Ethelbert LaVoy, 101, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, October 12, 2007, at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Ethelbert Alyce was born May 12, 1906, in Beaulieu, MN, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Beaulieu) Person. Growing up, she attended Flowing Well School and later graduated from Mahnomen High School. Ethelbert furthered her education at Pipestone Indian School, receiving a degree in secretarial management.

On June 27, 1938, Ethelbert was united in marriage to Napoleon LaVoy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu. The couple made their home in Eagle Butte, SD, for several years. While living there, Ethelbert worked for the BIA as a caseworker on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. They retired in 1970 and moved to Mahnomen, MN. Napoleon died in August of 1975 and Ethelbert continued to make her home in Mahnomen and in 2001 she moved into the Mahnomen Health Center.

"Auntie Fun", was a nickname she earned from her zest for life and her fun personality. She enjoyed doing crafts and needlepoint and loved to crochet, work crossword puzzles and read any chance she could. Ethelbert also treasured her family and friends and looked forward to each visit, especially the daily ones from her sister, Gay. They would sit in the South Solarium of the nursing center and drink coffee, eat cookies and reminisce. Ethelbert was also a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.

Ethelbert is survived by two daughters, Gail Flinchum, of Wagoner, OK, and Dana LaVoy, of Prior Lake, MN, one granddaughter, Joni Wright, of Denver, CO; one sister, Gladys (Gay) Jensen, of Mahnomen, MN, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Napoleon, Ethelbert was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters: Ella, Irene, Grace and Beth; and three brothers: Paul, Lester and John.
Blessed be the memory of Ethelbert LaVoy.