watch Jessica's Funeral

Jessica Hanks, age 36, of White Earth, MN, died Saturday, September 26, 2020, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Jessica Ardette Hanks was born September 12, 1984, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the daughter of Susan (Borah) and Richard "Wayne" Hanks Sr.  She attended school in Ogema and Waubun, MN, and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 2003.  Following high school, Jess joined the Army National Guard and proudly served for 10 years.  During this time, she attended college at NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND, and then began working at Circle of Nations.  Jessica also took classes through the Cosmetology Program at M State Wadena.  She returned to the White Earth Reservation and worked in security for the White Earth RTC and the Shooting Star Casino.  While working at the casino, Jessica truly enjoyed her employment as a canine handler with her dog, Hooch.  Most recently, she had returned to Circle of Nations and was working as a lead in the boy's dormitory.  After returning to Circle of Nations, Jessica crossed paths with a previous co-worker, Steve Meyer, and the two began dating in January of 2019.  Together, with Steve's boys, they made many wonderful memories they will all treasure.  She loved spending time with Steve and pulling pranks and jokes on both Ian and Braxtyn.  Jessica had a great sense of humor and her personality lent itself to one of fun loving, generous, energetic and a bit quirky.  She was athletic and played volleyball, softball, and bowled during the winter months.  Jess was an avid MN Vikings and NDSU Bison fan.  Some of her favorite pastimes included beading, collecting and watching movies, traveling, hunting and leeching, and being a dog-mom to her fur babies Quincy, Hooch and Caine.  However, what she loved the most was spending time just hanging out with friends and family and creating special bonds with her nieces and nephews.  She will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Jessica is survived by her parents, Wayne and Susan of White Earth; sister, Missy Hanks of Fargo, ND; brothers, Richard Jr. and Kevin both of White Earth; significant other, Steve Meyer and his children, Ian and Braxtyn of Fergus Falls, MN; grandmas, Ardette Bisson of Detroit Lakes and Margaret Borah of Tucson, AZ; nine nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Margaret and Charles Hanks Sr. and grandpa, Jennings Borah.

Blessed be the memory of Jessica Hanks.

Private Family services will be held Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the White Earth Community Center. Public Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2020, from 5 – 8 pm with Ojibwe Hymn Singers starting at 7 pm at the White Earth Community Center.  Burial will take place Saturday, at St. Columba Episcopal Cemetery, White Earth.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate. The service will be recorded and available for viewing shortly after the funeral.