Pauline Merrick

Pauline C. Merrick - Mahpiya Tokah Win “She’s a leader in heaven”, the Matriarch of the MatoCatka Tiwahe 90, of St. Michael ND began her wanagi ta’canku to the Star nation on Thursday, February 22, 2024, with her loving family at her side. 

Pauline began her earthly journey on December 14, 1933, to Sarah Hopkins and Simon Leftbear at the hospital in Fort Totten ND, the youngest of their two (2) children. She was the granddaughter of Chief MatoCatka of the Wahpeton band. She was raised by her aunt Martha Glazer in Tokio, ND and was educated at boarding schools in St. Michael’s Indian Mission and Stephan, SD. During school she enjoyed playing basketball with her classmate Lilly Owlboy. Her memorable childhood memories were dancing at the local pow wows. 

 On July 14, 1953, she was united in marriage to Frank Merrick and to this union was born four (4) children Deborah, Brenda, Fulton and Catherine. The family relocated to Los Angeles, California for several years and then to Chicago, Illinois, where they would gainfully work and raise their children. In 1969, the family returned back home to Spirit Lake due to her aunt Martha’s car accident. At this time, Pauline cared for her sister, brothers and aunt until she recovered. Her aunt Martha was the President of the Lone Buffalo Club and also organized the fundraising efforts. Pauline was an active member of the Club and appreciated helping her aunt. 

Pauline and Frank established their home in St. Michael, ND. They were foster parents and welcomed their home to many children including raising Dennis Johnson. She was a stay at home mother who was devoted to her family and took pride in their homestead. Pauline enjoyed traveling to pow wows, and could always pick a winner for the drum and dance contests. She bowled and participated in many bowling leagues locally and in Chicago. Pauline pitched and played softball until she was 51 years old. She was a very fluent speaker in her Dakota language and loved listening to pow wow and prayer songs

After nearly 61 years of marriage her husband Frank passed away in 2014. Her recent favorite memory was when the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara (MHA) 2022 Little Shell Celebration honored and flown her husband Frank’s United States Army flag. She was proud of her husband’s military service.

Pauline was a widow of a World War II Veteran. She lived a humble and beautiful life. She believed in the Dakota values of Fortitude, Courage, Generosity, and Wisdom. She served as a good example of a strong inspirational Dakota woman. Although Kunsi Pauline may no longer walk beside us, her spirit and strength will be with us always. She was a blessing to us all.

Toksa Ake, Mahpiya Tokah Win. 

She is survived by her loving family: Her daughter Catherine (James) Yankton; sister: Mona Leftbear; God daughters: Melissa Merrick Brady, Rayanne and Maddy Leaf, aunt: Cora Rose Sherman; nieces: Trudy (Clint) Laroque, Bonnie Leftbear, Mary Rose Lebeau, Julie Brathovde, Cora Whiteman, Catalina (Terry) Herman, Larissa, Danielle, and Tanisha Leftbear, Merle Botone Nephews: Wesley Young, Austin and Nathan Smith, Bruce and John Whiteman, Sam Merrick Sr., Carl Merrick, Raymond Merrick Jr., Phillip “Skip” Longie Sr. and 21 Takoza’s, and 30 great Takoza’s and many great-great Takoza’s. Special hunka daughter: Arlene Keahna and families, Tama, Iowa, and hunka sisters: Helena Littleghost and Clara Begay, Tempe, Arizona. Extended Leftbear families in Sioux Valley, Manitoba; Dianne Taylor and families. 

She is reunited in the star nation with her parents, husband Frank, children: Deborah Morsette, Brenda Merrick and Fulton Merrick, granddaughter: Deborah Yankton, great-grandson: Audie Swiftbird Jr., sister: Evelyn (Gabe) Young, brothers: Miles and Jonah Leftbear, aunt: Martha, uncle: John Leftbear, sister in law: Mary Rose (John) Brathvode, and nephews: Dean and Jay Young and other family members too numerous too mention.

Casket Bearers will be Jason LaRock, Scott Jetty, Joe Yankton, Derrick Jackson Jr., Preston Danks, Eric Belgarde, Brady Walford, and Fulton Merrick Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers are Catherine Howard, Darlene Wadsworth, Astel Cavanaugh, Mary Greene -Trottier, ReNa Lohnes, Barbara and Joe Jackson, Clarice and Josie Lawrence, Helena Littleghost, Roberta Littleghost, Renita and Bud Shaw, Marva Tollefson, Jeneane Littleghost, Frances Greyhorn, Belle Lawrence, Natasha Gourd, Rose Lebeau, Corbette McKay, Marty Jackson, Bonnie Leftbear and families, Valarie and Lawrence Bull, Richard and Lonna Street, Evelyn Kimberly Young, Dedrick Robertson, Tracy “Buzz” Charboneau-Chase, Renita Delorme, Oliver Gourd Sr., John and Mona Chaske, Annette Lenoir, Jeanetta Jackson, Mathais Jackson, Mary Thompson, Roger Yankton, Audrey Belgarde, Crystal Thompson, Meada Jetty, Sarah Cavanaugh, Phyllis Dubois, Spirit Lake Dakota Transportation Program. Special thank you to Audie Swiftbird for singing prayer songs to her during her final days, Lois and Keith Leben and families, Fred Longie Jr., and Pete Dauphinais Jr. for helping with the firewood. Also, the family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who prayed and shared their condolences. If we left anyone out it was not unintentional.

Music will be provided by the White Horse hill singers. All drum groups are welcome to share their songs in memory of Pauline. 

The wake for Pauline will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, starting at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary Scripture and prayer songs starting at 7:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday from City Plaza in Devils Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church with Reverend Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery next to her husband Frank in the spring.