Obituaries
Janice Hamilton
Janice Chapman Hamilton, 76, died May 24, 2026.
She was born Aug. 31, 1949, in Fort Yates, N.D., to Ernest and Agatha (Kidder) Chapman. She attended school and spent most of her childhood years in Fort Yates. When she was 16 years old, she ran away and made her residence in Poplar. She graduated from Poplar High School in 1971.
She stayed busy and actively employed through the years, working as a bus driver, teachers’ aide, dental assistant and a cashier at Tande’s Grocery. She dedicated 30+ years to the BIA working for child welfare, social services finishing it off with OST.
In 1967, she met Russell Denny Sr. In 1968, they gained a daughter, Bernita Chapman and raised her as their own. Although they separated, they remained close friends throughout the years, enjoying each other’s companionship over the last few years of his life.
After graduating from Poplar High School, they welcomed their daughter, Vearlene, in 1972 .
She was always willing to help others out, offer them a place to stay or money out of her pocket. She will be remembered for her admirable sense humor, laughter and hugs, along with her advice and guidance.
She liked going to bingo and keno in her younger years. Even as she got older, she still liked to gamble, playing scratch cards. She enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, going for cruises and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Irene Poor Thunder and Joyce Growing Thunder; children, Vearlene Denny, Bernita Granbois, Justin Gray Hawk, Jason Gray Hawk and Melda Sioux; and numerous adopted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, Rusty Denny; great-granddaughter, her namesake, Johnnie Girl Magnan; siblings, Robert Marshall, Violet Gray Hawk, Leona Chapman, Verna Reeds, Felix Kidder, Ella Red Horn and Donald Kidder; and Russell Denny Sr.
A wake will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 5, also at the cultural center. Burial will be at the Poplar City Cemetery.
