Remembering the life of…

Andrea Lee Yankton-Ironshield was born on June 18, 1963, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the youngest child of Pauline (Michael) Greywater and James Yankton Sr. No longer in pain or suffering, Andrea began her journey to Heaven on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by her loving family.

Andrea, lovingly known as “Chico,” grew up and resided on the Spirit Lake Nation all her life. As one of the youngest in a large family, she deeply cherished the time spent joking, laughing, and creating memories with her siblings.

She attended Fort Totten High School and worked various jobs, and through one of them she met the love of her life, Roger. Together they shared 43 cherished years, raising 12 loving children and building a life centered around love, family, and strength.

Andrea’s love was the heart of her family. She supported those she loved without hesitation and made everyone around her feel safe, cared for, and deeply valued. She carried herself with strength and determination and always meant business, but beneath it all was a deep well of compassion and love for those around her. She treasured spending time with family and friends, especially gatherings filled with laughter, storytelling, visits, and love. She also found great joy in playing Bingo, one of her favorite pastimes. In celebration of her life and the happiness she found in bringing people together, family and friends are invited to enjoy a game of Bingo in her honor after the burial.

Andrea is survived by her beloved husband, Roger; daughter Sunny (Mitch) Lameyer, Ronni Ironshield, Stevie Ironshield, Karly (Alonzo) King, Destin (Darwin) Ironshield, and Rory (Aries) Ironshield; sons Ramone Ironshield, Reese Ironshield, and Romeo Ironshield; brothers and sisters Alfred “Lemon” (Dalphine) Longie, Roger Yankton Sr., Celeste Herman, Quentin Yankton Sr., James “Junior” (Cathy) Yankton, Clarice (Josey) Lawrence, Valerie (Lawrence) Bull, Jackie Yankton, Paulette (Jerry) Lenoir, and Michael (Tara) Greywater Jr.; along with many cherished grandchildren, relatives, and dear friends.

Andrea was preceded in death by her sons Kalum Yankton, Roger “Lil Rog” Ironshield, and Rodney Ironshield; her mother and stepfather Pauline and Michael Greywater; her father James Yankton Sr.; brothers Alex Yankton and Scott Yankton; sisters Jessica Yankton, Roberta Yankton, and Marsha Littlewind; her best friends Carol Littleghost, Alvina “Kabeebs” White, Junior Rainbow; and many beloved family members and friends who made their journey before her.

Honorary Pallbearers are her godchild Lynessa Yankton; all of her many nieces, nephews and grandchildren; Bud “Fefe” Shaw; Darren (Germaine) Demarce; Kathy White and family, Marilyn Littleghost and family; Vincent (Adele) Shaw; Mark and Vanessa Littleghost; Brenda Jackson; and all the loving family, relatives, and dear friends Andrea cherished so deeply. The laughter, conversations, and moments of joy you shared with her were treasures she carried in her heart always.

The family sincerely apologizes if anyone was unintentionally omitted during this difficult time.

A special thank you to all the nurses and doctors who cared for Andrea throughout her final years, and to the tribal representatives and programs that supported our family during her medical journey and through this difficult time. We cannot fully express how deeply thankful and grateful we are for your care, kindness, and support.

Casket Bearers will be Alonzo and Karlh King, Chad Ironshield, Ramone Ironshield, Romeo Ironshield, Isaac Woodhull. All Drum Groups and Singers are welcome to share their songs in memory of Chico.

The Wake for Andrea will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Tekakwitha Center, St. Michael, ND beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael will leave on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. from City Plaza, Devils Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery.