra Lou” is what I always called her by. I’m so thankful that I was able to know Sandra Lou. She was a wonderful woman, mother, grandmother & great grandmother to all. She always had a smile and I loved her infectious laugh. Please let me know if you need anything my girl. You and the entire family of Sandra Lou are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and I love you sister….Iva Darnell-Harris
Helen Bighorn says
Junior, Joe, Jenny, Avis and extended family,
Thoughts of seeing Sandra dancing jingle or talking with her will always make me smile. She sure left good vibes! Rest in Peaceful slumber until we meet again…
X O
Helen, Fred and family
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
Jennifer,Joe,Ronnie,Laureen, I’m so sorry for the lose of Your Mother Sandra. I still can’t believe she went home. But she is safe with the Heavenly Father and her family. My Prayers of Strength for you all. Prayers of Healing a broken Heart!… Those who knew her will miss her greatly and I’m glad I had the opportunity to know her.
Nancy & Albert Foote Sr. says
To Sandy Lou’s family.
My sincere condolences to her family. When working with her at the BIA, she was always willing to do what she could for you. If you needed something, she would go out of her way to help get it done. I too, will miss her smile and her dancing. Rest in the Creator’s arms now Sandy Lou and know that you’ll be missed. Nancy and Family
Wayne & Evetta Two Bulls says
Our heartfelt condolences to the Yellow Hammer family. Praying for comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Joe are prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Linda Lang says
I will miss her smile and her laugh at the Brockton Senior Center. May she fly with angels.
Donna Black Dog says
MY SINCERE CONDOLESCENCES TO THE YELLOW HAMMER FAMILY. SANDRA WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HER. SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON, AND TO KNOW THAT SHE HAS THE JOY OF DANCING WITH HER RELATIVES IN HEAVEN. I PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND COMFORT.
Rita Weeks says
My sincere condolences to Ron, Jen Liz and rest of the Yellow Hammer, may God bless each and everyone of you.
Wakinyan Icaga Tiwahe says
It is a very heartbreaking time for all of us, especially her husband, children, and grandchildren. Sending lots of prayers, love and healing. May Taku Wakan Skan Skan give Sandra’s Tiyahe Unity, Happiness of her memories and Healing through their grieving process. We Love You all!
Ching King says
Thoughts and Prayers for you and your family, Jennifer
Tara Nickoloff says
My sincerest condolences to Ron and family. Sandra was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Extending prayers for peace and healing.
BLOSSOM LONGEE says
IM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF SANDRA’S PASSING. MY CONDOLESCENCE TO THE FAIMILY. SHE WAS SUCH A SWEET LADY, I WILL MISS SEEING AND VISITING WITH HER. R.I.P. MY FRIEND. MAY YOU FLY HIGH WITH THE ANGELS. GIVE DONNA A HUG FOR ME!! !PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY FOR COMFORT, STRENGTH AT THIS TIME.
Felicia martell says
Sorry bout your loss!! Auntie Sandra was loved by many and did a lot for everyone she will be missed forever!! Love you guys live and miss you auntie Sandra
Agnes says
Sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing..I worked with her at the BIA and she was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed and was always laughing and telling funny stories..no matter what the day would bring she always had a smile for everyone..my prayers and thoughts are with the family today…
Margaret Boyd says
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Ronald and the family. I remember when I was taking care of my mom, how many times Sandra would come to the house, just to see how she was doing, or to bring her something like choke cherries, dry meat, etc. I will always miss her smiling face and laughter. May the Creator watch over the family and give them strength, comfort and love during this most difficult time. You’re all in my prayers.
Melvin Eagleman says
Words are not enough in your time of loss. My family’s sympathy to yours .
Estelle Bighorn says
I hadn’t know that Sandra and my sister Audrey(deceased) were good friends while attending Flandreau until a few years back, I remembered a picture my sister showed me of her friend my sister was wearing a bright orange outfit with big ole flowers and Sandra was wearing a bright yellow one with groovy lines I think I remember thinking there clothes were do cool I must have been about 10 or 11 I was remember the name Sandra didn’t know all these years it was this Sandra, I know here on earth her husband and children are sad and hurting but up in heaven family and friends are rejoicing that they have gained another loving, caring and wonderful person
Louella Douglas-Contreras says
My condolences & prayers to Sandra’s family. I could tell when i first talked with her that she had a good heart. Prayers for her journey. Louella Douglas-Contreras