Kallie Rae Walking Eagle died on January 5, 2026, at the young age of 27. The community of Valentine, Nebraska, is in grief. Although her life ended far too soon, Kallie, who was born on March 12, 1998, had a life filled of love and connection. Family, friends, and the larger community which extends from Valentine to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe areas are experiencing a profound, painful emptiness as a result of her untimely death.
As a loving mother, Kallie gave her all to raise her three kids, Kamden Walking Eagle, Kyus, and K’Von Kirkie. She filled their days with the type of unconditional love that molds a child’s world; she was their beacon of hope. Her devotion to her boys was evident to everybody who knew her, as she always prioritized their needs and built a safe and secure environment for them. Her boys would always carry her caring spirit with them since her function as a mother was fundamental to who she was.
Kallie was surrounded by a family who meant everything to her. She was the daughter of Jerilyn Walking Eagle and Donovan Bear Heels, and a sister to Hayden Bear Heels and Dayton Swisher. Her grandparents—Vida Walking Eagle, Mary Ann Bear Heels, and Gene McCowan—held a special place in her life, offering the wisdom and roots that grounded her. This family network, tied to both Nebraska and South Dakota communities, reflects the strong cultural bonds that defined Kallie’s world.
Though Kallie called Box Elder, South Dakota, home in recent years, her ties to the Valentine area and the Rosebud Reservation ran deep. The Antelope community, in particular, was a place of significance, where traditions and togetherness thrive. Her passing has rippled through these interconnected places, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of holding loved ones close.
In this time of sorrow, family and friends are coming together to honor Kallie. A caravan will depart from Holmes Funeral Home in Valentine at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 9, followed by a wake service at 7 p.m. at the Antelope Community Building in Mission, South Dakota. The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, also at the Antelope Community Building, with burial to follow at Iron Wood Cemetery in Rosebud. These gatherings offer a space to share stories, condolences, and memories, celebrating the inspiring spirit Kallie brought to so many.
Kallie’s legacy lives on through her children, her family, and the quiet ways she touched lives with kindness and resilience. Even in grief, her story continues to inspire strength and unity in the communities that loved her. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.