Clairene Arkeketa

Clairene CrazyBear Arkeketa, age 88, was called home to be with our lord and savior on May 30^th, 2024. Clairene is a proud member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma and was born March 29, 1936, to Nora and Perry CrazyBear of Ponca City. In 1955 Clairene was married to Alfred (T-Bone) Arkeketa and shortly after they had children – Alfred Jr., Spencer, Jewel, Diane, Ben, Perry, Bennett, Rose Marie.

After 32 years working for the Ponca City Public Schools Clairene retired in 2002. She had the privilege of getting to know quite of few students from K-12 grades and quickly became known as the ‘auntie’ for those who knew her. After retirement, she continued to work for the Ponca Tribe by taking on numerous roles that gave her an opportunity to continue to teach the young and share ‘old’ stories with family that she met throughout the years.  

Her hobbies included reading under a tree during the cool summer days, watching her kids and grandchildren play sports and visiting her family and friends. She was a member of the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church where she was a member of the choir and loved to travel and sing (share) our Ponca hymns for others. She looked forward to the annual Ponca Powwow because it gave her a chance to see family from near and far, catching up during a good visit was always her favorite moments. She raised multiple children from her young age of 21 all the way through 88. She had a huge heart and never let anyone go without.  

Survivors include children: Jewel Walkingsky, husband Preston; Spencer Arkeketa, wife Cheryl; Diane Roughface, husband Jim; Ben Arkeketa, wife Cami; Bennett ‘Gump’ Crazybear; daughter-in-law Thomasine Arkeketa, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Clairene was proceeded in death by her parents Nora and Perry Crazybear, her husband Alfred Arkeketa (Sr.), her sons – Alfred Arkeketa (Jr.) and Perry Jo Arkeketa.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday June 2, 2024 – noon meal followed by the service at 2pm at the Cultural Center in WhiteEagle, Ok.  Burial will follow at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery.