Maria Holy Eagle
June 6, 1951 – December 2, 2025

Maria Holy Eagle (Canku Luta Omani Win) “She Walks the Red Road,” 74, peacefully embarked on her ancestral journey in the early morning hours of December 2, 2025, surrounded by her three surviving children, and welcomed by her three children who walked on before her. Born on June 6, 1951, Maria lived a life filled with warmth, family, resilience, and a deep love for the stories told on the silver screen.

Maria was the second child of James Holy Eagle and Catherine Holy Eagle (Brings the Horses) and was born in Dupree, SD. Following in the footsteps of her mother, she enrolled at Haskell Indian College at age 18 to pursue a degree in Nursing. While at Haskell, she met Maynard Hart, and together they had two children, Ann and F. Joel Hart. After several years, she relocated to Chicago, IL, where she met the second love of her life, Juan Vargas. Together they had four children: Tada, Leticia, Justin, and Vaughn.

In 1991, Maria returned to her Lakota homelands in the Black Hills, where she immersed herself and her younger children in their ancestral culture. It was here that she found true meaning, belonging, and joy. To support her family, she worked full time in the music and books section of Prairie Edge. She cherished this work, as it allowed her to meet people from all walks of life and share her knowledge of Lakota culture with those who visited.

Maria had a lifelong passion for movies that brought her endless joy. She especially loved westerns—particularly the films of Clint Eastwood—along with foreign films such as The Red Door and Curse of the Golden Flower, and fast-paced action movies like the John Wick series. She also had a spirited love for UFC fights and frequently watched the matches with her sons, cheering on her favorite fighters.

Her compassion extended beyond people; Maria had a deep love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Over the years she welcomed many rescues into her home, providing them with safety, care, and affection.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Leticia B. Vargas; her grandson, Jasiah Vargas; her youngest son, Vaughn J. Vargas; her eldest daughter, Ann M. Hart; her sisters Elaine Holy Eagle and Dixie Holy Eagle; and her parents, James Holy Eagle (Silva) and Catherine Silva (Brings the Horses).

Maria’s memory lives on through her surviving siblings, Sonia Holy Eagle and Dino Holy Eagle; her children, F. Joel Hart, Tada R. Vargas (Shawn Garnette), and Justin J. Vargas; and her beloved grandchildren, Chaske J. White Feather, Leticia A. Black Bear, Eliseo E. Black Bear, and Caleb Fisher and her great grandson Izaiah Black Bear. She is also remembered with love by numerous extended family members, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness, humor, and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Maria, may you find eternal peace among our ancestors; your memory will forever echo in the hearts of those privileged to know you.