Josette Roberta Thunder

Josette Roberta Thunder, age 48, began her journey to the spirit world on February 9, 2026.

Josette was born on August 17, 1977 to Ernest Stevens and Charlotte Ortley in Bagley, MN.  Josette graduated from Circle of Life Academy-White Earth in 1995, where she participated in volleyball and basketball. She later went on to work at SSC as a cashier and also a PCA and all around Hustler. Josette was united in marriage to Ralph Thunder and they made their home in Gonvick, close to the Red Lake border. She loved spending time with her grandkids, taking trips to the casino, riding Harleys with Bill, doing her makeup, sewing things and hanging out with family, but her true passion was her grandkids, nieces and nephews. She was always very outspoken and never shy about the truth.

Josette is survived by her husband Ralph; daughters Dallas Thunder and Trisha Bush; son Craig Thunder of Red Lake; brothers William Stevens, Daniel Stevens and Ernest Ortley; sisters Sheila Stevens and Liza Stevens of Bagley; special nieces Mallory Stevens and Korrin Stevens; grandkids Zyir Angel, Camri Ann, Aniyah Blue, Isla Cameron, Alize Marie, Ariyanna Aree; and nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.

She was greeted by her parents Ernest and Anne; siblings Patrick Stevens and Mike Stevens and Craig Stevens, Wayde Stevens and Diane Bush; niece Izabella Stevens; and nephew Cameron Stevens.

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Rice Lake Community Center and will continue until the service at 1 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026 with Spiritual Leader Charles Grolla. Active Pallbearers will be Damien Stevens, Gage Stevens, Mallory Stevens, Clarence Drouillard, Andy Desjarlait, Mariah Hanse, Gavin Fox, Liza Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Family and Friends of Josette. Burial will be at a future date in the spring at their homestead. Thanks to the firekeepers Armando, Dacari, Brent, Precious Preston and the rest of the family. In lieu of flowers, live plants would be appreciated. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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