Mary Young Bear

Mary E. Young Bear, “Bo-na-bi-ga”, 66, of Tama, passed away, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. A Traditional Wake will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama with Wayne Pushetonequa as speaker.

Survivors include her children, Nyla (Tysin), Sarah (Mason), Achi (Ella), Emily, and Daniel; grandchildren, Eleina, Eleron, Ethan, Gladys, Watheto, Titus, Maddox, Maya, Tysin Jr., Isabel, George Jr., and Emery; brothers, Craig (Mai), Chad, John, and Douglas; adopted mother, Danielle Davenport; adopted brothers, Luke Kapayou, and Simon Buffalo; sisters, Nina, and Doreen; adopted sisters, Marti Jefferson, Reba Blackcloud, and Jana Kapayou-Bear; numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.