Oyate Wawokiya Win – She Serves the People
Hetomo’eoo’e – Truthful Standing Woman
Autumn Rose Thompson
1984 – 2021
Autumn Rose Thompson was born September 13, 1984, and transitioned to her new life as an angel on July 17, 2021. She was a beloved partner, parent, daughter, sister, and friend. She was known for her sharp sense of humor, unwavering work ethic, and deep commitment to her family, especially her wife Rhea NewHoly and their children.
Autumn was born in Sisseton, South Dakota, to Robert and Phoebe Thompson. Autumn was a proud member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. As a child, Autumn enjoyed boxing, and playing sports like basketball and football. Autumn was proud to be raised in a home with her mother, aunties, and all of her cousins. Autumn was a lifelong devoted Steelers fan.
Autumn met the love of her life–her wife Rhea–in 2001. They first met while working at job corp together as teenagers, and quickly found that they were soulmates. Autumn was a loving spouse, and showed it in small gestures as well as broader commitments like working hard to ensure her family was safe and well taken care of. Autumn and Rhea overcame many challenges and hardships side by side, and remained deeply in love throughout their over twenty years of life together. They raised five children–Rayven, Fayelynn, Traya, Aiyanna, and Chaske. Autumn was known for being both the goofy fun parent and the leader of the household, and worked hard to provide for her family by working at Northern Cheyenne BIA Wildfire Management for 18 years, and in the off seasons, at Busby Northern Cheyenne Tribal School.
Autumn had a knack for making friends wherever she went. She was always willing to lend a helping hand or was a shoulder to cry on, especially to all the youth she worked with at both the school and training in forestry.
Autumn is lovingly remembered by countless relatives, friends, coworkers, and community members. The family would like to give special thanks to Northern Cheyenne BIA Wildfire Management and the Busby Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, for their generous support during this time of loss, in honor of the contributions Autumn made while working with them. Though Autumn was not originally from the Northern Cheyenne community, she found home and family there, and was deeply loved by the community after over 20 years of residence.
Autumn is survived by her wife Rhea NewHoly; her children Rayven, Fayelynn, Traya, Aiyanna, and Chaske; her mother-in-law Pauline HighWolf; her brothers-in-law Curtis Killsontop and Elijah Wallowing, and Elijah’s children; sister-in-law Kim RedCherries and her children; and sister-in-law Christine Poorbear and her children. She is also survived by her grandmother Rose Max; brothers Dustin, Melvin, and Robbie Thompson; sisters Ricki Thompson-Kluthe, Rocky Thompson, Cassie Cleveland, and Terri Hanson; aunties Pat Taylor, Debbie Richotte, Davana Black Thunder, Donna Thompson, Susan Amos, and Freda Roberts; and numerous other cousins, aunties, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Autumn came from large families and was cherished by many. Please forgive us for including just a brief list above and if we have accidentally left anyone out–she was loved by more people than we can count.
Rob & Michelle Shot-Gunn Family says
Autumn’s passing is a shock and a great loss! I enjoyed working with her at BIA, she made everyone feel at ease and you could always depend on her. Prayers and sincere condolences to Autumn’s family and friends. Rest easy Autumn and remember your LCES….Locate camera enable selfie mode
Alvera Cook says
” YOUR LIFE WAS A BLESSING AND YOUR MEMORY A TREASURE. YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND WORDS AND MISSED BEYOND MEASURE”.
We’re going to miss your smiling face as you escort students off the bus this upcoming school year.
Sending our condolences to Rea and family.
From: Northern Cheyenne Tribal School Administration,Transportation, Main Office Staff, O&M, Custodial Staff and Food Services.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF AUTUMN THOMPSON, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Jaiden Snow says
My auntie autumn, you always knew what to say to make everything better. Your passing is a great loss to this family.. you’ll forever be loved and cherished.
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences & Prayers Rhea. I was in total disbelief of your great loss. Autumn was a great Child Care Provider when I administered CC. So sorry for your loss. RIP Autumn Thompson
Loranzy & Teresa McMakin says
Autumn…Thank you for all you have done for the kids…You are so missed already….You will always be remembered fondly and dearly and hold a special place in all of our hearts…Special prayers to your family whom loves you so very much….Sending prayers to Rhea…May God comfort you in your time of need and forever….love the McMakin’s
Lou Naillon says
Autumn, one of the finest and It was privilege to know her. She And Rhea would always help whenever I needed it. She loved her family and her friends. Going to miss her laugh. Love ya Autumn. Hugs to Rhea and family.
Theresa Miller says
WHAT!! Rhea this is Theresa please call me ASAP. 1 605 924 0255
Stephanie Fisher says
Enjoyed working with Autumn at Fire. A dependable hard worker! Rest Easy!
Renae Lynn-Nae says
❤️ Autumn Rose
Hard to believe you gained your wings so early I’ll always cherish Our memories We made thru out are childhood when you was living back home!! Your with Your Pops Watch over us all down here!! Until We meet again Cousin Love you Fly High Fam
Donna Gonzales says
Autumn was the most cheerful, happy and fun NCTS bus monitor. The grandboys and I will miss her. So sorry, Reah, Autumn was an asset to the Busby Community, she was involved in all our school actives and a true NCTS fan
ataloa R.Harris-Burman says
Always enjoyed Autumn, whenever we went out on a fire.She was always the first to ask,what needed to be done.And,it was done.I will miss you and your smiling eyes and helpful ways.Condolences and Prayers to the Families.
Elizabeth M. Fisher says
man Autumn, I just seen you at forestry. Was glad they had you in training as the radio operator. Working at fire is just not going to be the same without you there. Nobody can take your place!! Well you and Maxine are probably catching up on things keeping heaven in tip top shape. Till we meet again watch over everybody. SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO RHEA, PAULINE & THE KIDS.
Thedis B. Crowe, Acting BIA Superintendent @ Northern Cheyenne Agency says
To Rhea, Autumn’s family, extended family, friends and co-workers, I want to extend my condolences to you on behalf of the BIA at Northern Cheyenne Agency. Autumn was an asset to our Fire program for many years and she will be sorely missed by the Northern Cheyenne Fire staff, the Agency and the community. We are here to extend our support to help you celebrate her life and achievements and do so with heavy hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thedis B. Crowe, Acting BIA Superintendent
Northern Cheyenne Agency
Tasha Renville says
So sad to hear of Autumn’s passing, she had a heart of gold. Lots of memories made when we were in our teens. She will forever be missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family. Fly high ❤️