7/20/1940 – 4/28/2025
Lawrence
Delores Headswift Fisher – Ho’neheeohtse’hehe
Delores Headswift Fisher passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 84. Born on July 20, 1940, in Rosebud County, Montana, Delores lived a life that spanned decades of change and growth, leaving behind memories cherished by all who knew her.
Delores was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and community leader. On November 15, 1964, she married her husband, Daniel Fisher Sr., in Sheridan, Wyoming—a partnership grounded in love, faith, and dedication that endured for over 60 years.
She attended Haskell in the 1950’s when it was still an institute and returned in the 1970’s when it became Haskell Indian Junior College. She was always proud of her Northern Cheyenne heritage and committed her life to uplifting Native children and families through education and mentorship.
Known affectionately to many as “Grandma Dee,” Delores had a special gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. She believed in her students, laughed with them, and helped guide them through life’s toughest moments with patience and grace.
Over the course of her career, Delores tutored approximately ten children each year for 21 years—and continued to support students even after retiring. In all, she helped more than 200 young people build a foundation for academic success. In many cases, she supported three generations of the same family: the grandparents she once knew as children, the parents she helped guide, and the children she encouraged with the same steady heart.
She also served as a dedicated tutor for Native American Student Services (NASS), where she became a trusted mentor to many students. Each year, Delores played an important role in the school supply distribution event held before the school year began—an effort that ensured Native students had what they needed to start strong. Many students in the community remember her for her kindness, encouragement, and dependable presence at this event.
Delores is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Fisher Sr.; her sibling Wayne Headswift, and her Whiteskunk siblings; Imogen, Rosanna Jessepe, Josephine, Nell, Edward Jr., Julia (deceased), Carol, Hallie, Clarice Jacket, Mary Tweet; her children, Omalee Headswift (deceased), Sheryl Fisher, Danette Fisher, Constance (Connie) Fisher (deceased), Daniel Fisher Jr, Lance Fisher and Giovanna Gross; her grandchildren, Benji and Roberta Headswift, Erika Beerbower, Chenoa Luther, Christopher Bedeau Ⅱ, Cheyenne Fisher, JR Battiest, Derek Battiest, Jamie Battiest, Tyler Nichols, Kevin Nichols, J’Den Nichols, and Xander Gross. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and extended family who loved her deeply.
She was preceded in death by her birth parents; Frank Headswift and Helen Marie Fox, and her adopted parents, Edward and Mary Whiteskunk.
To honor Delores’s life and legacy, a casual visitation will be held for family and friends on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas. This gathering will offer an opportunity to share stories and celebrate the moments that made Delores special.
A graveside service will follow on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Ave in Lawrence. Loved ones are invited to join in prayer and final goodbyes as Delores is laid to rest next to her beloved daughter Constance (Connie) Fisher.
A potluck lunch will follow the service at Lawrence Indian United Methodist Church (950 E 21st St, Lawrence, KS) beginning at 12:00 PM. All are welcome. Please bring a dish to share if you are able.
May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew her.
To leave a message for Delores’ family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
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