Juanita “Teetee” Robinson Lonebear was born February 25, 1938, the youngest child of James “Major” Robinson and Nellie Pearl Spang Robinson. Her Cheyenne name was Mókéé’e, “Little Woman.” She was an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and a descendant of the Oglala Lakota. Teetee was a change of life baby, the last of 6 children, and she was more of a sister to many of her nephews and nieces who were just a few years younger than her. Her brother James couldn’t say her name Juanita so he called her “Teetee” and the name stuck with her throughout her life. Teetee is the last of the original Robinsons. She loved all the Robinson children and grandchildren as her own after her siblings passed.
Growing up on the family ranch at Muddy Creek, she was surrounded by a large family of siblings: Dave, Bee, Dolly, Buell, and James. She and her siblings would ride horseback for 3 miles one-way to attend grade school at the little schoolhouse on the forks of Muddy Creek. It was a beautiful childhood filled with fun, adventure, and hard work. Like many young ladies of her generation, she left school before graduating high school and later obtained her G.E.D.—a decision that influenced her career helping others to do the same.
Mom was a very strong woman. She married Emil Fraser in 1952. That union dissolved after 8 years and she went on to raise her four children single handedly for 10 more years: Dixie, Barry, Jay, and Yolanda. She was still very young, only 22 years old, but managed to put food on the table, keep a home, and a running vehicle. Later, she had two more sons: Bob and Jeff. In 1967, she met LaForce Lee Lonebear and with that union came Faithe, Bridgette, Robert, and Rielly. Teetee and Lee began a long life together and they had two more children, Melissa and Kevin. She lost her 17-year old son Jeff in a terrible car accident, but she was blessed to raise Jeff’s infant daughter, Chasity, as her own. Mom always made sure her children had the important things in life: love and guidance.
Mom’s heart was huge and her capacity to love was endless. Not only did she love all her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren deeply, she also loved many other children during her life. Teetee opened her home to all. She enjoyed hosting Lee’s friends and guests from all over Indian Country, even international guests. She was an amazing cook and delighted in preparing huge quantities of food. Her pancakes, goulash, shepherd’s pie, noodles, cherry salad, and carrot cake, were some of the many favorites.
In 1979, she began a very long career as the Adult Education Director at Chief Dull Knife College (CDKC). Throughout her many years at CDKC, she helped hundreds of Northern Cheyenne community members obtain their high school diploma. Many of them went on to finish their degrees at CDKC, and several continued to complete bachelors and even graduate degrees. Her legacy in the community spans generations, but she was always humble. Teetee was a mentor to many and a colleague loved by all.
Her other “job” was being the wife of Lee Lonebear, a powwow man, spiritual leader, tribal councilman, and coach. That in itself was nearly a full-time job. The two traveled for 20+ years with their many basketball and boxing teams. Teetee was in charge of the fundraising, and for 11 years they took teams to the All West Native American Classics in Denver, CO. She was always able to secure enough money to take a full entourage and create life-long memories. No matter how Teetee came into your life, you felt her love and caring spirit. She will be deeply missed.
Teetee was preceded in death by her Father: Major, Mother: Nellie, Brothers: David, Buell, Bee & James, Sister: Dolly, Sons: Barry, Jeff, Robert & Wilbur, Grandsons: Caleb, Taryn & Tyrel, and Great Granddaughters: Lola & Kaysera. Teetee is survived by her Sons: Jay, Bob, Kevin & Richard, Daughters: Dixie, Yolanda, Faithe, Bridgette, Melissa, & Chasity. She has 34 grandchildren: Landon, Joel, Anya, QJ, Andrea, Tala, Kyle, Phillip, Clay, Dari, Chani, Janea, Alethea, Alan, Justin, Craig, Lauren, Royce, Timmy, Anthony, Kaysha, Jordan, Shontee, Nota, Kasey, Kori, Kaden, Karson, Kort, Tye, Amaya, Brett, Ajay & Travis; 75 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her in-laws: Laura Lonebear, Leah Lonebear & George Scalpcane; her special niece Sara Young & her children Wendell, Frederica and the late Heather Lefthand, a special adopted son and daughter, David Wilson and Carol Ward; and her numerous adopted sons, daughters, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank her caregivers: Martha Burton, Sable Kerzmann, Brandi Robinson, Boola Spang, Paula Castro, and Barbara Harris. Our family is very large, and we apologize we were not able to list everyone by name who was dear to her.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF JUANITA LUCY LONEBEAR, 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.
Melissa Royston-Whitewolf says
Big Melis & Family,
Sending my deepest condolences to your family. TeeTee was simply the best! God Bless you all.
Lil Melis
Monica Norse (Littlebird) says
Melissa, Kevin, Faith, and the rest of the family. I am so sorry for your loss. sending my deepest condolences to your entire family. my prayers are with you all during this time. Maheo comfort you.
Misty LaFranier says
Melissa, Chas, Kevin, Jay and the rest of Tee tee’s beautiful family. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Tee tee was a strong WOMAN that raised many children, taught and passed on many traditions, made a huge impact in the community of Lame Deer, and now her work is done here on earth, may her beautiful soul RIP…. To all her children and grandchildren that loved her dearly, God Bless you and keep you!!!
Glenda Littlebird says
Rest in peace dear Teetee. Hugs and prayers to her family.
Mary Dillon says
Sending love ,prayers and my deepest sympathy I pray Gods comfort to all of you. Mary Dillon
Rolanda Eagle says
My condolences to the family. Teetee always helped me when I went to go and attempt to receive my GED. I think I tried every year when I live in Lame Deer. She always gave me encouraging words to keep trying. I didn’t complete my GED program when I lived in Lame Deer. I hung on to her words and she told me that where every I go or end up to just keep trying for my GED. Eventually, years later, I completed and received my GED in 2014 in Billings. I never got to thank her and tell her that I completed. I always wanted to thank her for the encouragement that she impacted in my life. Thank you Teetee.
Keith says
My Heart is Heavy…. Nea’ese Teetee for always being Good to me & your caring Loving Heart for always taking care of us when we was younger. My Condolences to Kevin & Melissa & All your Children… Nah’dah’ha’sah’womhz💜🙏
Mike Robinson says
My condolences to the family of Juanita Lonebear. Nita was very near my age but we got along very well. I hadn’t seen her in a long time but l thought about her often over the years and how well she treated people. She will be missed by many. May she rest in peace now.
Nadine Tallbull Blackman says
My heart and thoughts are with you! Prayers and Love to you and your family!
Bobbi Limberhand says
I remember TeeTee when her and my Mom worked together for many years for Chief Dull Knife College, as kids we all hung around the College after school, like our second home. TeeTee and my Mother were more than co workers they were more like Sisters working together for so many years with the College. And the best was we were all raised down the street from you all!! TeeTee was an Awesome mother to many and she will be greatly missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time! God Bless you all!
Sandra Fox says
Condolences from her Oglala relatives of South Dakota.
Dennis and Bonnie Beardontwalk says
Beautiful lady inside and out. Very grateful for her helping 2 of our son’s get their GED. Prayers for comfort to her family as they lay her down to rest. God bless.
Janie Spang says
Sending Prayers, Condolences, Hugs, and Love ❤️ to the entire families of beautiful TeeTee. May you all find peace and comfort by sharing sweet memories with each other. TeeTee will be joining the Angels and watching over all of you. From my family to all of yours. Janie Spang and family.
Glenda Corbin says
Please accept my condolences on the death of your mother. Rest easy Aunt TT.
Clementine Seminole says
Thank you teetee I appreciate the help and encouragement in obtaining my GED back in 2005 .sending my sincere condolences to the family.
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
My sincerest and deepest condolences to the family, all the blessings to all💔💔💔💔 It’s sad to let our loved ones go, may Maheo wrap loving, gentle love around you~💔~
Jim and Rita Alderman says
Our sincere prayers and condolences go out to the family during this sad time. She was a very nice lady that always had that beautiful smile she wore always like that picture. God bless her and the wonderful family brought into this world as God holds all of our Treasures
Andrita Harris says
Robinson & Lonebear & Fraser family
My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family and prayers to all. TEETEE will be missed. RIP CUZ
max small says
Rest and peace TT you were always a friend to me..I know you are in heaven with your loved ones..
Clayton Small, Sr says
Melissa, Kevin and the large family of TeeTee and Lee, our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow and grief for the loss of your mother. Losing our parents is a huge loss in our lives and I encourage you to celebrate her fabulous life and cherish all the memories and that keeps her with you always…Lee and TeeTee were awesome mentors and friends to me in our Cheyenne ceremonies and I will always remember their generosity, compassion and goodness…
Jean Lemire Dahlman says
I was privileged to work with Juanita for several years as a fellow GED instructor and director of the GED program in Forsyth. She was a wonderful colleague and a wonderful lady. She gave so much to her stuents and to the community. I admired and respected her very much. People like Juanita do not come along very often. We will all miss her.
My condolences to her family.