Alban Vitalis Obituary

Alban Lane Vitalis
February 18, 1993 ~ May 11, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we share the passing of a beloved son, father, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend. Alban Lane 'Bootz' Vitalis- Wakinyan Tunweya Gli (Thunder Spirit Returns From Scout) was born on February 18, 1993, in Pine Ridge, SD, to Arthur Wade Vitalis and DeVonna (Two Crow, Tobacco) Vitalis. Bootz began his journey to the Nagi Yata on May 11, 2025, in Pine Ridge, SD.
Bootz left this world far too soon. His presence in this world left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was deeply cherished by his family and respected by many. His loyalty to his loved ones ran deep - as a protector, a helper, and a steady presence in the lives of those around him. Whether it was offering a hand to someone in need or checking in to say, "Are you okay?".
Bootz carried a warrior's mindset-fearless, grounded, and true to himself. He walked through life on his terms, guided by strong convictions and quiet courage. He lifted those around him, offering steady support and strength without seeking recognition. He protected, encouraged, and stood by the people he loved.
Like all of us, Bootz had his struggles. He was human, and to be human is to carry strength and imperfection. He faced life with sincerity and resilience, never pretending to be anything but real. His challenges didn't define him. What truly mattered was his loyalty, love, and how he consistently showed up for others. That is how we will never forget him.
Bootz's family extended far beyond biological ties. While he was closely connected to his immediate and extended relatives, his sense of kinship reached across the entire community. To him, the town was family-neighbors were like cousins, elders like aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and friends like brothers and sisters. He carried on with each relationship with care and loyalty, and in return, he was embraced and loved by many.
Among friends, Bootz was known for his loyalty, humor, and gift for bringing people together and welcoming them. But above all, he was the best father he could be. He cherished his children with every fiber of his being. They were his greatest pride, his deepest love, and his most joyful purpose. They are his heart. His legacy lives on in their laughter, their strength, and the love he poured into their lives.
Though he is no longer with us in body, he lives on in our hearts, our stories, and the lives he touched. We take comfort in knowing that he is now with his father and will reunite with his mother when he completes his journey.
Bootz is survived by his children, Lataysha Love Vitalis, Alban Wade Vitalis, Maximus Lukaine Vitalis, DeVonn Darrell Vitalis, and mother of his beloved children and friend Josephine 'Jody' Brewer.; brothers, Arthur Vitalis, Steven Vitalis, and Darrell (Brittany) Vitalis, Sr. and special brother to him and his brothers - Dominik Lebeaux; sister, Bessie (Donnie) LeBeau; maternal grandmother Sylvia Tobacco, Dorothy Tobacco, Ann 'Peb' Tobacco, Mary Tobacco, Deanna Paulson and Carol Lakota; maternal grandfather Steve (Jessica) Tobacco, Cicero Two Crow, Russell 'Sits' Sitting Holy and Joseph (Meg) Catches; Maternal aunts; Deborah Tobacco-Two Crow (Jake Little), Dr. Dawn Tobacco, Two Crow (Albert 'Yamni' ) Frank, Maternal uncles, Evans (Juanita) Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Donovan (Julie) Youngman Afraid of His Horses Sr., Gaven Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Gideon (Megan)Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Alec (Brandy) Morgan Jr., Darrell Two Crow Jr., Paternal aunts Margarette Vitalis, Carol Vitalis-Big Crow;Nieces and Nephews Leannah Vitalis, Angelina LeBeau, Jewelia LeBeau, Joaquin LeBeau, Kendall LeBeau, Laila Vitalis, Payton Vitalis, Nora Vitalis, Darrell "DJ" Vitalis, Jr, Christopher Vitalis, Jaycee Vitalis, Aiden Vitalis, Marisol Vitalis, Tabitha Vitalis and Brycen Vitalis; granddaughters Thyri Vitalis and Nailea Smith; grandson Kayton Clifford-Vitalis. Bootz was beloved and had a large family with many sister and brother cousins.
Bootz was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Wade Vitalis and DeVonna (Tobacco,Two Crow) Vitalis; Maternal grandfather, Darrell Two Crow Sr; Paternal grandparents, Arthur W. Vitalis and Leona (Galligo) Vitalis; Maternal great grandparents, Caroline Catches-Tobacco and Stephen 'Psin' Tobacco, Judson Two Crow and Anna 'Annie' (Chief Eagle) Two Crow; Paternal great grandparents Julia Angelina Roan Eagle, Martin Jaye Galligo, Margaret Myrtle Shangreaux-Galligo; Uncles, William A. Vitalis, Francis Jamie Big Crow, Richard John Galligo, Manuel Catches, Daryl Saucedo; Aunts- Jessica Ray Tobacco – Pettigrew, Wendy Vitalis-Deschamp, and Attilla Vitalis cousins, Shayna Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Hayden Youngman Afraid of His Horses.
Pallbearers are Romy Janis, Meco Goings, Gabe Dreamer, Gordon Pourier, Oscar Saucedo, Darren "Hobe" Ecoffey, Casey Means, Lawrence "LJ" Lewis, George Dreamer, Jr., Dominik 'Dom' LeBeaux, Gabriel Means, and Matt Tobacco
His Honorary pallbearers Tiffany (Frank) Sitting Holy- Goings & Family, Tina Sitting Holy & Family, Tara Sitting Holy & Family, Tracie Sitting Holy & Family, Tyann Sitting Holy & Family, Brandi (Joe) Richards & Family, Tyrell Sitting Holy, Felicia Saucedo & Family, Ashley Ten Fingers & Family, Joni (Pete) Capossela & Family, Loni Weston & Family, Sharon Tobacco, Stevie (Tyler) Little Finger & Family, Belva Clifford & Family, Kristie Yellow Boy & Family, Toni Morton & Family, Essence Tobacco, Steve Tobacco & Family, John Provost, Lars Backwards, Robert Palmier & Family, Dean Patton & Family, Paul Wayne Ecoffey, Dallas Greenwald, Willis Lakota, Mike Jack, Quincy Means, Will Tymes, Lisa High Wolf, Ray High Wolf, Vince Brewer, Anthony Whalen & Family, Frank Ghost, Kylie Weston, J.C. Twiss, Mike Hernandez, Jr., Gene "Popcorn" Tyon & Family, Cora Janis & Family, Francine Janis & Family, Emerald Janis & Family, Veronica Janis & Family, Alice Wilcox & Family, Ginger & Erica Anduja, Jordan & Lisa Pourier, Martin Zephier & Family, Angela (Vince) LeBeau & Family, Eric Anduja, Missy Goings & Family, Jace Wilson, Holly Wilson & Family, Candace Elliott & Family, Francis Big Crow, Jr. & Family, Laura Big Crow & Family, Deanna Big Crow & Family, James Red Cloud, Lafawn Conroy, Gwen Colhoff & Family, Herb Colhoff, Charles Colhoff, Melanie Brewer, Daphne Janis & Family, Barton Ecoffey, Gabe Means & Family, Portia Means & Family, Anpo Jensen, Marilyn Frank, Caroline Frank, Gary Dean Pourier, Jr. & Family, Saige Pourier (Hawk Eye) Montileaux, Tasina Tobacco and Peta Returns From Scout, Wahpe To Win (Joquin) Tobacco, Ann-Marie Amiotte & Family, Legend Tobacco & Family, Jody Bird Head & Family, Mark Weston & Family, Vern Weston & Family, Dominique Saucedo, Mike (Whisper) Catches The Enemy, Mike Richards, Gracie Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Evans Loyd Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Jake Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Kenan Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Evie Etta Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Donavan Youngman Afraid of His Horses Jr., River Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Majorlee (Santiago)Youngman Afraid of His Horses & Family, Joie Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Lucy Jean Youngman Afraid of His Horses, Aben and Abeline Morgan, 'Papa' Chris Whiting, Stephanie Two Crow & Family, Brenda Youngman & Family, Godiva 'Aunty Babe' Hunter, Bernice (Jim) Green, Regina Tobacco & Family, Frances Brewer, Derek Carpio, Josephine Brewer, Julian Rodriguez & Family, Lyle Pilcher, Lance Brewer, Jeremy Crow, Jayme & Family, Carter Dixon & Family, RaeDean Red Shirt, Whalen Boys, All Hurricanes Players and OST's Finest Players, Family Tradition Fast Pitch Team, and all Family, relatives, & friends.
We sincerely thank his friends for standing by him and offering unwavering support throughout his life. We also apologize in advance if any friends or family members were left out or not mentioned-please understand this is a difficult time. Any omissions are unintentional and meant with no disrespect. All who knew and loved Bootz are warmly invited to honor his life and share in memory as he begins his journey.
Wake Services: One-night wake service will start at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Wolf Creek School Gymnasium near Pine Ridge, SD, with evening services starting at 7:00 PM. Depart at Sioux Funeral Home at 2:00 pm.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Wolf Creek School Gymnasium in Pine Ridge, SD
Officiating: Mother Michelle Dayton
Traditional Lakota Services: Mike Catches The Enemy
Burial Services: Tobacco Family Cemetery, Tobacco Road, Calico, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD
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