Jessi Rogers

NEW TOWN -- Jessi Rogers, 17, New Town, left us for the spirit world Jan. 20, 2003, due to an accidental death. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at New Town High School, with the Rev. Spencer Wilkinson Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Snow Bird Chapel Cemetery, rural New Town.

A wake service will be held at 4 p.m. today at New Town Civic Center.

Jessi Sophia Belle Rogers was born Sept. 22, 1985, in the John Moses Hospital, Minot, N.D., the daughter of Jamie Rogers. She was a member of the Hidatsa Mahxoxdi Clan. Her Hidatsa name is Many Grows "Ahdu abaade ahoosh." She attended school at Mandaree and New Town, and was currently a junior in the Mahadu Sagee School.

As a youth, Jessi was an outstanding athlete, participating in the Steer Riding event at rodeos, was an undefeated pee wee wrestler, and 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 a hug for everyone.

She is survived by her mother, Jamie Bruce; other mother and dad, Jessica and Randy Phelan; one 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. (Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City)