Marilyn Ruth Westbrook

Marilyn R. Westbrook, Wezhaawashk-waanakwadookwe “Blue Cloud Woman” of the Eagle Clan, age 63, of Bemidji, MN traveled to the Spirit World on Thursday, May 2, 2024 in Bemidji, MN.

Marilyn was born on May 18, 1960, to Winifred and Oscar Westbrook in Minneapolis, MN.  She attended school in Minneapolis, MN and also studied at Leech Lake Tribal College. She was a longtime member of MIWSAC, as well as a Circle Keeper for the organization. She moved on to facilitating a breakout session at least year’s conference and from that was asked to speak at the Bemidji MMIW event. She was always on the road traveling and loved visiting friends and relatives while attending pow-wows, listening to the drums, watching the dancers and playing keno.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Desiree Ramos and Kenneth Rogers and grandchildren; brothers John Joe Stately, Thomas “Jambi” Westbrook and Stephen Ortley; adoptive sisters Armella Neadeau, Marsha Neadeau and Valerie Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.

Those greeting her in the spirit world are her parents Winifred and Oscar; grandparents Rose and Xaviar; adoptive father Elmer Thompson; brothers Alvin Downwind Sr and James Westbrook; sister Rosalie Jourdain; sisters-in-law Audrey Stately and Barb Westbrook; grandson Xavier Westbrook; and traditional parents Sharon & Kenn Mitchell.

A traditional wake will begin at 1:00 PM on May 8, 2024 at the Redby Center in Redby, MN and continue until the service at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 10, 2024 with Spiritual Leader Zac Earley. Active Pallbearers will be Alvie Downwind, Joe Kettle, Chad Prentice, Bruce Jourdain Jr, Joey Kettle Jr and Standing Bear Stately. Honorary Pallbearers will be Arlene White, Willamette Hardy, Adele Zephier, Anna Westbrook, Ashley Brun, Kim Tellinghaisen, Diane Roy, Diane Howard, Susan Moffet, Marilyn Hardt, Colleen & Wayne Overson, Michael Dahl and Lisa McAllister. Burial will be in the Westbrook Family Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

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