Ann Marie Hart was born to Maria Holy Eagle and Maynard Hart on November 30, 1969 in Rapid City, SD. She spent her younger years growing up in Rapid City, spending a lot of time with her maternal Grandmother Catherine Brings Horse. In her early teen years, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois and became a resident for the next 16 years. While in Chicago, she was an asset to the Indian community through her work at Newberry Library, Vision Service Plan, and the American Indian Center Powwow.

Ann returned home to the Black Hills in 1999, where she obtained a Bachelors Degree from Oglala Lakota College in Accounting and Business Management. She then utilized her education and skills at several organizations such as the Black Hills Powwow Association, Gonzalez Law Offices, and GreenTree.

Ann was a light of the world. She was a free spirit who touched the hearts of many people and many circles. Ann exemplified diplomacy while she served her community through volunteerism, advocacy, and friendship. She committed herself to her people through the Sun Dance and Lakota tradition. Ann was a great friend, sister, daughter, mother, and relative.

Ann was loved by all people. She had a mind of empathy and the heart of a lion. She traveled to interesting locations. She worked at fascinating places. She met extravagant people. Ann lived a life of experiences. Some of her last words were “I don’t want people to be mad. I don’t want anyone to be hurt from this. I lived with pain and I don’t want any of that for anybody. I don’t want anybody holding onto pain.” Even in Ann’s last days she was still thinking of others. It is how she lived so it is how she will be remembered.

Ann is survived by her son, Chaske White Feather, her mother, Maria Holy Eagle, her father, Maynard Hart, her sister, Tada Vargas, and her brothers, Joel Hart, Justin Vargas, and Vaughn Vargas. Ann also has many who love and will miss her in her Tiospaye, the Beans, the Medicines, the Holy Eagles, the Harts, plus many more.