Pauline Graywater

Pauline Graywater, 92 of St. Michael ND began her journey to the Spirit World surrounded by her loving family who cared for her on Thursday, November 12, 2020. 

Pauline Jackson was born on May 10, 1928 at her parents’ Martin and Eva (Longie) Jackson home, by the Sheyenne River, rural Sheyenne , ND.  She grew up on the Spirit Lake Nation and would be an integral part of the Spirit Lake Tribe in her youth and throughout her life. 

Pauline was at one time married to James Yankton and they lived, worked and raised their family in the St. Michael area. 

Pauline’s whole life was an example of caring for people and being a voice for the people.  She was a cook at “The Ranch”, worked at the Casino and many years in health care, working at Mercy Hospital as a CNA, Family Development Center, CHR for Spirit Lake Tribe, St. Jude’s Retirement Home, the Green Thumb Program, which was part of the state Elderly Program and their Daycare,  and always caring for members of her family in their times of illness. 

Pauline was united in marriage to Michael J. Graywater Sr. on November 21, 1975 and they established their home at rural St. Michael where Pauline would live the remainder of her days.

Pauline was on several boards and was always a respected voice in matters concerning the Spirit Lake Tribe.  She served on the Health Board, Enrollment Board, Welfare Board, St. Mary’s Society and was especially involved in fundraising, was part of the Spiritual Rides and Runners, participated in Sundance and was on the Pow-Wow Committee. She always had the interest of her people, her family, her friends foremost in her mind and heart.

Pauline loved her family above all else.  She made a point to attend all her grandchildren’s high school activities. 

Pauline was a mother to many, auntie and grandmother to hundreds and most of all an inspiration to many. 

Pauline is survived by her loving family.  Her children Alfred Longie Sr., Roger Yankton Sr., Celeste Herman, Quentin Yankton Sr., James (Cathy) Yankton Jr., Clarice (Jose) Lawrence, Valerie (Lawrence) Bull, Jackie Yankton, Paulette (Jerry) Lenoir Sr., Andrea (Roger) Ironshield, Michael Graywater and Marsha Littlewind; she held several nieces and nephews as adopted children Darla Black, Bobbie Gates, Dwayne WhiteCloud, Ken WhiteCloud, Cathy WhiteCloud, Tim WhiteCloud and Lisa WhiteCloud; sisters Helena Littleghost and Elizabeth Littleghost; brother LeRoy Littleghost; 335 plus grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Michael on January 26, 2008, sons Alex Yankton Sr. and Scott Yankton, daughters Jessica Yankton, Roberta Yankton; sisters Elaine Robertson, Mary Littlewind, LaVerne and Arlene, brother Jerome Rainbow several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Casket Bearers will be Kip Gates, Terry Belgarde, Karly Yankton, Patrick Schmid, Jerry “Ben” Lenoir Jr. and Dakota DuBois.

Honorary Bearers are too numerous to mention.  Pauline was loved by many and she in turn loved many. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will continue at St. Michael’s Catholic Church from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m.  The procession to St. Michael will leave at 4:14 p.m. on Monday from City Plaza.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church with Reverend Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass.  Due to COVID restrictions, social distancing and masks are required at all services.  The Mass will be live-streamed on Tuesday at www.facebook.com/stmichaelsmissionnd

Please consider your health and safety and that of Pauline’s family when attending any of the services. 

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