TAMA-Eleanor Jean Pushetonequa "Byemeskwia", age 96, of Tama, passed away Friday, August 26, 2011 at her home under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery on the Settlement in rural Tama. A Traditional Wake will be held Saturday evening at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Lodge on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama.
Eleanor was born on May 9, 1915, on the Meskwaki Settlement, the daughter of Harry "Bainanakia" and Josephine "Anemwetamogea" (Morgan) Waseskuk. As a child she attended Genoa Indian School in Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Charles Pushetonequa Sr. on the Meskwaki Settlement. Eleanor's favorite pastime was spending time at the casino and she was well known for her pies, especially banana cream. She was currently the eldest Meskwaki tribal member.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; her children, Roxanne R. Pushetonequa, Leon Max Bear Sr. and Phillip Benson Jr.; her siblings Bertha, Belle, Robert, Dorothy, Ben and William.
Survivors include her four sons, Charles Jr., Wayne, Adrian and Del Ray Pushetonequa; adopted sons, Brandon Wanatee, Harvey Davenport Jr. and Clyde Wanatee; adopted daughter, Denise Wolf and an adopted grand daughter Candice Sanache; her sisters, Helen Pritchett, Lois Davenport and Shirley White; an adopted brother, Charlie Oldbear; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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