Obituaries
Diana Karen Yupe
FORT HALL — Diana Karen Yupe, 71, of Pocatello, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023 at Portneuf Medical Center.
Diana was born October 14, 1951 in Waxahachie, Texas, the daughter of James Broncho Dann Sr. and Amy Carmaleta Dixey Dann. She made Bannock Creek, Idaho her home.
Diana attended Blackfoot High School, then continued her education at Idaho State University. Her studies included archeology, anthropology and criminal justice. She implemented the Heto program for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
She married Denny Yupe on October 6, 1971. Together they had 3 children, Juanita, Laura and Lenny “Woody” Yupe. Diane previously had one son, Ricky Dann Buckskin. Though she and Denny divorced in 2004, they remained friendly.
She enjoyed spending time with her 8 grandchildren and her 6 great grandchildren. Diana led a full life and enjoyed many hobbies including river rafting, pictograph storytelling, salmon fishing, fly fishing, mountain hiking, camping, basket weaving, beadwork, crocheting, bowling and was an avid basketball player.
She was a ministers daughter where she traveled many places. As she got older she was more spiritual than religious.
Diana is survived by her former husband, Denny Yupe of Pocatello; her children Ricky R. Dann Buckskin of Blackfoot, Juanita (Jay Yazzie) Yupe of Blackfoot, Laura (Darren Covington) Yupe of Pocatello and Lenny “Woody” Yupe of Pocatello; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James B. Dann Sr. and Amy C. Dann; her brothers James Dann Jr. and Danford Dann Sr.; 6 grandchildren and several other family members.
A prayer service was at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Hawker Funeral Home. Diana will be taken to her residence at 1661 Arbon Valley Hwy in Pocatello at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, with traditional burial services at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2023 at Gibson Cemetery.
Condolences to the family can be shared at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.
Yolanda Snipe Means
FORT HALL — Yolanda June Snipe-Means, 49, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Portneuf Medical Center following an illness.
She was born April 9, 1973, in Pocatello, Idaho. She was raised by her mother Velma Arriwite and stepdad Daniel Arriwite.
She had attended school in Fort Hall and Blackfoot. She attended high school at Chemawa Indian School in Salem, OR. and graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello.
Most recently she has worked for the Shoshone Bannock Tribes as a transit bus driver. She also worked as a Wildland Fire Fighter, Community Health Representative driver, Sho Ban Casino/Bingo floor worker, Construction Flagger, TP Gas cashier.
Yolanda’s first partner was Donovan Lee Osborne. To that union, Donovan Gage Osborne and John Storm Osborne were born. Though they parted ways, they remained good friends through the years. She was married to Theodore “Deynon” Lyle Means Jr whom she spent 20 years with and they was always by each other’s side until he passed.
She enjoyed beading for her daughters, traveling, cruising the back roads, listening to oldies, swimming down in the bottoms at Baker’s bridge and mostly spending time with her family. In her younger years she was an avid fancy and traditional dancer and traveled throughout Indian country and Canada.
Survivors include children; Donavon Gage Osborne, John Storm Osborne, Chelsirae June Means, Lovinna Red Sky Means and step son Brian Lyle Means, all of Gibson, Idaho.
Also surviving are three sisters, Rachel Osborne, Danita Arriwite (Tyrell Buckskin) and her cousin Carmela “Chubba” Honena whom she considered her sister, brother Wandell Wenee, grandchildren; Mya Azaria Iva Osborne, Ayshi Devine, Aiyana Melita Devine, Caylene Minerva Osborne. Also four aunts, Daisy Dixey, Elmarie Snipe, Bobleen Nappo, Sharon Johnson, uncles Rodney “Rocky” Burns, Robert “Bobby” Burns, Wayland Coby, Lagrand Coby, Lavern “Spud” Coby, Alonzo “Punkin” Coby, Marcus Coby and grandfather Floyvon Coby.
She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Calvin Snipe and Mamie Coby Snipe, paternal grandparents Carl Wenee and Prettiest Betty Towersap and her granddaughter Lei’Leyana Andino-Osborne.
A prayer service was conducted at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Hawker Funeral Home.
She will be taken to the family residence on East Truchot Rd. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. and will remain there until burial Tuesday, March 21, 2023 2 p.m. at the Gibson Cemetery for a traditional burial service.
Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@hawkerfuneralhome.com
Louallen Bear
FORT HALL — Louallen Bear, 50, of Fort Hall, Idaho passed away March 19, 2023.
He was taken to Armina Martin’s residence on Philbin and Cemetery Road for viewing March 21 to 23, 2023.
He was laid to rest at Cedars Cemetery March 23, 2023.
