"White Thunderbird Woman"

Denise E. Barber-Nelson, age 63, of Lac Courte Oreilles died peacefully Thursday, December 24, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

Denise Elizabeth Barber was born November 5, 1957 in Hayward, WI, the daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (James) Barber. She attended and graduated from Hayward High School. Hootie was united in marriage to Terry Nelson on May 13, 2000 at Pipestone Creek.

She was a fun, loving woman, always making people laugh. Hootie will be missed by her many friends and family as she was a good listener, who you could talk to about anything. In her spare time she loved to be on the lake fishing.

She is survived by her husband Terry Nelson; son Joshua (Marissa) LaRush; five grandchildren; brothers Daryl Barber, Gaiashkibos (Cora); sister Julie (George) Taylor; several nephews, nieces & cousins; and special friends Cindy Miller & Val Rice.

Hootie was preceded in death by her parents Louis & Elizabeth; daughter Jennifer Rose Miller; brothers Robert Barber, Louis Barber; sisters Mary Lou and Rose Burns; son-in-law Gregory Miller; uncle Simon James; and nephew Bradley Barber.

Tribal Funeral Rites were held at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles. Chato "Ombishkebines" Gonzalez officiated. Burial was in New Post Cemetery. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, December 26 ^th at Big Drum Ceremonial Center.

Honorary bearers will be Penelope Hugo, John Fleming, Alan Hanlon-LaRush, Chevelle LaRush, Elizabeth Miller and Madelyn Miller

Casket Bearers will be Jason Anderson, Bob Barber, John Hall, Louis Nickence, Buck Taylor and Steve Thayer.