Obituaries
Malcolm Inikipi Eagle Speaker
“Wanbli Ska Sicecena” (White Eagle Child)
February 22, 2024 – December 12, 2024
Malcolm Inikipi Eagle Speaker, lovingly known as “Wanbli Ska Sicecena” (White Eagle Child), was born on February 22, 2024, at 9:56 a.m., just one minute before his twin brother. He weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 18 inches long.
Malcolm was an enrolled member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and proudly carried the heritage of his mother’s side Oglala Lakota, Ihanktonwan (Yankton Sioux), and his father’s side Yakama, Ponca, Omaha, and Kainai Blood Nations.
Malcolm passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, at the tender age of 9 months, surrounded by his loving parents at Bingham Memorial Hospital.
Malcolm brought immense joy and love into the world. While sharing a womb with his twin brother, Deynon Piitapoyi Eagle Speaker, he was known for his calm and steady presence, often letting his brother take center stage. Named by his father in honor of his great-grandfather, Malcolm Wolf, little Malcolm carried a legacy of strength and connection.
Malcolm’s bright brown hair resembled his mother’s and (maternal) grandfather “Deynon Means” and his (paternal) great grandfather Charles Seymour Eagle Speaker, and his joyful spirit captivated everyone around him. He adored being held and never liked to be alone, preferring the comfort of his family’s embrace. His playful personality came to life as he practiced his first words—“mama,” “dada,” “baha,” and “ada.” He delighted in scooting across the floor, playing with his toys, and making his family laugh with his giggles and curious nature.
Malcolm had his unique quirks—he loved touching faces, hated car seats and vacuums, and always wanted to be at the center of family gatherings. Despite his small size, he was brave and determined, often trying to tackle his bigger brothers.
His parents, Seymour Eagle Speaker and Chelsirae Means, deeply loved and cherished him, dreaming of a future where he and his twin brother would grow up together, sharing adventures and milestones. Though his time was brief, Malcolm left an indelible mark on his family’s hearts. He now joins his ancestors in the spirit world, across the Milky Way, where he is surrounded by love and peace.
He is survived by his parents Seymour Eagle Speaker and Chelsirae Means, his twin brother Deynon Piitapoyi Eagle Speaker, his aunties Lillian Eagle Speaker (Karl Farmer), Lovinna Means (Jeremy Friday), Pacey Means and Neesah Kanip. His uncles Leo Wyatt Eagle Speaker, Joseph Kanip, Kyri Duncan Kanip, Jeremy Means (Emily Carillo), Brian Means, Theodore Means, Donavon Gage Osborne and John Storm Osborne. His cousin/brothers Chaske’ Friday, Kolt Farmer. his grandparents Merle (Shayne) Eagle Speaker, Jamie Ariwite-Pokibro (Ryan Pokibro), Danita Arriwite (Tyrell Buckskin), Rachel Snipe, Jessica James, Devon Boyer, Scott Means, Walter Hank Means, Red Boy Means, Casey Means, Tipi Means, Oyate Means, Season Means, LeToy Lunderman, great grandparents Dr. La Nada War Jack, Leona Ariwite, Teri Wahtomy Elizabeth Capetillo, Charles Seymour Eagle Speaker, Velma & Danny Arriwite, Elmarie Snipe, and Bill Means and great-great grandparent Janet George.
He is joined in the spirt world by his relatives: Theodore “Deynon” Means Jr. (maternal grandfather), Yolanda Snipe-Means (maternal grandmother), Shaynelle Lee (aunt), Gerad Kipp (grandfather), Lei’Leyana Osborne (cousin), Zia Means (cousin), Theodore Lyle Means Sr. (great grandfather), Russell Means (great grandfather), Faith Rose Means (grandmother), Kimberly Rose Means (grandmother), Erik George (grandfather), Carvel Sherman (great-grandfather), Leo & Irene Ariwite (great-great grandparents), Kenneth Ariwite (great grandfather), Christine Ariwite (great grandmother), Edward Queep Boyer (great-great grandfather), and Olive Burns Boyer (great-great grandmother), Orton & Pauline Eagle Speaker (great-great grandparents), Francis George (great-great grandfather), Erik George (great-great grandfather), and great-great grandparents: Morton Eagle Speaker, Julia Eagle Speaker, Abby Eagle Speaker, Ruth Eagle Speaker.
His mother and father would like to say, “Goodnight, love you, and sweet dreams, our baby RedBoy.” Malcolm’s memory will forever remain a beacon of light and love in the hearts of those who knew him.
A viewing service was Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 1 to 3 p.m. at Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot. Traditional wake services were at Jamie Ariwite residence at 902 Noyuse Road, Gibson. A sunrise service was at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024. Burial services were at 2 p.m. at Gibson Cemetery.
Tonea Lynn Ballard
FORT HALL — Tonea Lynn Ballard, 63, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024 in Pocatello.
Tonea was born December 23, 1960 in Pocatello, Idaho to Wilford Ballard Sr. and Leota Ponzo Ballard.
Growing up, Tonea attended Tyhee Elementary and Hawthorne Junior High Schools. She then continued her education at Chemawa Indian School and earned her GED, then Haskell Indian Junior College.
She married Leslie Baker Sr. To this union, two children were born; they later divorced. She married Michael Moss. One child was born to this union; they later divorced.
Tonea worked as a wildland firefighter for several years. She had also worked for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes enrollment department for 16 years, the public works department for 9 years and the Buffalo Lodge committee for two years.
She enjoyed beading, handgame, riding horses and going to the casino. She was a peyote member and an avid participant in community activities. She loved traveling and spending time with grandchildren.
Tonea is survived by her children, Jessica Baker and Leslie Baker Jr.; sister Ilene Ballard Williams and brother, Wayland Ballard; grandchildren, Talon and Alyssa Santistevens, Lashyah and Lillyanna Baker, Faith Rodriguez and JaDyce Ballard.
She was preceded in death by her son, Troy Moss; her parents, Leota Ponzo Ballard and Wilford Ballard Sr.; brothers, Wilford Ballard Jr., Tonio Ballard Wade Ballard and Clint Ballard; sister Antoinette Ballard; maternal grandparents, Harry and Dolly Waterhouse Ponzo; paternal grandparents Julius and Katie Hill Ballard.
Funeral services were at 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot. Friends and family can pay their respects when Tonea is taken to her residence at 332 Rio Vista Road Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Traditional burial is at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 2024 in the Cedars Cemetery.
Weston Ray Rodriguez
FORT HALL — Weston Ray Rodriguez, 30 years old, born in Pocatello, Idaho on September 2, 1994, passed away in Gibson, Idaho on December 7, 2024.
He is survived by his 3 children, Skye Rodriguez, 12, Reavs Rodriguez (9) and Mava Rodriguez (6); his siblings, Hector, Esabella and Estella Rodriguez; his mother, Nedra Kelly; his maternal grandmother, Velda Racehorse; his aunts, Brenda Racehorse, Kimberly Wenee, Rachel Osborne and his uncle Wandell Wenee; along with his close cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Joel Rodriguez; his maternal grandfather, Davis Wenee; his paternal grandparents Maria Quezada and Efrain Rodriguez; his aunts Inez Redwoman and Yolanda Snipe; his cousins Jordan Farmer, Waco Preacher and other family members.
He loved spending time with his children, who he loved dearly. He enjoyed lifting weights, going to concerts, firefighting and playing rugby. He worked for many years at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Casino in many positions, his most recent position was a Compliance Officer. He worked as a forklift operator for Amy’s and was a firefighter for Fort Hall Wildland Firefighters.
Family and friends were invited to pay their respects. He was taken to his grandmother Velda Racehorse’s residence on Racehorse Lane and Taquena Road, just off Ferry Butte Road in Gibson, Idaho on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10 a.m. up until burial on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. in Gibson Cemetery. His funeral service was Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot at 6 p.m.
