Wilma "Bobbie" McGregor

Wilma “Bobbie” Joyce (Hanks) McGregor was born January 24, 1939, in White Earth, MN to Reverend Bill Hanks and Mary (Roy) Hanks. The 2nd of 7 siblings, Bobbie grew up in Ponsford, MN and graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1957. The family moved to Fort Yates, ND on the Standing Rock Reservation where her father preached for many years for the Episcopal Church Diocese. While living in Fort Yates, she met her late ex-husband Leon “Scotty” McGregor. They married in 1957, had 7 children and were married for 32 years.

Bobbie grew up in a musical family. Taught to play instruments by their father the siblings later formed the band called the “Hanks Band”. Over the years they would play for different events around Minnesota and in North Dakota for which they became well known totaling more than 50 years together. Scotty was also musical. He remembered when he first laid eyes on her in Fort Yates, ND. He had said “I saw the 2 most beautiful girls (her and her sister) and guitars laying all around the house”. That passion for music they both shared created a “dynamic duo” of musical talent. They passed on the talent of singing and playing instruments to their children. As their children grew the family band transformed many times as each child found their place on stage down to the youngest. The “Bobbie and Leon Show”, with its many variations, became a very popular regional band. Bobbie’s musical legacy is truly the end of an Era. Bobbie worked diligently for her kid’s success in the music industry even moving to Nashville, Tennessee to further their love of country music. Off the road, Bobbie worked for IHS and several positions at the White Earth RTC including as an Alcohol & Substance Abuse Intake Worker. She was most proud of that position because of her own 42 years of sobriety.

She loved staying connected and socializing with family and friends by attending Powwows, Facebook, and through her music. Bobbie will be most remembered for her infectious and most incredible laugh. Bobbie continued to play music with brothers right up until the end of her journey.

Bobbie is survived by her daughters, Lola (Freddy) McGregor, Shirley McGregor, Dianne (Gary) McGregor, Kandi McGregor and son Dustin “Bud” (Roxy) McGregor. Grandchildren; Marla, Arlene (Nick), Ryder (Brittney), Jordan, Breck, Leon “Buck” (April), Haley, Nikolette, Sky, Zach, Harmony, Hannah and Maximus “Max”. Great grandchildren; Tristan, Justis, Alexandria “Alex”, Adam (Josie), Avery, Dylon, Ambria, Sydney, Jordan Jr., Jace, Charlotte, Raven, Maleigha, Morgan, Wyatt, Kelsey, Jameson, Ember, Niimi Giizis, Ningozis, and Dream. Great great grandchild; Giovanni. Wife-in-law; Julie McGregor.

Brothers Bill “Beeker” Hanks, Tom Hanks, Sherald “Jitterbug” Hanks and Sisters Mildred “Judy” Thomas, and Betty “Bebes” Redhorse. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews behind.

Preceding Wilma in death are her parents William and Mary; daughters Rhonda and Marla Jean; brother Francis “Jonesey” Hanks, sister-in-law Doretta Hanks and niece Donna “Niche” Redhorse.