Darius Theadore “Ted” Rowland, Heme’kone Ohvehonevestse “HeadChief”, 79 years old of age, was born on June 14th, 1942 to his mother Beatrice Horn and Claude Rowland. He was called home by the Lord on August 14, 2021, at one in the morning peacefully with his daughters Gina and Monica by his side. Preceded in death are his wife Lerena Rowland and his Grandson’s Romeo Ted Rowland, Caleb Joshua Redneck, Leo Gary Notafraid, Christopher Kaufman, and granddaughters Marika Willard and Heavenly Johns, and his niece Joni Whiteman.
God blessed us with a Dad who always said “God works through me I do his work I give him all the praise and glory.” He instilled this in all of us and whoever knew him, he was a man who had unconditional love for everyone. By his words he spoke, by his way he interacted with you, by his kind eyes and stern voice he was a Man of God. Wherever he went or worked he was loved and respected by his way of always finding the positive in every situation and in every person and giving his all to make it happen. His love for his kids was amazing, his love for his wife Lerena was sent from God himself, his love for his grandchildren was so powerful you could feel his love walking up to him to give him a kiss and hug. His love for his great-grandchildren his eyes and heart lit up with love with every hug and kiss and the little ones saying “Grandpa, I Love You” and he would say “I Love you more.” He stepped up and raised some of his Grandchildren. He was highly honored to be their Grandpadaddy! He taught us all work ethics and how education is a very important part of our life. You do your best every day and ask God to work through you and at the end of the day you can say God thank you for working through me all the praise is to you.
Family: he always challenged us to do our best and have a love for what we do, continue this to honor his love for us and do it to honor and praise our mighty God. HIS WISH IS THIS!
Darius Ted Rowland was in the Army where he served as a Sharpshooter, Sargent and played for the Army basketball. In 1966 served in the National Police Academy, 1973 at Haskell Indian Jr College was in the Who’s Who, 1974 Haskell Indian Jr College he received his Associate of Arts & Liberal Arts and was on the National Honor Society- Phi Theta Kappa, and President. In 1976 he attended the University of Kansas and received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Bachelors in Personal Administration. In 1976 & 1977 he attended Pennsylvania State University with a Graduate Fellow. Also Masters of Education at Penn State and received his Educational Administration. In 1978 & 1979 he was the Busby High School head basketball coach. In 1977 he attended the University of Montana receiving his Teachers Certificate and honors and activities. In 1979-1985 at Dull Knife Memorial College, he was the Dean of Students and President of Dull Knife Memorial college. In 1986-987 at Haskell Indian Jr College, he was the Dean of Students, fundraising and teaching physical education. In 1987-1989 at St. Labre Indian School, he was employed as Director of Athletics and Community Relations and Student discipline programs as well as the Head Track & Field Coach. In 1989-1990 Lame Deer Public school he was Assistant Principal. 1990-1995 at Northern Cheyenne Tribal school served as a Superintendent. Lame Deer Public Schools Administrative Consultant to plan, develop and supervise the transitional center for students with special needs. 1996-2004 Little wound High school in Kyle, South Dakota served as the principal. 2001-2002 American Horse School in Allen, South Dakota served as Superintendent. 2004-2006 Tikini School Howes, SD served as the high school principal. At Pine Ridge High School, SD served as the Superintendent. In 2008-2011 Tikini School served as the Superintendent K-12th. Salish Kootenai College received a certificate in Creating the Future.
He met the love of his life Lerena and they have seven children. Regina (Calvin), Benjamin (Dorcella), Claude, Claudia (John), Monica (Chuck), Realanda, Heather, along with adopted children Cala Jo, Noveko, Christian, Lonnie, Rogene, Frank, Jason. His brothers are Jim, Frank and his sisters are Claudia, Anna. He is preceded in death by his sisters Pearl and Jocelyn. He took as family Kent Little Thunder Jr.
Nieces and Nephews are Mary (Ron), Anne Marie, Claude, Herman, Joel, Maria, Stacey Lee, Sunshine, Kee, Christopher, Jeremy, Dawn, Jamie, Desiree, Ariane, Darius JC, Angelica, and Feather. Chelsea, Miranda, Franklin, and Grant. He had many grandchildren who he was deeply involved with Cala Jo, Shuree, Calvin III, Breece, Bree, Benisha, Fawnshay, Maleah, Adonis, Kylie, Brookes, Anghelita, Beatrice, Lisa, Heather, Taylor Ann, Noveko, Romeo, Christian, Heaven, Leraius, Darius, Marika, Tavian, Lerena, Benjamin, Todd, Kyler, Randy, Elizabeth, Joanna, Francis, Starlen, Arroscott, Jason Jr. Alisa, Leandra, Leonta, Realand, Victoria, Angeleigh, Randall,M’Layah, Ivory, Leo L., Noah David, Monica Yarlott. Buster, Jeremy, William, Sarah, Savanna, Nate Longsioux. His great-grandchildren are Joleo, KC, Terran, Jameson, Shawn Jr, Oscar, Aubrey, Victory, Gabrella, Romeo, Rhoa, Xia, Vayah, Aniyah, Marika, Darius Teddy, Timber, Mylee, Bobbi Jo, Addison, Adian, Aurora, Tashawn, Jaissa, Aleiah, Aria, Jalei, Paescen, Avory, Alayna, Dreyden, Jaidah. Great Great Grandchildren: Karsyn and Jailani.
Extended Families Include Bixby, Eastman, Harris, Randioux, Cunningham, Taylor, Lafave, Spottedwolf, Fighting-Bear, Fisher, Bement, Wolfname, Wolf Black and Black Wolf.
We apologize if we have forgotten anyone as we have a large family.
Darius “Ted” Rowland, age 79, of Lame Deer
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF TEDDY ROWLAND, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Andrita Harris says
Sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympathy and Condolences for the Rowland Family. Rogene so sorry for your loss. RIP Prayers
Rick/Janet Wolfname & Family says
I worked alongside Teddy @Busby School. He was proud to be Northern Cheyenne and initiated a call to change the school’s name to: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools along with his brother Dr. Frank Rowland. The family extends their condolences
Sooktis family says
Condolence to the family. Your father was a humble/ kind man. When we lost our mother lena, Your father spent time with our dad butch Sooktis. Your father Supported/comforted/listened to our dads tears during his time of loss/grief. We appreciate that. Creator definitely gained an angel. 🙏 (prayers). to teds family….🥲.
Sheila H Hart says
Condolences to you all from myself and my dad Marvin Eastman.
Tobi says
Donovan Taylor
donovanttaylor@yahoo.com
I really enjoyed laughing with you and was a football coach for you when you were principal. Dad will miss you as well Ted, uncle Ted maheo comfort the family & condolences during this very difficult time.
wayne j stein
wstein@montana.edu
To my good friend, good bye and rest in peace. You were a mentor and wise voice when I needed one as a young educator. I truly enjoyed my time with you at Penn State (what a great crew we had there) where you were one of our leaders. I always looked forward to seeing you and hearing what you and your family were up to over the years. The best to the Rowland family and friends during this tough time.
Clarice baker big back
ebig@rangeweb.net
Rest In Peace Ted. You were an awesome educator, visionary, leader, father and friend. I was privileged to graduate from Penn State with you and our other colleagues. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Diane White and Family
whitedianerae55@gmail.com
Our deepest condolences to the Rowland family. Your family will be in our prayers.
Carrie L Small
c.lilobirrd@gmail.com
My Sincere Condolences Rowland Family.
Bonnie Bigback
To all of Teddy’s family, my deepest sympathies. When he was principal and superintendent at Busby school, he was a most congenial administrator and was determined to things right for staff and students. We’re saddened to learn of his passing.
Anne Leedom, Lane
annielane91@gmail.com
It doesn’t seem fair. I’m so heavy hearted and don’t want to let go. You were an awesome Uncle to me. Being the Busby High School Principal and Mom was the School Nurse. You both wanted the best for me and I thank you so much for that. I’m also so proud to have known you and felt so bad when you started getting sick. Our family lost another strong and good spirit. Travel well, don’t forget all of us as you meet up with the ones who are also home now. It’s hard to say Goodbye thru my tears. Thank you for your wisdom and many works. I will miss your teasing when I would see you. But I will keep a smile for you in my heart. Love you Uncle, Annie
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF
littleWolf.robert@yahoo.con
TO THE FAMILY OF TEDDY ROWLAND, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Renita Brown
razylicious@gmail.com
Rest in Peace Ted.
From the Minnesota boys and I. Prayers, sweet grass and cedar for a safe journey to the next camp.
Jim and Rita Alderman & Family says
Prayers and condolences to all the family and friends. Though it’s been many years since I was introduced to to him as my cousin and I have always been impressed by the standards Teddy and his family has set. God bless you all and us as we gratefully acknowledge the gifts that come to us through others
Eugene Blackbear says
Condolences to my friend Ted, worked together closing out the Federal programs at St Labre, late 80’s!! Was an Honor to know and work with Ted, and serve on Follow Through Board with Lorena!!!! Cedar and Prayers, for Family!!!! Peva’
Doug and Eleanor Parker says
I worked with Teddy at DKMC. He was always positive. He was a great person. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Ronald Harris says
I’ll always be grateful for Ted motivating me to finish my education. I would have never achieved my college degrees if it were not for Ted.
Marilyn Mader says
Ted was always a class act and I enjoyed working with him, taking workshops from him etc. He was always someone that I looked up to . May God give the family rest and comfort.
Karen Braine Nielsen says
Condolences to the family from the family of Gary Braine. Ted was my Dad’s very dear friend-they we’re the last two of their classmates. We are so very sorry about the loss of such a wonderful person and leader for Indian Country and education.
Dawn RowlandSpang says
To my cousins, I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Ted’s passing. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. My love to you all
Daniel Snethen says
After over 30 years of teaching and having served under several administrators, I can unequivocally state that Ted Rowland was absolutely the best. He led by example and treated his staff like professionals and did everything he could to empower us. He was a quiet reserved man of immense wisdom. Our Nation needs more men and leaders like Ted. I am deeply grieved to have learned of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.