Dibikaanakwaadookwe

Danita Rae Sharlow-Manuelito, age 46, of Lac Courte Oreilles, WI began her journey home on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Danita was born August 12, 1978, in Hayward, WI, the daughter of Johnny Ray Smith Sr. and Dianne Sharlow. Danita lit up every room she entered with her smile, outgoing personality and kind heart. She valued and practiced the Anishinaabe way of life. Danita’s children were her whole world and they made her so proud. Being a mom was her greatest joy, and she gave her kids all the love, strength and support she had. She loved visiting her family and friends. Whether it was just to sit and smoke or share some laughs, being around her loved ones made her happy. She always made time for the people she cared about and made everyone feel important and loved. Even in her hardest moments, Danita kept a positive outlook with so much love in her heart.

She is survived by her husband Terrance Manuelito; children Kalianna Quaderer, Jaelyn Quaderer, James Gougé & Anevay Sharlow; parents Dianne Sharlow & Johnny Ray Smith Sr; siblings Johnny Ray “Chum” Smith Jr., Destiny Sharlow, Brooklynn Paul & Daylene Sharlow; grandparents Janice & Joseph Goldman; nieces & nephews; and many other loved ones.

Danita was preceded in death by her great grandma Ruth Coon Carley, grandparents Evelyn and Alex Sharlow, her aunt Dana “Bug” Sharlow, her cousins James “Beeper Boppers” Hamilton, Kenneth Taylor, and many other loved ones.

Danita leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and tradition. She was a guiding light to many, and her memory will live on in every lesson she shared, every laugh she sparked and every heart she touched.

Tribal Funeral Rites will begin at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles. Keller Paap will officiate. Burial will be in Historyland Cemetery. Visitation will begin at sundown, Saturday, July 19th, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center.

Honorary casket bearers will be Brenda Belille, Doreen Gokey, Dalana White, Matt White, Jason Carley, Ryan Carley, Alicia Debrot & Clayton Beedle.

Casket Bearers will be Joshua Coon, Kevin Crone, Crystal Denn, Mary Ann Hammond, Anthony Sharlow & Bobby Sharlow.

Last Update: Jul 21, 2025 7:25 am CDT