Deborah Marie Yarlott

Our hearts are heavy, as we have lost a member of our own at Little Big Horn College. We are especially saddened for our beloved leader, her husband, Chung-Su, as she affectionately referred to him..for her children, and grandchildren, sisters, brothers, and all her family and friends who mourn for her passing. We also celebrate her life and the many contributions she has made to LBHC, the Crow community, her family and friends. I'd like to share with all of you today, memories shared by myself and others in the place we called "the smoke shack", and the many heartfelt, fun and loving aspects of this loving, generous and God loving human being...she has touched our hearts and lives in so many ways, and what follows is a loving tribute to her life in a brief essay dedicated to all who loved and cherished her, especially those had the privilege to know her dedication to education, the college, students, family and the Crow community at large and how she demonstrated this not just by her words, but by her actions......

Lessons from the Smoke Shack

When the smoke shack was first being constructed, she mentioned that she had asked Dr. Yarlott to put carpeting, an air conditioner and heating..and of course the all important coffee pot..he laughed and replied with a resounding "NO", and said "that thing between your fingers is your heater"....yet we would tease him about fulfilling our requests for more "comfort" in our smoke shack when he and Carlton would walk by..she often worried about not spending too much time there, as she knew that "some people" would complain, but for those who were not present, I tell you that it was in this place where I learned of her undying love for her family, the Crow people and its traditions, her love of God, Jesus and the bible, and her dedication towards education and the students at LBHC. This "place" that so many looked down on, was in many ways, a meeting place where we discussed important issues about the world, our community, our kids, and our grandkids, whom she loved so very much..She was so very proud of her family, and shared her pride for their accomplishments with those of us who would accompany her, such as Michelle Gasek, Mary Garcia, and Jonella Hill among others. I, and many others looked up to her, relied upon her for guidance and support, and whether asked or not, she always prayed for those who were hurting....even for those who criticized her. Deborah would literally and figuratively give the shirt off her back to help others. When I and her niece, Connie Howe, first came back over three years ago to work at the college again, neither of us had appropriate "work" clothes to wear...she brought me two huge garbage bags full of clothes, and Connie as well...this she did without hesitation, demonstrating with her actions, a deeply generous spirit. Deborah loved to pray, not just for people, but for all living things....when we were landscaping the front of the sub, she told me that she was praying for them to survive, and I asked her to bless them once the project was finished, which she did so without hesitation. My clan sister April Dillon Story and I were talking about how she never looked down on anybody...she had such a kind heart and for those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her, only know so well. She showed her support for the college and students in so many ways....always supporting student organization fund raising activities....Deborah always helped students, but would also find those who had not completed their paperwork for TRIO or those who were not attending class, and get after those students....but did so out of love and a deep desire to see each of them succeed.

The weekly TRIO sack lunches on Wednesday's were just one example among many others, of her desire to enable each student to succeed not only in education but in life as well. When there was a feed at the college for a "wiping of the tears", she would not only provide food, but would serve, and ultimately be one of the few who would clean up afterwards...these were the actions, not words, witnessed by many, acknowledged by few, save her family and especially her loving husband, our beloved leader of the college.

Deborah seemed to have problems with hanging onto lighters...I and others would even give her lighters, which she would ultimately lose...perhaps this was her way of teaching us to keep the light within ourselves, the light of God, to pray when your spirit is downtrodden, and ask for guidance from the Lord, and pray for those less fortunate. She was always willing to give of herself, the time someone may be in need of a shoulder to cry on, or needing advice, these were often the reasons why one would see her in the "smoke shack", for which I can knowingly attest to, having been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of her counsel. If there is any solace in losing her, we can embrace her memories, the funny stories, her wisdom, kind heart, generous spirit, and love of family, dedication to LBHC, which she was always so willing to share with those who were willing to listen...you are now "in the light", and we carry you with us in our hearts forever....

V. Scott-Small 12/22/08

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