Donna Jean Deegan
Stana`ha (Buffalo Woman)
Jan 14, 1953 to Nov 22, 2015

Donna Jean Ellenwood was born January 14th, 1953. She was raised in Aspen and Denver, Colorado. Her favorite jobs in high school were working for the Jolly Rancher Company and babysitting John Denver's children. She graduated from Aspen High School in 1971. After her graduation party, she drove every single person home to make sure they made it home safely. She has always gone the extra mile for the people in her life.
During the summer of '71, she met her love, Lord Peter Deegan Sr. They married Aug. 26th later that year. Her greatest adventure was when they relocated from Colorado and began their life at Buffalo Rock, 10 miles SW of White Shield, ND. She was introduced to the Native way of life, learned both Arikara and Souix languages, and traditional ways from her mother-in-law, Dorothy Gillette and father-in-law, Peter Deegan. Donna raised her pride and joy of seven, Dana, Hanni, Dorothy, Wayne, Cameron, Crystal, and Evan.
Donna enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed spending time with her sister and best friend Winogene Blacksmith. They enjoyed playing bingo, visiting, cooking and doing Winnies hair. Donna loved to fish, play baseball and Ante and I over with her husband and kids.
Donna worked at Northrup Co until she retired to begin her career at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge. She made many friends, enjoyed making people smile and "grinding people gears." Donna fought for what she loved and loved what she fought for. In times of hardships, she always pulled up her boot straps and made it through. ++
Donna relocated to live with her sister and her brother-in-law Paul and Carolyn Sattler, who fought for better health care and gave her extra love and care in her final years. Donna had a strong will to love and live all the way until the end. We thank you Mama D, Sister, Niece, Aunt, Grandma, Great Grandma…. for every one of the greatest memories and from all of your children, grand-children and great grand-children… We love you as big as the sky. Your legacy lives and shines through us. Nothing but love, Ta-wa-he-la.

Donna is survived by her five remaining children, 15 grand-babies, 2 great-grandbabies with two more still on the way, aunt; Ramona Seber 89, sister; Carolyn Sattler, brother; Jerry Ellenwood, brother-in-law; Paul Sattler, cousins Bob Seber, Larry Seber, Linda & Jon Vacarro, grandchildren; Alisha, Bobbi, Chance Karcen, Kamryn, Sydney, Destiny, Myah, Gardner, Keevin, Deegan, Koda, Dana, Weston, Sophie, Brittney, Cindy, April, Lorrenna, great-grandchildren; Beauty, Adam and 2 new coming soon.
Preceded in death by: Mom, Wanda Ellenwood; Dad, Wayne Ellenwood; Sister; Sherry; Uncle, Glenn Seber; Husband; Lord Deegan, Sr; Sons, Wayne Deegan, Cameron Deegan; Mother-in-law, Dorothy Gillette; Father-in-law, Peter Deegan
From Our Heart to Your Heart…Thank You

Graveside services were held on Saturday, December 5th, 2015 at the Deegan Family Cemetery.