Lois Baker, age 89, of Winner, passed away on December 3, 2017 at the Sanford Hospital in Bismarck, ND. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Okreek Episcopal Church in Okreek. Burial will follow at the Winner City Cemetery. Wake Services will be held at 7:00 PM  Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the Okreek Episcopal Church.

Lois Colombe-Baker born Feburary 7th, 1928 to John and Sarah Colombe. Lois was born in Okreek and delivered by her grandmother Lizzie Colombe. Lois is the youngest of four children. Her sisters were Elizabeth Clifford of St. Francis S.D. and Jenny Long of Winner S.D. and a brother  Winford Colombe. Lois, her parents and siblings were all enrolled members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Lois attended and graduated at Winner High  School. After high school Lois worked various jobs in South Dakota. In the 1950's Lois took part in a National Native American Jobs Program referred to as "Relocation." Lois traveled to Chicago, IL. to work.

It was in Chicago where Lois meet her husband Odric Baker of Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in Hayward, Wisconsin.  After being married in Illinois Lois started a family in which she had four children: Odric Jr., Oriann, O'Brien and O'Neil.

She spent her work years at various tribal jobs, but most importantly at White Buffalo Calf Woman's Society. Lois was part of the founding women that advocated and supported the need for a women shelter.  She worked with abused women and children  to provide shelter and support for them.

In her retirement Lois spent time with her children and grandchildren, all of whom she cherished.

Oriann, Lois's daughter, has fond memories of her mother traveling to various powwows around the country. Lois also went with Oriann and her newborn twins, Tristan and Leelee, to Princeton, New Jersey.  Lois took care of the twins while her daughter attended a summer scholar program. Oriann is married to Clement Baker of Mandaree, ND. Their children are Leighton, Eldon, Alyssa, Tristan and Leelee.

Odric Jr. preceeded his mother in death. Odric was married to Divina and had three children: Johnny, Isaac and Lynn Baker. Lois  loved to spend time with her grandchildren.

O'Brien cared for Lois for the past 4 years. Spending Sundays watching football with her.

Lois loved when Oneil's children; Nathaniel, Britney, and Jake would come to visit. She was their biggest fan and was always supportive. Lois was Oneil's hero. He has many great memories of his mother. She will be missed by all of her nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.