Debbie LaCroix

Debra "Debbie" LaCroix, 68, of White Shield, passed away on October 1, 2025, in Bismarck ND.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Ralph Wells Jr. Community Center in White Shield, ND. Burial to follow at the Nishu Congregational Cemetery, rural White Shield, ND.

Wake Services will begin at 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Ralph Wells Jr. Community Center in White Shield, ND.

Debra Kay LaCroix (SaaNutwaraakAha) Sweet Grass Woman began her journey to the Spirit World on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Bismarck, North Dakota. She was surrounded by her devoted and loving family who cared for her deeply every step of the way.

Deb was born on January 29, 1957, to LuJuanna and Harry LaCroix. She was the oldest of ten children and embraced that role with strength, love, and guidance for her younger siblings.

During her childhood, she lived in Los Angeles, California, and Chicago, Illinois, before settling in White Shield, North Dakota, where she grew up and made her home. She attended White Shield Elementary School and proudly graduated from high school in 1976.

Soon after, she welcomed her first child, Donovan Gene, followed by her daughter, Tennille Renée, then Kristopher Paul, and finally, Derek Spencer. Deb was incredibly proud of her children and cherished being their mother. Later in life, she found even greater joy in being a grandmother, forming a special and individual bond with each of her grandchildren. She was recently blessed and overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to sweet Aubree Lu, who brought her so much happiness and pride. Deb also cherished her role as a godmother to Karmen Charles II(KC Fox).

In 2001, Deb began working at White Shield School as a paraprofessional. During this time, she furthered her education and attended Fort Berthold Community College, where she earned her Associate's Degree as a paraprofessional, specializing in special education. Deb truly loved her work, and the children she supported loved her right back. She had a special connection with every student she worked with and left a lasting impression on so many young hearts.

Deb enjoyed playing women's slow-pitch softball in her younger years and was an excellent third baseman. She also played co-ed softball and could hit the ball farther than most of the guys! But if you asked Deb, her true sports were pool and bingo. She was a fierce pool player, always seen holding her cue stick with a napkin (as many of us remember) There's even a story about one confident guy who thought he was unbeatable, until Deb beat him and left in tears! She loved bingo and anyone who played with her knows just how much fun and laughter came from those nights. She loved playing with her mom and many bingo buddies. She could juggle multiple packets, one time even playing with two daubers at once. Deb always made it an experience to remember. For her, bingo wasn't just a pastime, it was a way to connect and make lasting memories with the people she loved, especially with her mother.

Deb will forever be remembered for her free spirited personality and her one of a kind sense of humor. She had a gift for making people laugh, often with her quick wit and playful comebacks. She loved bringing people together and was often the one organizing family get-togethers. Family meant everything to her. Deb lived life boldly and unapologetically, always true to herself and never afraid to speak her mind. She was a woman whose spirit was as wild and beautiful as the Sweet Grass she was named for, strong, kind, and full of life. Deb loved deeply, celebrated often, and made every moment count. Her free spirit touched everyone she

met, leaving behind a trail of love, laughter, and memories that will last forever. Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

The Family would like to express our profound gratitude to Candise Little Swallow, who stood by Deb with unwavering love, care, and strength throughout her battle with cancer, all while caring for her own father, who is also fighting cancer. Throughout Deb's illness, her son Donovan was constantly by her side, offering endless love, comfort, and support. When he could not be there, Candise was always the one we could count on. Driving Deb to countless appointments, advocating tirelessly with doctors and nurses, and providing comfort when Deb needed it most. Her extraordinary dedication, compassion, knowledge and selflessness brought light to Deb's days and eased her journey in ways words cannot fully express. We will always be thankful for the love and care Candise gave to our dear Deb, and her kindness will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Deb loved you so much Candise. We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Deb is survived by her mother, LuJuanna LaCroix; her children, Donovan Gene, Kristopher Paul, Derrick Spencer, and Tennille Renée; her three sisters, Delia(Andy), Yvette, and Terri(Robert); her three brothers, Butch(Sandy), Glenn(Nancy), and John(Bobbette); her half-siblings, Harriette, Michael, Cyprian, and Sorrell LaCroix; and her adopted brother, Bill Mendoza. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Chontay, Wambdi and CeTan LaCroix, Dakota and Marie Howling Wolf, Latrelle, Isley, Misun, Kiera, Skylee, and Thunder, and one great-granddaughter, Aubree Lu. She will also be remembered fondly by all her nieces, nephews, and many relatives.

She is preceded in death by her father, Harry; her sisters, Dawn and Adelle; and her brother, Baby Boy LaCroix. Nephew Chance Fox, Grandson Princedyn Oquist: paternal grandparents, Harry and Cora LaCroix, and her maternal grandparents, Florence and John White Sr.

The family would also like to sincerely thank all who offered their support, care, and assistance in celebrating Deb's life and helping lay her to rest. Your thoughtfulness, kindness, and presence during this time have meant so much and will always be remembered with love. Thank you.