MAYETTA- Julia G. (Eteeyan) LaClair "Kwe wah quah", 96, of Mayetta, KS passed away March 31, 2012 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. She was born May 15, 1915 on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation in Mayetta the daughter of Steven and Gertrude "Birdie" Inez (Cunningham) Eteeyan.

Julia went to government schools in Chilocco and Geneva Oklahoma. She retired from Stormont Vail Hospital dietary department after 20 years. Julia was a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation, a life member of the Sullivan Indian Methodist Chapel and Shawnee County Allied Tribes and a member of Stormont Vail Retirees. She was an avid "Pow- Wower" and helped co-found the annual Pow-Wow that is held at Shawnee Lake. She was a youth volunteer in USD #501 Native American Education for many years, she was a Honored Elder at Pow-wow's many times and honored at Golden Eagle Casino as the Prairie Band Elders and staff she was also the oldest elder of Citizens Band Potawatomi in Kansas. She was an avid KU fan (many called her KU Mom), loved her culture and enjoyed family gatherings.

She married George James LaClair on July 2, 1935. They later divorced.

Survivors include 2 sons, Floyd LaClair (Sara) of Topeka and George "Smokey" LaClair of Mayetta; 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren.

Wake services will be Thursday evening, April 5, 2012 at the Nozhackum Brave Dance Building (8362 158th Rd., Mayetta). Burial will be Friday morning in the Danceground Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Julia LaClair Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.