Arlene R. “Shawnee” Blackcloud, 76, of Tama, passed away, June 2, 2026 at UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown Hospital. A Traditional Wake will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama.

Arlene was born on February 22, 1950, in Tama, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur Blackcloud Sr. and Frances Poweshiek.

Shawnee enjoyed playing Bingo, slot machines, and gardening. She always looked forward to Senior Center Bone Dice. Shawnee found her greatest joy in family, especially in the love and laughter shared with her cherished grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Holly Youngbear (Jeffrey) Schrock of Toledo; sons, Heliodoro Ortiz of Tama, and Jesse Ortiz (Jennifer Edwards) of Toledo; grandkids, Mary Ortiz, Helio Ortiz, and Selena Ortiz, all of Tama, Max (Hsawah) Youngbear of Tama, Kordell Schrock of Toledo, Athena (Nate) Schrock of Marshalltown, Kalem (Isabella) Schrock of Toledo, Zandra Youngbear of Toledo, Jacob Ortiz of Toledo, Josephine (Dante) Youngbear of Tama, Francine Youngbear, Nyana Ortiz, Maliah Ortiz, Ellsworth (Skye) Youngbear of Marshalltown, Joel Youngbear, and Surrell Youngbear; many great-grandkids; sisters, Reba Blackcloud and Connie Blackcloud; adopted sisters, Adrianne Mauskemo, and Jackie “Sassy” Lasley; adopted sons, Jones Davenport, and Travis Davenport.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Arthur Blackcloud Jr; sister, Annette Smock; and sons, Murray Youngbear, and Ellsworth Youngbear Jr.