"I love you mom. You were and still are EVERYTHING to me. I'm so sorry this universe can't experience the joy of having you radiate your joy through it. I miss you so much. You were the best part of my life. Thank you for that life. "
In loving memory of
Rhiannon Hanson
October 30, 1962 - July 6, 2024
Rhiannon "Chance" Hanson age 62, died Saturday, July 6th 2024. Rhiannon was born to Arikara parents in Tuba City Arizona, where she was raised by her father Kerrick Darkcloud. She and her twin, Kit, joined a rowdy family of 12 boys. Her family, were enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Arikara, Hidatsa and Mandan) in North Dakota.
She moved to New Orleans as a young adult and fell in love with the food and culture. New Orleans started her love affair with traveling and various cultures. She lived in Germany for a few years. She later moved to North Dakota where she graduated from college and eventually found her way to Iowa. She was multi-lingual speaking Arikara, English, German and quite a bit of Apache.
In Iowa she met her beloved husband, Jeff Moyer. Jeff and Rhiannon combined their families and raised their children and adored the wonderful grandchildren that came their way.
Rhiannon ran the Curves exercise center in Ames Iowa for several years and then went on to become an Executive Secretary for the USDA also located in Ames Iowa.
Rhiannon was the shining joy of her family. She learned to read at a very early age and aspired to be a writer, but those of us who knew and loved her were deeply aware of the passion she had to help people, especially those in her community. She cooked meals and provided food for families in desperate need, even before fixing a plate of her own. She served as a victim's advocate for those affected by horrific crimes. As an advocate she would get calls in the middle of the night, spend the rest of the night at the hospital and police station, and then turn around and go to work the next day, never telling anyone. She was especially passionate about homeless kids and women in shelters always using all her connections and resources to help them thrive.
She was a friend to so many and not just humans. Owls loved her. And that was a sight to see! She also loved gorillas. We loved her fiercely. She was funny, scary smart, a healer of body and heart, a warrior defending the defenseless, extremely generous, and just plain good. We will miss her terribly.
Rhiannon is survived by Jeff Moyer, son James Hanson, grandson Maxwell Darkcloud, Steps-sons Anthony (Janna) Moyer and Alex (Natasha) Moyer, Sister-in-law Arienne Hoberg, grandchildren Brooklynne and Gracelyn Hanson, Noah and Izzabell Moyer, Braxtyn and Kayden Moyer, nieces who were close to her heart Carolyn and Kelsea, brothers Ti'an, Taryn, Choi, Ki and S. Darkcloud, her best friend Carolyn Raffensperger, and other close relatives Jay and Hawk Herra, Kai Angelis, Running Crow Russell and Hector Guerra. Upon many other family members.
If you wish to make a donation in honor of Rhiannon, we are setting up a fund to take care of her family going forward. You can make checks out to Jeff Moyer and send them c/o Carolyn Raffensperger, 3703 Woodland, Ames Iowa.
Tributes
"I worked at the USDA with Rhi. I always loved her cheery emails and incessant upbeat nature. She made me laugh with her occasional light hearted self-deprecations. I had no idea she had such a colorful life. She will be missed! "
"There are not enough words to describe Rhi and how she touched so many lives, every one a little differently. She could be charming, impish, joyful, insightful, pensive.. and all in all, just a beautiful and unique person. My condolences to the family and to Carolyn."