Rosemary "Pinky" Hail Conner, age 81, quietly passed away October 18, 2021 in Lakeville, MN after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Rosemary was born on October 15, 1940 in Concho, Oklahoma to Ralph Elmo and Amanda (nee Roman Nose) Hail. She attended Indian schools in her youth, graduating from Chilocco Indian School in 1959. Subsequently she attended Arkansas Junior College, and Union College (Kentucky). A member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, she is one-half Arapaho and one-half Cheyenne. She is the great, great granddaughter of two Cheyenne chiefs - Roman Nose and Iron Shirt - and the great granddaughter of Hail, an Arapaho chief. On November 10, 1965, the night the US Marine Corps celebrated its 190th birthday in Cherry Point, NC Private Rosemary Hail met Sergeant David Michael Conner and they went on to marry the following year. They started a family and eventually settled in Fairfax, VA. Virginia would serve as their home base through years of travel and time spent living abroad. Dave was a US Foreign Service Officer in the Diplomatic Corps and they spent two tours in Nairobi, Kenya. East Africa created some of her most cherished memories with her family and it was there that she developed her passion for golf and travel. Although she took up golf late in life, she became an exceptional player achieving the elusive hole in one on not just a single occasion but twice within the same year. Rosemary was very active in Native American activities, volunteering time to discuss the culture, traditions and beliefs in public schools and clubs. She loved to travel to powwows through the US and represent the Southern Plains tribes in dancing competitions. Rosemary held several offices in the North American Indian Women's Association (NAIWA), including terms as National Treasurer, and President of the District of Columbia/Virginia chapter. She was a longstanding member of the American Indian Society in Washington DC. Rosemary moved to Minnesota in 2019 to join her son's family after her husband of 54 years David Michael Conner passed away. It was her wish to be returned to Oklahoma upon her passing so she could rest eternally in the land of her tribe and ancestors. Rosemary is survived by her children Dawn Standing Barahona (Ozzie) of Ottawa Ontario Canada, Jennifer Conner DeMarco (Anthony) of Mechanicville, New York and David B. Conner II (Corrin) of Lakeville, MN, grandsons David Michael, Benjamin, Tyberius and grand stepdaughters Ellen, Kathryn, and Margaret. Brother Delbert Hail (Frankie) and his step children Kenny Lime, Carlos, and Bernice. Brother Larry Roman Nose (Pauline) and their children Lorenzo, Nona, Alan, and Lawrence. Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband David Conner and her brother Paul Hail.Huber-Benson Funeral Home at 100 S. Baker Ave., El Reno, Oklahoma will be handling her services with a viewing on Friday, October 29, from 5 PM to 7 PM, as well as a Funeral service at 10 AM, Saturday, October 30. 2021 also at the funeral home. A graveside service at El Reno Cemetery will follow.
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