Ella Mae LaRocque

At 78 years young, surrounded by the love of her family, Ella Mae LaRocque, formerly of Belcourt, ND, passed away after a long journey with dementia at Valley Senior Living on 42nd – Woodside Village in Grand Forks, ND. Her life was full of connection, creativity, service, and joy while being defined by generosity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the people and communities she cared for.

Ella was born on May 15th, 1947, in Belcourt, ND, to Isadore and Josephine (Allery) LaRocque. She was raised on a homestead northeast of Dunseith, ND, attended grade school at the Roussin School, graduated Belcourt High School in 1966 and continued her education at the University of North Dakota obtaining a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a major in home economics.

She devoted many years to public service as a tribal judge for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Belcourt, ND, approaching every case with fairness, compassion, and a belief in the strength of community. Later in life, she shared her talents as a home economics teacher at the Belcourt High School, beginning in September of 1995, where she delighted in guiding students through the practical arts of cooking, sewing, and creating a warm home until her retirement in May of 2019. Her students remained one of her greatest joys, and she cherished the relationships she built with them over the years.

Family was at the center of her world. She was the proud mother of four children and grandmother to twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She extended her love just as fully to her nieces, nephews, and the many young people who found comfort and encouragement in her presence. Extroverted by nature, she had a gift for conversation and connection. She could strike up a warm exchange with anyone, anywhere, and she never stopped learning from the people around her.

Her hands were rarely still. She loved sewing and quilting, gifting handmade pieces stitched with care. She found joy in cooking and baking, often sharing meals and treats with family and friends. Her gardens and landscaping—both flowers and trees—were a source of pride, and she spent countless peaceful hours tending to them in her yard.

She had a thrifter’s heart and a sharp eye for hidden treasures, happily spending weekends at estate auctions and rummage sales. Traveling brought her great happiness as well, and the highlight of her adventures was a memorable trip to Hawaii, a place she spoke of often with a smile.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, empathy, creativity, and community—a life lived in full color, stitched together with love, laughter, and connection. Her family and all who knew her will carry her spirit forward in the stories they share, the traditions she passed down, and the warmth she brought into every room.

Ella is survived by her son, Larry (Emma) LaRocque of Shakopee, MN; daughter, Laura LaRocque of West Fargo, ND; daughter, Sheyenne LaRocque of Belcourt, ND; and daughter, Savannah (Landen) Stockard of Minot, ND, twelve grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. She is survived by her brother, Carris (Geri) LaRocque of Rolette, ND; sister, Anita (Wayne) Jansen of Staples, MN; brother, Emil (Sandi) LaRocque of Dunseith, ND; brother, Roy LaRocque of Rolette, ND; sister-in-law, Val LaRocque of Dunseith, ND; brother, Harvey LaRocque of Rolla, ND; and brother, Sam (Sharon) LaRocque of Belcourt, ND, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gladys LaRocque; and brother, Frank LaRocque.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 12th, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Dunseith, ND, with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM. The Rosary will be recited at 9:00 AM and will be led by Emil LaRocque and Anita Jansen. Fr. Michael Slovak, SOLT, presiding. Burial will take place at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith, ND, after the mass. A meal will follow at the St. Anthony’s Church Hall, Dunseith, ND.