Rose Mary (Duffy) Morsette Bernard, 72, died at a Great Falls hospital Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, due to natural causes.
Her wake service began at 1 p. m. Oct. 12, with her rosary service at 7 p.m. at the Rocky Boy Catholic Church. Her funeral service was at 10 a.m. Oct. 13, at the Rocky Boy Catholic Church with the Rev. Pete Guthneck officiating. Burial followed at Eagle Look Out Cemetery. Rose was born Nov. 11, 1934 in Rocky Boy to the late William Morsette Sr. And the late Josephine (Babe) Morsette. Rose attended and graduated Flandreau Indian School in 1953. Rose married Thomas Edward Bernard and they had four children. They later divorced. Rose then married Ned Sunchild and from this union had five children. Rose worked 40 years at the Rocky Boy School District as a food service director until her retirement in 2000. Rose was truly a rose of many colors. She possessed so many good qualities in life, that it is very difficult to sum them all up. She had a never ending, always forgiving, and unconditional love. This love was extended not only to her family, but to her community as well. The door to her home was always open to those who needed someone to visit with, or share a cup of coffee with. Those that passed through her door were always fed, and loved including many stray animals that made their home in her yard. She always seemed to know when her family members were in need, and was there to help them. This charity was extended to all she crossed paths with. Rose possessed a strength that all others could always count on. Her strong faith and her prayers carried her through life. In addition to her family, Rose loved Elvis Presley and never tired of collecting his memorabilia. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, reading and playing Scrabble with her children. She loved her children, grandchildren and she showed her extreme love through many ways. She is preceeded in death by her parents; husbands, Thomas Edward Bernard and Ned Sunchild; sisters, Geneva Houle, Alice Gardipee and Dorothy Clark; brother, John Morsette Sr.; grandson, Dolan Jake Sunchild; and granddaughter, Cheyenne Rose Bernard. She is survived by her children, Larry Bernard, Margaret (Larry Denny) Bernard, Brenda Bernard, Christine Blatt, Darrell (Winona) Sun Child Sr., Kimberly (Victor) Patacsil, Dallas (Pam) Sun Child, Darrin (Sue) Sun Child and Violet Dawn (Trent Standing Rock) Sun Child; adopted sons, Joseph Bernard, Thomas Bernard, Harold Whitford Jr. And Russell Standing Rock, all of Rocky Boy; adopted daughters, Melody Bernard and Amber Standing Rock; bonus mom, Delia Morsette; sisters, Josephine St. Marks, Violet Oats, Rheta Chandler, Vivian Striker, Linda Morsette, Marla Morsette and Hannah Morsette; brothers, Larry Morsette Sr., William Morsette Jr., Melvin Morsette, Richard Morsette, Kermit Morsette and Harvey Morsette Sr.; 48 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren and many extended children and grandchildren. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
