Mona Rea Demery, age 90, passed away on November 3, 2026, in Minot, North Dakota.

Born on April 18, 1936, in Old Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota, Mona was the daughter of Delane and Christine (Dupris) White Eyes. She grew up grounded in faith, family, and service, values that guided her throughout her life.

Mona proudly served her country in the United States Air Force and pursued higher education throughout her life. In April 1963, she married Albert "Ernest" Cudmore, and together they raised ten children: Duane, Fred, Dani, George, Gary, Rita, Delaney, Mona, Lee, and Leigh.

Mona dedicated much of her life to serving her people and community. Among her most cherished roles were serving as Tribal Treasurer for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and as Court Administrator and Bonding Judge for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Judicial System. She also served on numerous boards and committees, offering her wisdom, leadership, and commitment to others.

Above all, Mona was a devoted Christian whose faith was the foundation of her life. She loved playing the organ, worshipping the Lord, and sharing her faith through both word and example.

Mona is remembered for her big heart, warm smile, welcoming embrace, and unwavering love for family. She was an outstanding bowler who never took it easy on her grandchildren, teaching them perseverance and determination both on and off the lanes. She had a unique way of offering guidance, and even after one of her heartfelt lectures, you always felt more loved than before.

One of the greatest joys for those who knew her was hearing her say, "little one." Those two simple words carried comfort, belonging, and unconditional love.

Mona's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness, faith, strength, and compassion.

Mona is survived by her sisters, Arbana Thompson and Eldora Black Eagle; her children, Fred (Soloma) Cudmore, Dani (JD Williams) Cudmore, George Cudmore, Gary (Nicole) Cudmore, Rita (Mike) Lafferty, Mona (Kyle) Weinman, and Leigh Sheets; and her cherished grandchildren, Amy Petersen, Shannon (Rhyann) Cudmore, Christine (Kyle) Ward, Germaine (Kent) Joens, Arbana (Charles) Cudmore, Gary M. Cudmore, Doni Wilson, Ernie Lafferty, Sydney Pearman, Aaron (MacKenzie) Hanley, Dee'Laney (Juan) Sheets, Cheyenne (Kevin) Edwards, Sophia (Jay) Peavey, Bodie Sheets, Tygan Sheets, Graylyn Cudmore, Shawn Nills and Scott Nills. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, many dearly loved nieces and nephews, and treasured friendships with Judge Brenda Claymore, Dale Iron Lightning, Judge Karen Jeffries, Winona Pretty Weasel, and Deb Jeffries.

Welcoming her into eternal rest were her husband, Albert "Ernest" Cudmore; her parents, Delane and Christine (Dupris) White Eyes; her brothers, Richard White Eyes and Arnold Cloud Eagle, Sr.; her sister, Germaine Means; her sons, Delaney and Lee Eugene Cudmore; her grandchildren, Lane Lawrence, William Cudmore, and Vallee Rae Watt; her great-grandson, Kolton Liam and son-in-law, Jeff Sheets. 

Family Visitation: Friday, November 6, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com 

Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot is trusted with arrangements