Jill Gillette, 69, passed away on February 2, 2024.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Old Ralph Wells Complex. Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, rural White Shield.

Wake services will begin at 5:00 PM on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Old Ralph Wells Complex.

Jill Gillette grew up with a large family and relatives in the White Shield area. Her parents are Evan Gillette, Sr., and Evadne(Baker) Gillette. Jill's son is    Orion Gillette, and she was very proud of him. Orion attended and graduated from Dartmouth college and returned to work on the Reservation and in other areas.

Jill's older sister siblings are Brenda, Carol, and Ramona older sisters who are deceased. Her brothers are Austin, Vance and Evan Jr.  Evan Jr aka Ozzie is  deceased. An older brother is Fred Emo Motschman.

Austin lives at the old place, 6-mile Creek south of White Shield, ND.  Vance lives at Minot, ND. A younger sister Sandra "Buffy" Gillette lives at White Shield, ND. Emo lives in sunny California.

Jill grew up with family and the Heart neighbors a few miles north. Their   mother Ramona (Baker) Heart was a sister to Jill's mother Evadne. Evadne had siblings such as Ted Baker, Anson, Nelson, Gail, Imogene, Anson, Malena and other Hidatsa kin from the Mandaree, ND area.

The Baker and Heart families are related to Jill. She always took time to visit and get to know her relatives. Before, Jill worked for the Tribe in enrollment and got to know many families on the Reservation.

A few years ago, Jill was given an Arickara name, "Around the Fire." Jill was named by Loretta Bear Meredith. A large feast and gathering with many        relatives and friends attending.

Education. Jill attended Univ. of North Dakota and other colleges and graduated. She taught English. Later, Jill taught at the White Shield school and other places, and enjoyed her time with students. Jill had the skill to help those who struggled to learn.

Jill and her mother Evadne Baker Gillette were members of local American  Legion Auxiliary, Young Hawk, Bear post. When Evadne grew older, Jill was the caretaker for her mother Evadne and took her to events and to visit Hidatsa relatives and others on the Reservation. Evadne passed away in 2003. Jill learned a lot from her mother Evadne and passed on on her wisdom and ways to others.

Jill had health problems the last few years, but she still attended many community events and family gatherings. Jill received top medical care from Dr Rising Sun and other medical staff.

Later, Jill lived and worked for the Tribe in the New Town, ND area. She had many friends form all walks of live and visited with

friends at the casino. Jill enjoyed reading, poetry, and birding. Jill liked to post beautiful birds on Facebook.

The family thanks all for the condolences and support dealing with the loss of Jill Gillette.