Joan Standing Bear

Joan Standing Bear, 91, of Canon Ball, passed away at her home on Monday, June 10, 2024. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fort Yates, ND with Msgr. Chad Gion as celebrant. Burial will be at the Standing Bear Family Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 PM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fort Yates, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. 

Joan was born in Cannon Ball, ND on August 25, 1932, to Joseph and Nellie (Iron Road) Jordan. She attended United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND, where she obtained her GED and later received her associate degree in criminal justice studies in 1974. Joan married Earl Standing Bear in 1972 and from that union had two children, Cherie and Earlotta. 

Joan worked at Standing Rock Tribal Court in several positions, such as an ICWA probation/parole officer, Child welfare case worker, and lastly as an investigator with Child Protection Services where she completed 15 years of service before retiring in 2005. Joan holds the honor of being the first female probation officer in ND. 

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. During her lifetime, she enjoyed watching her kids and grandkids growing up, family gatherings, attending rodeos and watching her granddaughter compete, watching her grandson, Lance, play basketball and fishing. She was proud of all her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. 

Joan had 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. 

Joan is survived by her children, Winona (Mike) Two Crow-Hexum, Cherie (Fred) Waddles, Earlotta (Daniel) Keener, Billie Jordan-Standing Bear, and Justin Hairy Shirt; and sister, Genevive.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Standing Bear; sons, Jordan James Little Warrior, Joel Jordan, and Arnold Jordan Sr.; daughter, Lori Little Warrior; sister, Delphine; brothers, William and Victor Jordan; and great-grandson, Samuel. 

There will NOT be a livestream for this service.