Fern Roy Bice, age 86, of Mahnomen, MN, formerly Brooklyn Center, MN, passed away Monday, November 23, 2015, at her son's home surrounded by family.

Fern was born April 10, 1929, in White Earth, MN, to Vincent and Mary (Beaulieu) Roy.  Her childhood was spent on the White Earth Reservation.  As a young lady, Fern moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she attended Business College and worked in social services.  She was united in marriage to Robert Bice and the couple made their home in the Twin Cities area.   Fern retired from the United States Postal Service after 15 years of diligent employment. In the 1990's, Fern remarried Bob and they returned to Beaulieu where she took an interest in tribal affairs and became an avid advocate.  She and Bob enjoyed traveling and tending to their large garden with its bountiful produce.  Fern looked forward to the grandkids coming to spend summer vacation "up north" with them.  She also enjoyed playing Bingo, visiting with her sisters and the occasional trip to the casino.  Some of her favorite pastimes included reading and watching Westerns and crime shows, especially CSI and Criminal Minds.  Fern loved spending time with all her family and loved her pets like her children.  While living in Brooklyn Center, Fern was a faithful member of Gichitwaa Kateri Catholic Church, and transferred to St. Joseph's in Beaulieu upon moving back to the reservation.  She was a devoted Christian and prayed the rosary faithfully.

Fern is survived by two daughters, LaDonna Bice, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Carol Tilley (Jerry Skinaway), Beaulieu; three sons: David, Minneapolis, MN, Melvin (Eleanor), Beaulieu, and James (Hye Suk), Evans, GA; daughter-in-law, Sharon Bice, Two Harbors, MN, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 2003; one son, Michael, in 2015, a daughter, Darlene, and four sisters: Lorraine, Marlene, Carrol Roy and Grace. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, November 28, 2015, at 2 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu. Visitation was one hour prior.  Interment was at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.