M.Rosalie Thomas, age 91, of Rolette, ND passed away on February 6, 2021 at the Rolette Community Care Center, Rolette, ND.

On February 6th, 2021, our beloved mother passed to her heavenly home. Mary Rosalie Azure was born March 21st, 1929 to Delia (LaFountain) and Fred E. Azure. She was their first born, coming into this world at home.

Rosalie told stories of traveling to school in a horse and buggy to Shell Valley School. It was a covered buggy with a wood burning stove. She would later attend a boarding school in Stefan, SD. She met her future husband Edmund Thomas upon returning home. They were married on October 19th, 1948.

Together, Rosalie and Edmund had eight children. They operated a small farm where they raised cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, and learned to garden. Rosalie always had an open door to care for nieces and nephews or friends. She would help her parents at Azure's country store when needed.

When their youngest son, Mark, started school, Rosalie went to work at Chippewa Authentics, followed by a job as a CHR (community health representative) for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribe. She really enjoyed working and making lifelong friends with coworkers and clients alike.

When Rosalie retired after 35 years as a CHR, she enjoyed taking care of her house and family. She also enjoyed watching all of the colorful birds and planting beautiful flowers in the Spring.

Rosalie and Edmund loved to support their sons' sports endeavors by traveling throughout ND. In 1998 Rosalie and Edmund, alongside many friends and family, celebrated their 50th anniversary. A church service to renew their vows took place at their home church St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

Rosalie was preceded in death by husband Edmund, granddaughter Jeni Hebron, parents Delia (LaFountain) and Fred E. Azure, sisters Viola Carlson and Celia Thomas, and infant son (little) Ricky.

She is survived by sons Lester (Nanci) of Colorado, Leslie and Larry of Rolette, ND, Lonnie of Maryland, Darrell and Mark of Rolette, ND, daughter Carol (Feyb) Hebron of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, brothers Aloyuis (Gloria) Azure of Arizona, Morris (Louella) Azure of Arizona, sisters Christine Thompson and Carol Azure of Belcourt, ND, and more than 30 grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Due to world circumstances we plan to have a celebration of life at St. Anthony's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021.  Burial will follow services at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rolette, ND.  A meal will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND.

Though Rosalie will be missed by so many, her love will always be present and she will be remembered as a trail blazer.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.