Joan Spotted Horsechief Roberts

Joan Spotted Horsechief Roberts was born May 19, 1930, to Rush Roberts Jr and Sallie H. Roberts (Spotted Horsechief) in Pawnee, Ok. She passed from this life at Stillwater Medical Center holding the hand of her granddaughter on April 2, 2026.

Joan had a long and fulfilling life and worked as an LPN and dental hygienist among many other occupations. She made her home in Pawnee and could be seen driving around town in her little grey truck until very recently. She was a strong independent woman and played in a women’s football league in Ohio. She enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives and reading the newsletter and having her granddaughter read to her from the tribes Facebook page. She loved animals, especially her cats, who she fed chicken ramen noodles because she said, “they like it.” She enjoyed going for rides with Margo and Sebass and listening to U2. She enjoyed serving on commissions and boards for the Pawnee Nation. Her favorite time was election time, and she made sure everyone remembered to vote and would come to pick you up to make sure you voted. She enjoyed dances, going out to eat, and black coffee. She was a caring and loving woman and always asked about loved ones and friends.

Joan is survived by her son Steve Roberts. Her sister Wynema Spotted Horsechief and her daughters Vera and Sallena, and sister Dorothy Roberts. Her granddaughter and great grandson and caretakers, Margaret and Sebastian Twins. Along with 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, brothers Joseph and Kenneth Roberts, nieces Juanita Lee De Lodge and Tammy Twins, nephew Battiste Robedeaux Jr., and grandson Kenneth Lee Joseph Adachi.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”- Psalm 34:18