Lorene (Big Eagle) Rolette

Lorene (Big Eagle) Rolette, Cheyenne-Kiowa, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at the age of 81. She was born to parents John Big Eagle and Sarah Ataumbi-Big Eagle in El Reno, Oklahoma on December 4, 1939 and given the name Singing Woman.

Lorene loved to play softball and travel with her parents, attending pow-wows and ceremonies from which she developed a love for the beat of the drum. She graduated from Chilocco Indian School and then continued her education at Haskell in Lawerence, KS where she eventually met her future husband. While at both of these schools she developed long lasting friendships.

On January 2, 1963, Lorene married the love of her life, Travis “Antone” Rolette, and they formed an inseparable bond and loving union for 58 eventful years. Together they raised two daughters, whom they loved very much. Lorene and Antone with loving hearts, opened their home to other children in the family, helping to raise nephews and grandchildren.

Throughout Lorene’s life, she was known for her friendship and willingness to help people. Her generosity with friends, and especially family, was always heartfelt and deep. Lorene loved to attend pow-wows, was chosen to represent the Southern Cheyenne as royalty in her youth, and was a life-long dancer. Retiring after 23 years at General Motors, she soon began traveling to see new places and visit family. Lorene was a dedicated Sooner, never missing beloved OU football games.

Lorene will be missed by all who knew her and loved her dearly.

Lorene Rolette is preceded in death by parents John and Sarah Big Eagle, twin sister Irene Big Eagle, sister Maudine Kauley- Carpenter, sister Jeri Ah-be-hill, brother Leon Blackowl, and brother Curtis Big Eagle Sr.

Lorene is survived by her husband Travis “Antone” Rolette of 58 years; her daughters Sharon Oster and Kim Rolette; grandchildren Jacob Ceder, Ashley Big Eagle, Ahbedoh White Eagle, Animkeewa White Eagle and Amber Big Eagle; nieces Teri Greeves and Keri Ataumbi of NM; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, in-laws and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 10AM – 7PM with services held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10AM. Visitation and the service will be held at Ingram, Smith and Turner Funeral Home, Yukon, OK. Burial will be at El Reno Cemetery. All CDC guidelines for face coverings and social distancing will be enforced.

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