Jessi Sophia Belle Rogers

NEW TOWN, N.D. - Jessi Sophia Belle Rogers was born on Sept. 22, 1985, in the John Moses Hospital, Minot, the daughter of Jamie Rogers. She was a member of the Hidatsa Mahxoxdi Clan. Her Hidatsa name is Many Grows, "Ahdu abaade ahoosh."

Jessi left us for the spirit world on Jan. 20, 2003, due to an accidental death.

She attended school at Mandaree and New Town. Jessi was currently a junior in the Mahadu Sagee School.

As a youth, Jessi was an outstanding athlete, participated in the steer riding event at rodeos, was an undefeated peewee wrestler, was a talented basketball player. Jessi enjoyed basketball, loved her teammates, coaches and her team's many fans. She looked forward to graduating from high school. Jessi hoped to attend college and experience the many wonderful things about the sacred thing called life. She had a great respect for her Hidatsa language and culture. Jessi was a beautiful young girl who always had a smile or hug for everyone.

Jessi is survived by her mother, Jamie Bruce; other mother and dad, Jessica and Randy Phelan; a sister, Heather Bruce; maternal grandfather, Reginald Rogers; maternal grandmother, Martha Baker; her many mothers, sisters, brothers and other blood relatives. She was preceded in death by her little brother, J.C. Bruce. Jessi was a vibrant, beautiful and young spirit who touched many lives. She will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Wake services will be 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at New Town Civic Center. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at New Town High School, with Rev. Spencer Wilkinson, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in Snow Bird Chapel Cemetery. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Watford City is in charge of arrangements.