Ellen "Grace" Little Eagle

On March 19, 2024, Ellen (Grace) Little Eagle passed away peacefully from complications due Heart Failure. She was born in Amigo, WV on September 15,1938 to the late Garner Hansford and late Ellen Mae (Howington) Hawley.

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Grace was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved her career as a Register Nurse and worked for St Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, MO, for 25 years. She also loved being an active part with First People Ministries with the Community of Christ Church, this ministry’s focus is dedicated to the Native People worldwide. Grace was an ordained Elder for the church. She was a Fore-Runner for First People and was instrumental in getting one of the Circles with First People started in Independence, MO. Her ministry as the Shepherd for that group over the years was emulated through her actions of love, commitment, dedication, encouragement and her care and inclusiveness of EVERYONE that was within her realm of influence. Pastor Ellison Beggs, likened Grace to a Buffalo, which in the harshest weather, the Buffalo held his face right towards the storm. She was the same way, she never backed down, she fought for those that weren’t able to fight for themselves and fought for what she believed was right.

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She also enjoyed planning yearly Powwows with her late husband, Percy Little Eagle and a talented group of ladies and gentlemen who actively participated to make the Powwows a great experience for all. On a side note, Grace loved watching her favorite tv soap opera (Days of our Lives) and watching the Wyse Guide, Brenda Gantt, and her most favorite person the Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent. This past Fall, she got to see Rhonda Vincent in concert, which was a highlight for her. She also enjoyed watching Son Life Broadcast and listening to Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, Donnie (Jimmy’s Son), and Gabriel (Jimmy’s Grandson) and the Worship Team.

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If Grace could share one thing with you today it would be, don’t take what may appear to be the easy road. The road may appear to be smooth but can become very slippery and there are lots of people that have slid off this road. She wants to encourage you to take the road that may be filled with obstacles, challenges of all kinds, but it’s staying the course, not losing sight (hope) of the final destination, It’s not about who gets there the fastest, it’s about finishing the race, it’s about enduring to the end, no matter how bad it seems, how painful it is, how rough it feels, how tiring/weary it gets, it’s about finding that strength, the hope, the determination, and faith that only comes from the one that created you, the one who has given His ALL so that you can you can run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. Jesus is the source of endless strength, and He is more than able to provide all that you need in every circumstance you encounter.

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Along with her parents Grace is preceded in death by: Her Children (Twins) Darrell and Carol Fleshman and Son, Mark W. Fleshman, Husband, Percy A. Little Eagle, Sister, Dolly J. (Hawley) Johns.

Grace is survived by: Judith E. Auman (Daughter) of Greenwood, DE, Timothy N. Fleshman (Son) of Greenwood, DE, Gary Little Eagle (Stepson) of N. Kansas City, MO, Douglas A, Rykiel (Nephew) of Albuquerque, NM, Mary Anne (Rykiel) Brazell (Niece) and Husband Frank of W. Columbia, SC., Gene Kelly (Son, Adopted in Love) of Blue Springs, MO, Forrest (Frosty) Garth (Son Adopted in Love) and wife M’Linda of Festus, MO Seven Grandchildren: David G. Cooper and wife Joan of Naoma, WV, Amanda D. (Cooper) Schmidt and Husband Aaron of Crab Orchard, WV, Lauren E. (Cooper) Hart and Husband Jareth of Beckley, WV,  Christopher J. Fleshman of Somerset, KY, Christian A. Fleshman and Wife Julia of  Wiesenbronn, Germany, Justin N. Fleshman of  Bentonville, AR, and Rio M. Fleshman of Tulsa, Ok, Chandler (Little Eagle) Shaffer and Husband Kyle of N. Kansas, MO, and Morgan Little Eagle of N. Kansas City, MO, Eighteen Great Grandchildren, and several other family members.

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Funeral Service will be held at 1pm EDT on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Bel Air Memorial Gardens, 809 Rock Springs Rd., Bel Air, MD, 21014, Phone No, 410-838-6667 M-F

Also, the Funeral service will be on available to watch live on Zoom Meeting ID #84065846755or if you would like a copy to be emailed, please email your request to: Newjea1962@yahoo.com