Melinda Desjarlais, age 60, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND.

Melinda Marie Desjarlais was born on December 19, 1964 in Belcourt, ND to Willard Sr. and Elizabeth (Houle) Desjarlais. She was raised in Belcourt and completed her education there as well, graduating in 1984.  She furthered her education at Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt for two years.  Melinda was the proud mother of four children, Wanda, Tiffany, Rosalie, and Michael.  She worked as a caretaker for many years out of her home and had a wonderful companion, Jeffery Charette, for many years.  Melinda enjoyed playing on her phone, Candy Crush, Dream Blast, and many other games.  She liked to be outdoors, fishing, gardening, and collecting rocks that she made into beautiful jewelry.  Melinda loved time spent with her family members, visiting with her sister, and especially time with her grandchildren.  She was a wonderful cook, and her grandchildren hold precious memories of times baking with their grandmother.  She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Melinda is survived by her companion, Jeffery Charette of Belcourt; children, Wanda Desjarlais of Belcourt, Tiffany (Cory) Rist of Minot, Rosalie Baker of St. John, and Michael Jr. (Nelsyn) Baker of Belcourt; 8 grandchildren, Isaac Morin, Mischa Sheppard, Carter Baker, Della-Ann Sheppard, Suri Baker, Tayden Zapata, Michael Baker III, and Maximus Cain; siblings, Willard Desjarlais Jr. of Belcourt, Debbie (Anthony) Duarte of Belcourt, Peggy (Robin) Peltier of Minot, and Kathy (Alden) Cain of St. John; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Sr. and Elizabeth Desjarlais, brother, Darwin Desjarlais, two infant siblings, sister-in-law, Lisa Desjarlais, nephews, Lee John Desjarlais and Eugene Cain, niece, Rebecca Peltier, and mother-in-law, Alma Charette.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will take place in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.