Ernest "Ford" Houle, age 78, of Rolette, ND passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Rolette Community Care Center, Rolette, ND.

Ernest F. "Ford" Houle was born on April 8, 1948 in Belcourt, ND to Bendict and Anna (LaFountain) Houle.  He was raised in Belcourt and attended boarding schools in Wahpeton and Flandreau.  Ernest met Caroline Short and together they had two sons, Ernie Jr. and Ronald, moving to Minnesota shortly after marriage.  They then moved back to Belcourt to raised their children and later separated.  He met Phyllis Fayant and had three children, Jocelyn, Jared, and Jackie.  He also raised MaKasha, Dylan, and Ian.  Ernest was a roofer most of his life and worked security for Turtle Mountain Housing Authority. He enjoyed fishing, cruising, and buying and trading vehicles. He also enjoyed crafts such as mirror etching, wood burning, and collecting and remodeling model cars.  He loved spending time with all his grandkids, loading them all up to take them somewhere for the day and out to eat.  He liked the casino and playing bingo as well.  Ernest loved his family dearly, was blessed with numerous grandkids and Godchildren.  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Ernest is survived by his children, Ernest Houle Jr of Fargo, Ronald (Kayla) Houle of Belcourt, Jered Houle of Belcourt, and Jackie Charbonneau of Thief River Falls; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Barbara Houle of Belcourt, Lynette Turcotte of Belcourt, Debra McCanna of Devils Lake, and Dennis Houle of Belcourt; and nieces and nephews, whom he loved.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Jocelyn, grandson, Kaylob, and siblings, Larry, Joe, Marlin, Duane, Ronnie, Dave, Curt, John, Veronica, Marie, JoAnn and Linda.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Readers for the funeral service will be Kirah Jerome and Christieanna Enno.  Eucharistic Gift Bearers will be Ian, Vance, and Christopher Thumb.  Music will be led by Terry Baker.  The Rosary will be led by Lynette Turcotte.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.