Roxane Emily Gibbs was born July 7, 1953 to Imogene and Verne E. Gibbs. She joined her sister, Georgia Jean Gibbs, her life-long friend, in the family home.
God called Roxane home, Tuesday morning February 7, 2017, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT from complications of health issues.
Roxane married William (Willie) Youpee II and one daughter, Lesley Kim, was born to this union. Roxane also raised her niece, Cassie Jo Gibbs, as her daughter from the age of 8.
On their 5th anniversary, they were in a fatal car wreck and Roxanes’ husband Willie, was killed.
Her adventurous spirit took her to many places to do many things. She built emergency landing slides for passenger planes in Los Angeles, CA. While in L.A., she stayed with Uncle Richard and Auntie Evelyn (Babe Gibbs, and their family; Carlotta (Buttons), Margie, Peggy and Stephen Gibbs where they shared many, many good memories.
When she returned to Montana, she attended college at MSU-Northern in Havre, MT. Upon coming home to Poplar, she worked as a teacher’s assistant with Charlene Swanson-Culbertson for a number of years. She gave a much needed caring hand to all the children she came into contact with, often bringing hats, gloves and scarves for those that needed them. During her twenties, she started a business “Mom’s Taco’s” with her very dear friend, Candy Cain. They opened the first Mexican and Indian taco fast food restaurant in Poplar. Roxane also worked at the American Legion Supper Club as a hostess for years. Roxane and Candy worked as flaggers for a summer in Ray, North Dakota.
She was very proud and honored to serve on the Board of Directors for West Electronics as well as Ft. Peck Tech. She enjoyed her grandchildren tremendously, granddaughter’s Alanis Melton, Sophia Albanese and grandson, Samuel Albanese, and her grandson Alec Alexander.
She enjoyed laughing and visiting with friends and family. She was known for her good sense of humor and always smiling.
Roxane is survived by her daughter’s Lesley (Charles) Ball, Cassie Jo Gibbs. Her three sisters Georgia (Tom) Gibbs-Atkinson, Carlene Gibbs Ferguson, and LaVerne Gibbs. Nephews Tom(Missy) Atkinson, Bo Ferguson, Weylin Ferguson, Justin Ferguson, Smiley Gibbs. Grandchildren Alanis Melton, Sophia Albanese, Samuel Albanese, Alec Alexander, Aries White Tail Feather, Eli Gibbs, Chimerri Lester, Kaycee Ferguson, Trever Ferguson, Myles Ferguson, Alysha (Iron Lance) Buckles-Atkinson, Tyrell Buckles-Ferguson. Great-grandchildren Kaidyn, Inez, Evanii and Tameya Crowe, Gracie, Gaby, Lola, Grayson and Tommy Vaden Atkinson. Special friends Lisa Ventura-Ratipush, Terry Thompson, Rose Akers, Terry Lindsay, Ava Loveland. She had grown very close to her roommate at the Faith Lutheran Home, Cookie Big Horn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Verne and Imogene Gibbs, and her husband, Willie Youpee.
Roxane had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews not only from the reservation but one end of the United States to the other.
Kathleen says
Rest in perfect peace my friend. You are now in the very presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Angels of God are taking you around heaven my friend walking on the streets of gold. How wonderful that must be.
Condolences to the family of Roxanne. A very sweet loving person.
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Our prayers are with you all.
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P. My Friend It Was Great Knowing You As You As A Teacher Aid At The Poplar School And As A Friend Too Prayers Sent To Georgia Gibbs Atkinson And Laverne Gibbs And Carlene..
Gay & Brian Pennington says
So sorry to hear of Roxanne pasting. She always had a smile on her. I enjoy knowing her and the family. You have my deepest Sympathy and Condolences to the family and relatives. From a friend Gay(Stephanie) Pennington
Coretta Greybear says
Love and prayers to the family. I’m saddened to hear of her passing. She was a great woman and I’m glad to have known her.
Rose Morsette says
Prayers for the family.Roxane was such a nice person.
Cissy Eagleman, Chasidy & Aroyal says
Journey well Roxanne, you will be missed dearly…
Prayers of comfort for Leslie, Carlene, Laverne, Georgia and Grandbabies…
Wayne & Evetta Two Bulls says
Sending our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family. We were deeply saddened by the news of her passing. We will miss her dearly.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Wayne and Evetta
Laurie Shafer says
Many deep condolences to the Gibbs family. In heaven no pain is felt, they run in a green field with our loved ones who have left before us to prepare a place for us. Thinking of all of you during this sad time.
Veda Azure (LaRoche) says
My deepest condolences, Roxanne was a wonderful lady, she was there when I needed someone, I will miss her dearly, my prayers go out to the family, she will be at peace now, with her mom and dad, and My mom they are probably all together watching over us. I have many memories of Roxanne and she will be missed dearly.
Veda Azure
Nancy & Albert Foote Sr. says
My condolences to cousin Roxanne’s family. I will always remember the laughter we shared each time we met. To her children and grandchildren, know that you’re mom/grandmother loved you with all her heart. To her sister’s, she was very fortunate to have loving and caring siblings, who kept her best interests at heart. Whenever we saw each other, she always remembered that we were family, she never lost that connection. I will miss her smile and laughter. Rest well cousin. No more pain or suffering.
Al Bets His Medicine says
I remember when I first met Roxanne. I thought what a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. I never heard her speak ill of anyone. I remember one time I was out at her house and Cassie and I were singing. Laverne and Carlene were there. I left that house that day with a warm feeling. These sisters loved each other very much. My prayer is that God will give you strength, wisdom and comfort at this time. It’s hard to say good bye but it’s not really good bye because some day soon there’ll be a reunion. Spread your mighty wings Roxanne and “FLY”
Rhonda Mason says
Rest in peace my childhood friend. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Timothy Kee says
Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are happy.
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all during this most difficult time.
Janeen Firemoon says
Roxanne…It was a blessing to have taken care of you…sure going to miss your smile…your laugh…your stories…Prayers to the family.
Billie LaBorde says
I will miss Roxanne. We had such good times while we were on the reservation and our phone calls after we left. We were adopted in to a wonderful loving family and our prayers are with them today. I wish we could have been there with all of you.
Auntie Billie, Uncle Joe, Roger and Debra
Patt Iron Cloud says
God bless your journey to the Heavens Roxane… you are loved by many. God blessed you with a great family here on Mother Earth and in the Heavens, all our relatives who have paved us a journey. . Please give Auntie Imogene and Uncle Vernie a big hug for me. I’ll miss you forever until I see you again.. hugs and love forever…..Patt
Ione Headdress Hanson says
RIP Roxanne. I have so many memories of us hanging out long ago. I will miss you my friend. You are at peace now.
Rosella Sky Arrow and James Wilson says
Charlene and Laverne, So sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers. Your sister was a kind and caring person. She will be missed.
Lucy Redekopp says
My prayers and thoughts are with the family I really liked Roxanne she was a very sweet person may she rest in peace