Joyce HighElk

Joyce HighElk, 76, of White Earth, MN, passed away at her home on Sunday, February 14, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at St. Benedicts Catholic Church in White Earth, MN at 11AM. Visitation will be held at St. Benedicts Catholic Church of White Earth, MN on Thursday, February 18, 2021, from 9-11 AM.

Joyce Marie Hanks was born on March 20, 1944, in White Earth, MN, to George and Audrey (Bellanger) Hanks. She graduated from Waubun High School. Joyce earned her associate degree from Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS.

Joyce was united in marriage to Roderick HighElk in 1968 in Becker County, MN. Joyce worked for the White Earth Tribal Council as a Property Procurement Manager for over 37 years.  Joyce was also on the White Earth Council of Elders for many years.  She enjoyed bar bingo, rummage sales, going out to eat, and spending time with family.

Joyce is survived by her daughters Audra(Joe) Tonihka of Ogema, MN, and Autumn HighElk of White Earth, MN; grandchildren Sequoyah, Adrianna, Quanah, Danielle, Justina, Nathan, and Justin Jr; great grandchildren Navionna, and Baby Bear; siblings Darlene Hanks, Donna Mae Hanks, Barbara Hanks, Patricia Hanks, and Peter Hanks.

Preceding Joyce in death are her husband Roderick HighElk; parents George and Audrey Hanks; siblings Marvin Hanks, Sherald Hanks, Clifford Hanks, Dennis Hanks, Gloria Grandbois, and Dale Hanks.