Melody Mae Thin Elk (Merrick), an enrolled member of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (End Village-Yankton Sioux Tribe), completed her Mother Earth journey on November 10, 2024, due to complications related to Microscopic Vasculitis. She bravely battled this illness for many years and overcame countless obstacles with incredible strength and resilience.

Melody was a warrior, a survivor, and a fierce protector a devoted grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend.

Melody was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD and was raised in Vermillion, South Dakota where she spent her childhood and young adult years before moving to Lake Andes, South Dakota, in 2007. She was the proud mother of three children, Hunter, Hayden, and Haylee DeNoyer, and the loving grandmother of two grandchildren who were truly the light of her life.

As the eldest daughter in her family, Melody was a guiding light. She was raised in both the Native American Church and Lakota ceremonial traditions. A Sundancer and a woman deeply connected to her cultural ways, she lived with passion, purpose, and profound love for her community and traditional life-ways.

Melody deeply appreciated the arts- she loved film, music, and reading.

She had a lifelong fascination with the ocean and at one point dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. She adored dolphins and took a great interest in the healing properties of crystals. Melody was also a gifted cook, often found in the kitchen with her mother, preparing elaborate holiday meals filled with love.

According to her wishes, her family will hold a private service at her mother's home on April 26, 2025. A tree will be planted in her honor, symbolizing her strong and lasting roots within her family, community, and the land she loved.

She is survived by her parents; one son, Hunter DeNoyer; two daughters, Hayden and Haylee DeNoyer; two grandchildren, Alazaya Goulette and Archer, four sisters, six brothers, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

Honorary Pallbearers: Oyate Means, Tipi Means, Tipiziwin Tolman, Stephanie Williams, Sarah Wells, Ampah Danielson, Denise Brave Heart In November of 2025, we will hold a public memorial to celebrate Melody's life. All family and friends are welcome to come and honor her legacy.