Hazel Page Bonner

Hazel was born to George and Mary Day on August 22nd, 1943 in Sturgis, SD and raised in Newell, SD. She also spent time in the south before returning to Rapid City, SD where she raised her three children.

Hazel had a passion for knowledge and earned multiple degrees. Including: a Bachelor of Science (BS) in English and History with a minor in French (1965), a Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice and Political Science (1985), and a Juris Doctor (JD) with emphasis on Civil Rights and Criminal Justice (1993).

Over the course of her life, Hazel was active in the Civil Rights Movement and was proudly accepted into the Native American community as one of their own. She fought tirelessly for the marginalized taking part in many protests and causes from the Martin Luther King, Jr. March on Washington (1963) and the No Justice, No Peace protests following the horrific beating of Rodney King (1992). To numerous Indigenous causes, including the Wounded Knee Occupation (1973) where she joined with churches on the reservation to provide food and medical supplies. She was also a staunch defender of anti-death penalty legislation and prisoner rights. Part of innumerable legal proceedings, Hazel spent countless hours preparing documents, standing up in court, and fighting a system fraught with inequality. In doing so, she helped a variety of people go free, receive reduced sentences, and win litigation battles.

As an educator, Hazel taught multiple age groups from pre-school to college. She absolutely adored teaching. Especially children and young adults. Her last positions in education before retirement were with Oglala Lakota College and North Middle School where she also mentored in after school programs. Known to many as Grandma Hazel, she was an active member in the Foster Grandparents program and a regular volunteer at Outdoor Campus.

Hazel loved to read, walk and volunteer. She often visited and assisted those in need through The Cornerstone Rescue Mission, helped people prepare their taxes via the Minneluzahan Senior Center, and took part in projects with the local Boys Club and The Journey Museum. As well as participating in get out the vote and other political community events and recovery and restoration efforts following the Black Hills flood (1972). Selfless and caring, Hazel also gave to multiple charities such as The Audubon Society, Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

In her final years, Hazel moved to Colorado to be closer to family. Taking part in multiple activities and sitting on the Resident Council of her facility, Hazel remained energetic to the end. Even after suffering a major frontal lobe stroke in January of 2023, she did her best to fight on. In the end, Hazel succumbed to a lung infection and congestive heart failure. At 81, on October 31st, 2024, she passed peacefully with family at her side.

Living a tremendously selfless existence. Hazel was a beacon for equality and justice her entire life. A mentor, teacher, and legal scholar. Hazel used her talents to help those in need for decades. She will be missed, but not forgotten.

We love you mommy!!