Eugene Geoffrey Iron Rope

Eugene "Gene" Geoffrey Iron Rope, age 88, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away, Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.  
 
Gene was born March 5, 1931, in Black Pipe, South Dakota to Peter and Susie (Lone Bear) Iron Rope. 

In Gene's early years of his life, were spent in Black Pipe with his parents and siblings. His father served on the police force on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He attended school in Wanblee, SD through the eight grade. 

Eventually the Ti`wahe (family) moved to Alliance, NE. He spoke of his mothers sadness of the loss of her daughter and wanting to stay in Alliance. Gene worked for his brother in a custom haying company and also in various farm and ranch jobs. 

Gene met Ramona Two Eagle in Alliance and the two were united in marriage in Ogallala in 1985. In February 1979, Eugene relocated to Ogallala and became employed at the Ogallala Livestock. He was a dependable fixture at the sale barn for many years, retiring in 2014. Gene was given an award for his excellent work ethic over the years, which made the newspapers. 

Although choosing to live in Nebraska, he practiced his traditional beliefs of the Lakota Nation. Gene was a pipe keeper, a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, and enjoyed playing bingo. He attended AA for many years. 

Preceding him in death was his wife Ramona; his parents, Peter Iron Rope, Sr, and Susie (Lone Bear) Iron Rope; one sister: Darlene Iron Rope; and two brothers: Peter Iron Rope, Jr., and Abel Iron Rope, Sr.; a nephew, Edison Richards; nieces, Carol Iron Rope Herrera, Rita Iron Rope, and Twi Twi Iron Rope; and nephews: Edwin Iron Rope, Abel Iron Rope, Jr., and Peter Iron Rope.

Gene is survived by nieces; Crystal Shields, Darlene Iron Rope; nephew, Sandor Iron Rope; grandchildren; Shena Kills Back & Wohkage Sna Mani; numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.    
 
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2020 in the Draucker Funeral Chapel. 
     
A rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2020 in the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel with Father Bryan Ernest of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala officiating. 

Native American Church Ceremonies will be held Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th 2020 in Upper Cut Meat, South Dakota, with Spiritual Leaders Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Fool Bull officiating, Traditional Lakota Services will follow.  

Interment will be Saturday, March 7, 2020 in the Sacred Heart Cemetery near Parmelee, S.D.

Online condolences may be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com and clicking the Share a Memory or the Tribute Wall Button. 

Memorials have been established in his memory. 
 
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.