Kelsey Joy Hanks

Kelsey Hanks, age 15, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Thursday, June 28, 2012 at her home. Kelsey Joy Hanks, daughter of Susie Ballot and David Hanks, was born in Fargo, ND, on September 9, 1996. She grew up with her family in Naytahwaush. She was very active in her Native American and Alaskan Native cultures. As a young girl, she was given the Ojibwe name of “Biidabin” and Alaskan name of “Tinuk”. Kelsey was currently attending school at Circle of Life in White Earth, MN where she would have been a sophomore this fall. She was known for her dancing and singing at ceremonies. Kelsey held many titles and was recently crowned Senior Princess in White Earth. She had a happy outgoing personality and had a smile that would light up the world. Kelsey cherished the time she spent with her nieces and nephew, especially teaching them the Ojibwe language. She had many wonderful friends and was always texting and facebooking her “besties.” Kelsey enjoyed fishing with her Uncle Lee. She made many wonderful memories and will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Kelsey is survived by her parents, Susie Ballot and David Hanks, both of Naytahwaush; four sisters: Carissa (Vincent Lovejoy) Hanks, Danielle Hanks, Shona Hanks, and her twin sister, Gloria Hanks, all of Naytahwaush; four brothers: Emil Hanks of Naytahwaush, Landen Russette of Minneapolis, MN, David Hanks of Fargo, ND, and Keith Hanks of Minneapolis; two nieces, Lena and Lylah; a nephew, Aglu; her grandparents: Gloria and James Grandboise of White Earth, and Rose Alvarado of Naytahwaush; and her great-grandmother, Phyllis Bunker of Naytahwaush; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Hanks; two grandfathers: Dennis Jackson and Emil Ballot; great-grandfather, Glenn Bunker; two uncles, James Hanks and Donnie “Worm” St. Clair; great-aunt, Kathy Kier; and great-uncle, Clifford Hanks. Traditional Native American Services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, Naytahwaush. An all night visitation will be at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex beginning 6:00 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012 and continue until the service begins on Tuesday. Interment will be at the Family Burial Grounds, Naytahwaush.

Kelsey Joy Hanks

September 9, 1996 - June 28, 2012