Amanda Thunder Bull-Christensen, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend was born on January 8th, 1963 in Pine Ridge, SD to Vincent Thunder Bull and Ella Imitates Dog. She grew up in Allen and attended elementary school at the American Horse Day School. Following grade school, she attended high school at Little Wound School, and after high school, she continued her education through the Oglala Lakota College. A lifelong advocate of learning and growth, she always shared the lessons handed down to her by her own mother and father who imparted traditional Lakota culture, language and values. As a result, she carried a great wealth of knowledge of our Lakota language and culture. She stood as an exemplary model of humanity, generosity, belief and hope. She was a ray of sunshine in everyone's life. She and her life's love, Jim Christensen, had five children together: four daughters and one son. They had one more daughter from Jim's previous marriage who she thought of her as her own, two adopted sons Michael Ashley and Seneca Christensen. Additionally, she made Jim Hawk her hunka son. She always put her children first, sacrificing for their comfort and joy over her own. Further, Amanda lived her life in service of children, and championed their education and well-being. Early in her career as an educator, she worked with the Wakanyeja Pawiciyapi program in Porcupine SD for years. From there she went to work at Little Wound School as a student assistant. She enjoyed the company of all her co-workers. She adored her students, and they all loved her. People would ask her why she was not a teacher, because she was so good at it. She responded, "I like to be able to concentrate on the kids who really need my help." Even in her final days in the hospital she worried about those little ones. She always had a houseful and carload of her children and grandchildren along with countless nieces and nephews who enjoyed her hospitality, kindness and love for family adventure. Amanda called every one of her children “Funmakers”, but she was the Queen of all “Funmakers”, making every holiday, birthday, and season a celebration of delicious food, magical decorations, and simple yet thoughtful gifts. All while Amanda was on dialysis she continued to work while she patiently awaited a new kidney. Finally and miraculously, she was a successful kidney transplant recipient in May of 2019. She received a perfect match kidney from an anonymous living donor to whom we are forever grateful. This blessed and selfless gift allowed for nearly 2 years of a dialysis-free life to enjoy her friends and family. Amanda is survived by her spouse Jim Christensen of Kyle, SD; daughters, Helena Lee (Antonio) Vigil, Emily Koenen, Margo (Chase) Hoffman, Shiela (Dustin) Mulvey, and Summer Christensen; sons, James Hawk, and Michael Ashley; siblings, Susan Big Crow, Phyliss Campbell, Dorothy Thunder Bull, Billy Gourd; Hunka Siblings, Eunice Nassier, and John Conaly. Amanda was reunited beyond the veil by her parents, Vincent and Ella (Imitates Dog) Thunder Bull, son, Hans Christensen, brothers Douglas (in Infancy), Malcolm, Cecil, Earl, sisters, Rose White Face, Linda Means, Cora Birdhat, Bernadine May, Faye Lone Hill, paternal grandparents Shields Thunder Bull and Josephine Bissonette, maternal grandparents Wallace Imitates Dog and Belle Black Bear. Pallbearers will be Nick Campbell, Roger Campbell, Jamie Big Crow, Chase Hoffman, Dustin Mulvey, Seneca Christensen, Landen Hoffman, and Seth Christensen. Honorary pallbearers are Little Wound School Staff and students, Sharp’s Corner Dialysis Unit, Avera Transplant Team, Monument Health Nurses and Providers, all friends, and relatives. *** The family of Amanda asks that everyone follow the guidelines of precautions against the spread of COVID 19. Masks are required. Social Distancing is required. Viewing Services: 11:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM, Monday, January 25, 2021 at the Sioux Funeral Home in Pine Ridge, SD Graveside Services: 2:00 PM, Monday, January 25, 2021 at the Lakota Freedom Veteran’s Cemetery, Kyle, SD Officiating: Elder Brock Davis Memorial Services: To be Held At A Later Date Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD