Pearl Black Bull

Funeral services for Pearl Rose Black Bull were held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, Marach 28, 2025, at the Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Fr. Ron Garry officiating. Casket bearers were John Maunu, Tom Welch, Daniel Bear Heels, Ronald Ramirez, Mahland Teel, and Ed Black Bull, Sr. Honorary casket bearers were Johnny, Clarinda, Jacob, Tyler, Amber, Anna, Nicole, and Diamond. Interment was at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in St. Charles, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Pearl Rose Black Bull was born June 28, 1942, in St. Charles, SD, to Soloman and Alvina (Patterson) Black Bull, the oldest of twelve children.

Pearl attended school in St. Charles for several years before attending boarding school in St. Francis, SD. After two marriages and some traveling, she settled down in 1970 with Orlo Blue Bird. They moved to Norfolk, NE, before moving to Bonesteel, SD, and eventually St. Charles, where they built a beautiful life together, raising their family with devotion and warmth. After Arlo died in 1997, Pearl moved to Burke, then Yankton, and eventually made her home in Sioux Falls.

A woman of immense compassion and generosity, Pearl poured her heart into everything she did, she found joy in the simple pleasures in life. Traveling and spending time with her family and sharing laughter, her vibrant spirit and boundless kindness left a mark on all.

Pearl’s life was long and full of laughter, adventure, and treasured moments. She touched countless lives with her kindness and unwavering strength. Her memory will be cherished and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Pearl’s family and friends were her greatest joy, and her devotion to them was unmatched. Her laughter, wisdom, and unconventional love will continue to inspire and guide them. She will be forever missed and never forgotten.

A cherished member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Pearl passed away on March 22, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family, at Doughtery Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved partner, Orlo; her cherished daughters Stephanie and Brenda; her brothers Orlando and Sylvester; her sister Beatrice; and her step-son Dean.

She leaves behind her children: Crystal (Ronald), Nicole (John), Jonathan, Connie, and Lori; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sisters Debbie, Bernadine, Yolinda, and Maryann; her brothers Melvin, Soloman, Jr., and Christopher.

In Lakota, there is no word for Good Bye.