Rita G. Jackson

Rita G. Jackson, “Dapi Win” (They Ask For Her), 80 of St. Michael, ND died early Tuesday morning, October 19, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in the loving care of her dear family. The Wake for Rita will be held at St. Michael’s Recreation Center, St. Michael, ND on Friday beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s Recreation Center will leave from the Spirit Lake Casino on Friday at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Fr. Brian Moen will celebrate the Mass and burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Serving as Casket Bearers for Cody Merrick, Daniel “DJ” ManyRibs Jr., Jasten “Jazz” BearsTail, Lydell Merrick, Nathaniel LeBeau, Todd Rough Jr., Courtney Jackson, Darin Jackson and Curtis Black. Music will be provided by Melissa Merrick, Mystic River Singers, Frank Hapa, Hunter Street and anyone else who would like to share their music and songs. Honorary Bearers for Rita will be Helena Littleghost, Elaine Robertson, Pauline Greywater, Elizabeth Littleghost, Carol Black and family, Gloria Green, Marie Baker, Beatrice Joramo, Hermenia Belgarde, Bonnie White, John Wells, Mary Hill and family, Lyda BearsTail and daughters, Crows Flies High daughters, Violet Smith, Blueshield family, Todd LeBeau and family, Dianne Jackson, Doris Longie and family, Leah “Sugar” Black and family, Evelyn Black, Peggy Cavanaugh, Mary Ann Cavanaugh, Belva Greyhorn and family, Darlene Wadsworth and Inez “Frankie” Chaske, Joe Lawrence, Roberta Lawrence, Hermenia McKay and all the many friends Rita made through the years. Rita G. Jackson was born to Louis and Katherine (Black) Jackson in rural Fort Totten. She spent her childhood years down by the river, known as Jackson Hole. She was educated on the Spirit Lake Nation. She met and later married Raymond Merrick Sr. on April 28, 1953. From this union, eight children were born. They would raise their family in rural St. Michael. Raymond would later pass on from a tragic accident. Sometime later, she met and later married Sylvester Jackson. From this union, six children were born. Sylvester and Rita raised their family and would spend their remaining years in rural St. Michael. She was employed and dedicated many years to the people of Spirit Lake. Culture was an integral part of her life and she taught this value to her children, grandchildren and later great grandchildren. Pow wows were always a part of her life. She was very proud of her family and she enjoyed watching them sing and dance. Rita made many friends and relatives and always made it a point to treat them with respect and honor by opening up her home, sharing meals, and gifts. Her generosity is a trait she will always be remembered for. Rita held in high honor the local veteran organizations and supported their many efforts throughout the years. She raised her family to carry on these values. As an active member of the St. Michael Catholic Church, she built a strong spiritual relationship with the clergy throughout the years. In times of need, she leaned on her faith for support and comfort. Her spirituality gave her the strength and courage to endure her illness. Survived by: Children: Carl Merrick Samuel Merrick Sr. (Marilyn) Merle Botone (Barnie) Mary Rose LeBeau Raymond Merrick Martina Jackson (John) Marty Jackson (Todd) Lorna Youngbird (Delmer) Darin Jackson Wesley Jackson (Billie) 33 Grand children 51 Great Grandchildren Sisters: Alvina Jackson and Marie Jackson Many nieces and nephews Adopted Family: Son: Frank Hapa Sister: Mary Hill Nephews: Kenny Dunn, Dean Dunn, Tyrell Alberts and Terry Dunn Nieces: Alfrieda and Alberta Dunn, Budene and Colleen Alberts, Catalina Herman, Cora Whiteman, Rose, Donna, and Claudette Whitetail Preceded in death by her parents; husband: Raymond Merrick Sr.; children: Raymond Merrick Jr. , Carla Merrick, Kenneth Merrick Sr. and Mardell Jackson and husband: Sylvester Jackson; brothers, Leon Jackson and Sam Jackson; sister, JoAnne Redroad.