Ephraim Francis Jerome Hill, Sr.

Ephraim Francis Jerome Hill Sr., “PaHa Hokŝina” (Hill Boy) of rural Fort Totten was born on September 23, 1919. He began his journey into the Spirit World on Saturday morning, March 8, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Wake service will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Ephraim’s home for the family. During this time, Drums are welcome to come and sing, as this was one of his enjoyments. Any Spiritual Leaders and Advisors are also welcome to come to his home. The Wake on Thursday, March 13, 2008 will be at St. Michael’s Recreation Center beginning at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Ephraim will be held on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and then to his home at 11:00 a.m. for burial. Serving as Active Casket Bearers for Ephraim will be Nilus BlackLance Jr., Francis Roulette Sr., LaVerne “Bundy” Littlewind, Audie SwiftBird, Michael “Chaske” Thompson III, Kenny Merrick Jr., Tyson Merrick and Gandy Shaw. We would like to give a big thank you to Dr. Corbett, the Hospice Staff and the staff of ICU. Honorary Bearers will be: Louie and Hilda Garcia, Jose Lawrence, Bill and Charlotte Monette, Crow Hill Sundancers, Solomon Sherman, Art Thompson, John and Penny Knudson, Gary and Judy Geske, Spirit Lake Singers, Frank Fritel, Conrad Barnes, Brooks and Cheryl GoodIron, Cornelius Kirk, Elders of Spirit Lake, Skip and Darlis Longie, Buddy Longie, Walter and Bonnie Lang, Carl and Janice McKay, Bernice Cavanaugh, Ernestine Cavanaugh John, John and Mona Chaske, Clifford and Georgie Littlewind, Lois Leben, John and Bonnie Wells, Russell and Francine McDonald, Chuck and Mary Trottier, Francis and Lilly Owlboy, Mystic Lake Singers, Sharon Georgeson, Zackary Thompson, Clayton and Pam Rainbow, Boy and Faye Jetty, Sampson Hill, Stephanie Armstrong, Spirit Lake Bingo and all the ones he went into Sweat with. Ephraim was born on September 23, 1919 in Fort Totten, where he lived all his life and raised his family. He was educated in St. Michael at the Little Flower School. Later he met and married Mary Lawrence in 1954. They made their home near Fort Totten where they lived together for 54 years. He believed in traditional ways. He participated in Sundancing, Sweats and playing Moccasin with his son. They would travel to South Dakota to play in tournaments. In his younger years, he enjoyed going to and singing at pow-wows. He then later put together a drum group “The Lone Buffalo Singers” until the loss of his son. He recently sang with the Spirit Lake Singers. Through his Spiritual ways he was called upon for name giving ceremonies and prayers. He always had a joke to tell and a smile on his face. He never had anything bad to say about anybody. He loved being around his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would tell about old times and good times and stories he knew as a boy. As a well respected elder he will be greatly missed by all. Ephraim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Hill Son: Ken (Irene) Hill Daughters: Janice (Francis) Roulette, Mildred Hill, Theresa (Nilus) BlackLance, Vicki Hill, Violet (Ralph) Hill, Mary Ann BlackBull, Rita Jackson, Sally Alberts, Winona Fox and Linda Thompson. Adopted Sons: Buddy Alberts and Bruce Walking Eagle Adopted Sister: Marie Peltier Adopted Brother: Pauly Baker Nieces: Sharon Georgeson, Hilda Garcia and Annie Redfox Nephew: Archie Redfox Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren also survive. Preceded in death by his parents, Silas Hill and Theresa IronLightening; sons, Ephraim Hill Jr. and Francis Hill; grandchildren, Dwan Hill and Robert Joshua Hill; sisters, Mary Jane Yankton and Julia Hill and three brothers.