Samelia Pettibone

     Samelia Greer Pettibone, “Coonąkeiga” (Walks in Front), 69, died Monday, March 28, 2022, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse surrounded by her loving family.

     He-no was born April 30, 1952, in Madison to Lorraine (Snowball) and Virgil Pettibone Sr. Being the matriarch came naturally for He-no, as she was the eldest daughter. He-no was a role model to her several younger siblings. He-no was a construction worker and an elder caregiver. She loved to cook, especially for the ones she loved most. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and greats.

     She loved going to the casino and was an avid fan of bingo. He-no liked old TV programs like “Little House on the Prairie.” She could shoot pretty good pool and even traveled one year to Las Vegas for the tournaments. He-no loved to travel, just about anywhere if given the opportunity. When the weather was just right, she enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. She could always find rarities at local rummage sales. He-no was a dog lover and had many companions throughout her life. Her quick-witted jokes and contagious laugh will be deeply missed. 

     Surviving Samelia are her children, Scott Edward Hopinkah, Lynette Hopinkah and Christie (Jeff) Conn; her grandchildren, Lacey Hopinkah, Lorraine Hopinkah, Jeffrey Warner, Destina Warner, Laurelei Ryan, Ileesiah Ryan, Geralyn Conn, Nevaya Conn, Krisi Conn, Geracyn Conn and Jonathon Conn; her seven great-grandchildren; her brothers, Virgil (Lori) Pettibone Jr. and Roger “Hutch” Pettibone; as well as numerous nieces nephews; and other friends and relatives.

     He-no was preceded in death by both of her parents; an infant daughter, Theresa Ann LeGarde; and her brother, Jeffrey Pettibone.

     Funeral services for Samelia were held Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at the Buswell Funeral Home, 106 S. Second St., in Black River Falls, WI. Chief Clayton Winneshiek officiated, and burial followed in the Decorah Cemetery. Friends came to a visitation with the family Thursday morning at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before the service.

     The Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls is serving the family, 715-284-2231.