LOREY GAIL THOMAS

Lorey G. Thomas, “Isiwanica” (Accepts No Rewards) 57 of Fort Totten, ND passed away on Monday, September 16, 2013 at her home. A Wake and Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Crow Hill Recreation Center, rural Fort Totten, ND. The Prayer Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. with Pastor Paul Young officiating. The procession to Crow Hill will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday from Wal-Mart. Funeral Services for Lorey will be held at the Dakota Baptist Church, Fort Totten on Friday, September 20th at 10:00 a.m. with burial in St. Jerome’s Cemetery, rural Fort Totten. Serving as Casket Bearers for Lorey will be Marty Alex, Jerry Mudgett, Adrian Thomas Sr., Jason Azure, Benny Mudgett and Dan George Cavanaugh Jr. Honorary Bearers will be Catalina Herman, Becky Thomas, Cora Whiteman, Patty Christianson, Debbie Little, LaVerne Feather, Raynard Iceman, Donna Raye Morin, Jaime Hill, Rose Mudgett and Faye WhiteTail and all of Lorey’s dear friends and family. Lorey Gail, daughter of Herbert and Caroline (Gray) Thomas was born on September 17th, 1955 at Devils Lake, ND. Lorey proudly carries her Grandma Dora’s Indian name. Lorey lived in the Crow Hill area and was raised by her Grandma Rose Thomas. She attended school at Wahpeton from third through eighth grade. She was the recipient of an Arts Scholarship to the Santa Fe Art School in New Mexico and attended her high school years there. She continued her education at Boulder, Colorado. Lorey moved back to North Dakota and welcomed her first born son, Branden. Lorey, Branden and Lorey’s siblings moved to St. Paul, MN with Lorey’s dad, Herbert. Lorey returned to the Spirit Lake Nation and welcomed Joel and Darika to the family and a few years later, baby Leandra was born. Lorey worked with the Fort Totten Elderly Program for several years and most recently was the receptionist at the Recovery and Wellness Center in Fort Totten. Just a few weeks ago, she received her EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certificate after several weeks of hard work and study. Lorey raised her grandson, Talon and their special bond won’t be broken. He loved her and will miss her. Lorey was very proud of her children and loved all of her grandchildren and stayed involved in all of their activities. She especially enjoyed being a part of the FACE program at Tate Topa Tribal School in Fort Totten, as it was again a special time with her grandchildren. Lorey enjoyed going to “Soup Day” in Fort Totten. It was a chance to visit with family and friends and show-off her children and grandchildren. Lorey always encouraged her children to get a good education and to be knowledgeable and proud of their Dakota heritage. We have lost someone very special in our lives and the lives of so many. We will miss you and love you always. Lorey leaves behind her beloved family. Sons, Branden Thomas of Bismarck, ND and Joel Dunn of Spirit Lake Nation; daughters, Darika Dunn and Leandra Thomas both of Spirit Lake Nation; grandchildren, Elyza Thomas, Brandee Thomas and Brenda Thomas, Kenneth Iron Moccasin, Damingo Hunt, Jolese Hunt and Ira Hunt, Talon Thomas, Alistair Thomas and Malachi Thomas, Landen Knutson, David Knutson, Patricia Thomas, Leelyn Thomas and Leelah Knutson; nephew, Daris A. Jetty; aunts, Lorraine Greybear and Christine Alex. Lorey joins in the Spirit World her parents, Herbert and Caroline; sister, Patty Thomas; brother, Wesley Thomas and a brother in infancy; grandparents, Michael and Rosalie Thomas and Paul and Dora (Rainbow) Gray.