Barbara Rousseau, age 71, of Rolla, ND passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND.

Barbara Ann Rousseau was born on July 30, 1948 to the late Gladys Nicholas and Vincent Gunville. She attended school in Dunseith and Wahpeton, ND (Wahpeton Indian School) and she also attended a trade school. Barbara's love for sewing, crafts, beading, and regalia making led her to start her own small business. She especially loved making children's regalia and helping her sister Brenda with special orders where she made beaded dance accessories, regalia, ribbon shirts, and skirts. Barbara was a traditional dancer and she passed her love for pow-wow's, regalia making, and beading onto her children, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara worked for several programs throughout her life and later ran her own in-home daycare for many years in Dunseith, ND prior to her move to Brooklyn Park, MN. From 2000 to 2006, Barbara reopened Little People Daycare before retirement.

In her younger days, Barbara loved to travel and spent time in California, Illinois, Washington, Minnesota, and recently Boston, Massachusetts. Traveling to spend time with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews meant the world to her. After retirement Barbara and Vern moved back home where loved spending time in her garden and growing flowers. She enjoyed playing at the casino and going to visit her sister, Debbie, where they would visit and tell their stories of life as a child on a farm raising chickens, cows, and horses.

Barbara was immensely proud of her family and loved spending time with them during the holidays or family functions. She also enjoyed attending cultural events and activities. She leaves behind beautiful memories and stories that her family will cherish throughout their lifetime. She will be forever missed and loved.

Barbara is survived by her partner of 35 years, Vernon Bercier of Belcourt; children, Stephen ThunderHawk, Shalene ThunderHawk, Lana Rousseau, Margaret Rose Warren, Nicole O'Grady, Tona Cloyd, Billy Jo, Katrina LaRock, and Patrick LaRock; step-children, Vernon "Pud" Bercier, Carries Bercier, and Mistie Bercier; sisters, Marie "Debbie" LaFontaine of Rolla and Brenda (Mike) Davis of MA; cousin, William Everling of MN; grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Nicolette and Darlene, three infant daughters, and her great uncles, Louie and Alfred Nicholas.

The family would like to take this time to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and help.

Casket Bearers are Stephen ThunderHawk, Chris Diehert, Mike Davis, Patrick LaRock, Lucas LaFontaine, and Raymond Morin. Pall placed by Barbara's daughters and sisters. Eucharistic Gifts by Kelly Parisien and Vernon "Pud" Bercier Jr. Readers are Sherry Swain and Mike Davis.

A visitation will begin at 6:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be Monday, February 24, 2020 at 10:00 AM in the church with Fr. Jim Mulligan presiding. Burial will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. A meal will follow at St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.