Burgess Roye

Burgess Stewart Roye
October 30, 1944 - February 15, 2015
Burgess Stewart Roye, age 70, died February 15, 2015, at his home in White Eagle.
He was the first of twin boys born to Doris and Thurston Page Roye on October 30, 1944. Burgess grew up in a traditional Ponca Tribe family. Born on the reservation, his life began with a mix of joy and great sadness - an unveiling of how life would unfold about him as a full-blood Ponca Indian. His stories are both happy and humorous, yet heart rendering at times. Though he stumbled in young adulthood, an emphasis is placed on how his life changed - finding success and happiness after he discovered his gift from the Great-spirit; and his life's calling-to help preserve the history and culture of the Ponca Way - the honorable ways
of his people of old. In 1970, he learned of his gift as an artist and endeavored in that direction since then.
He is preceded in death by both parents, and eight of nine siblings.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Roye; daughters, Burgaline Roye; Tierra Roye; Sierra Schafer, and Burma Cripple Deer Roye; brother, Beaumont Roye; several nices and nphews; grandchildren, Thomas, Jake, Charlie, Anthony, Jesse, Surgio, Brice Schafer, and Angel Lanee Place; three great-grandchildren, Anna Rosa, Alana, and Felix.
He will truly be missed.
A memorial service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19th at 1:00 p.m. Part of his cremated remains will be taken to the Rocky Mountains as he had requested.