Martina Ann Jackson

Wakan Omani Win

Walks Holy Woman

Martina Ann Jackson, 62 of St. Michael ND passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital. Surrounded by her loving family, Martina left this world peacefully and began her journey to the Spirit World.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, (tomorrow) October 20, 2023, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery with a meal and fellowship to follow at St. Michael’s Wellness Center,  where memories of Martina’s infectious laughter and warm presence will be shared among friends and family. The procession to St. Michael will leave on Friday (tomorrow) at 9:00 a.m. from City Plaza, Devils Lake.

Martina Ann Jackson, daughter of Rita and Sylvester Jackson was born on August 26, 1961, at Devils Lake ND.  She grew up in the St. Michael’s District of the Spirit Lake Nation and called it home her entire life. She was educated in Fort Totten and graduated from Four Winds High School with the class of 1979. In school she participated in track (cross country runner) and cheerleading.

Martina was a loving mother to LaRae and Courtney, and after marrying Bruce Touche Sr., they added two more precious children Bruce and Savannah and together they raised and nurtured this beautiful family with love and care throughout the years.   

Martina worked for a time as a slot attendant at the Spirit Lake Casino, her true calling was raising her children and doting on her grandchildren. Martina poured all her love into creating a welcoming home where friends and family were always welcome. Conversations would flow freely while enjoying good food or engaging in card games, dice games, or movie nights together. She found solace and joy in reading a variety of books and kept alive a deep faith and spiritual connection with her Creator and Mother Earth.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Courtney Jackson, Savannah (Kyle) Stroh and Bruce Touche; grandchildren Sanders, Parrish, Diamond, and Quinesha: Jamison, Heaven, Dashawn, Jordan, Julin, Savanna Jade, Janelle and Franklin: Bruce Jr., Julita, Brandon, Maryana, and Blake: MaCante; sisters Merle (Barnie) Botone, Mary Rose LeBeau, Lorna (Delmer) Youngbird, Marty Jackson, Brenda Jackson and Jeanetta Jackson; brothers Carl Merrick, Sam Merrick Sr., Raymond Merrick, Darin Jackson and Wesley Jackson; aunts Alfreda (Bob) Charboneau, Doris Jackson, Pauline Merrick, Diane Jackson and Carol Black; uncle Jim Baker; special friend John Sherman; many dear nieces, nephews and their families.

Preceded to Heaven by her parents Rita and Sylvester, daughter LaRae Jackson, grandson Tyler Cavanaugh, brother Kenny Merrick Sr., sister Mardell Jackson, grandparents Louisa Jackson, John Jackson, Louie Jackson and Katherine Black Jackson, aunts Alvina Jackson Bear, JoAnne Jackson Redroad and Marie Jackson, uncle Wilfred Jackson, niece Hope Rough, nephews Kenny Merrick Jr. and Richie Street, cousins Sandra K. Jackson and Patricia Jackson Robertson.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Many Ribs Jr., Joel Redfox, MaCante Azure, Todd Rough Jr., Lydell Merrick, Cody Merrick and Jamison Touche. Honorary Bearers Phillip “Scooter” Lohnes, Darcie Delorme and family, Helena Littleghost, Arlene Belgarde, Lonna and Richard Street, Clarice and Josie Lawrence, Debbie and Dave Cavanaugh, Karen Jackson, Duane and Adeline Jackson, Raymond and Maxine Buckles, Byron and Melissa Brady, Lyda Bearstail and family, Yvonne Merrick, Renae Merrick, Tyson Merrick, Eugene and Sylvia Hale, Melvine and T.J. Reierson, Frankie Chaske, the Littlewind Girls -Hopsty, Carmen, Delphine, Germaine and Onna, Alice and Dallas Dogskin, Craig Estenson, Cora Whiteman, Corrie Shaw, Kathy Redroad, Roseann Redroad and Kevin Redroad. Her friendships were treasured and her kindness touched the hearts of everyone she met.