Fern Fightslone, 69, of Bismarck, passed away on September 20, 2024, at her home.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the New Ralph Wells Community Complex, White Shield, ND.
Wake Services will begin at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the New Ralph Wells Community Complex, White Shield, ND.
Fern was born in Garrison, ND on September 4, 1955, to the late Lee Ross and Regina Perkins. She grew up in White Shield, ND with her 11 sisters and 1 brother.
She spent her school years in White Shield until 8th grade. Fern went on to attend Flandreau Indian School, later returning to White Shield High School to graduate in 1973.
As a kid Fern would sit at night and look out across Lake Sakakawea towards lights on the other side. At that time, she thought that they were the lights of Bismarck. She dreamed of someday moving there. That someday finally came, after graduating she moved to Bismarck where she met Owen Fightslone. She got married and started a family. She did obtain a college degree in business. She worked briefly, but her main job was caring for her daughter with special needs Yvette Fightslone up until her passing in 2020. Fern made beautiful star quilts until Yvette’s passing.
Fern was a loving mother and aunt. She had a big heart full of a lot of love for everyone in her life. In 2004, she was widowed. She leaned on the lord and continued life’s journey. Shortly after, she welcomed her grandson Jaxton into the world, and eventually Jameson as well. She loved spending time with her grandsons. She taught them a lot and gave them lots of love. Other pass times she enjoyed was going on senior trips with her sisters and friends. She also found her passion for playing pool in 2012, when friend Jerry P. started teaching her how to play. Fern would go on to participate in league and singles tournaments. Where she once placed first with her team. She also enjoyed playing bingo, which she also happened to be very good at, earning the nickname “The Bingo Queen”. She also enjoyed sitting listening to her music.
She also spent time hunting, watching movies and eating out at her favorite restaurants with her special friend, Kris K. Fern’s family and friends were very important to her.
Fern leaves behind her daughter, Juanelle Long Elk; son, Gordon Weyaus; two special grandsons, Jaxton Counts and Jameson Grant, of Bismarck; sisters, Faye Ross, of Bismarck, Peggy (Adrian) Ireland, Liz (Ron) Hoffman, of Williston, MariLee (Marlon) Whiteman, Lori Canyon, of Lincoln, ND.
Fern is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Cheryl LaCroix, Gail Ross, Julie Greeley, Michelle Ross, Denise M. Ross; brother, Dennis Perkins; oldest daughter, Yvette Fightslone; nieces, Vanessa Ross, Monica Greybull; young grandson, Aiden Greybull.
She loved and was deeply loved.
We’re sorry and excuse us if we missed anybody.
She will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in White Shield.
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