Kathy Goodwin, age 70, of Naytahwaush, MN, died on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy Lynn Roy was born April 22, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Henry and Sylvia (Brown) Roy.  She grew up in the metro and graduated high school from Columbia Heights, MN, with the class of 1969.  Following graduation, Kathy stayed in the Twin Cities area and was part of the American Indian Movement (AIM), continuing her lifelong fight for her people.  She also spent time in Bemidji attending Bemidji State University. In the late 1970's, Kathy moved north to her family's land in Naytahwaush.  She then met Robert "Scrub" Goodwin and they were united in marriage on December 6, 1980, at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush, MN.  The couple stayed in the village of Naytahwaush where they raised their three children.  January of 2021 Kathy lost her partner of over 40 years.

Over the years, Kathy worked for the people of White Earth in various capacities.  She began in Conservation Court, and through there she established the White Earth Motor Vehicle Department exercising regulatory authority over motor vehicles and even designed the White Earth license plates in the 1990's.  She also worked in Tribal Court before her elected service began in 2014.  Kathy passionately served the people of the White Earth Nation as District II Representative from 2014-2021, when she took a step back last year to focus on her own health.

Kathy was always about the people.  She was a caring individual who was ready to lend a hand when and wherever needed.  She was the voice of many, often speaking her mind, but always determined to get things done.  Kathy can be credited for many positive things being accomplished on the reservation and especially Naytahwaush.  She was on numerous boards and chaired many activities, too many to list!  When Kathy wasn't volunteering, she enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, sewing, and watching old classic movies, but mostly she loved spending time with her family.  She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Kathy is survived by a son, Robert Jr. (Tiffany); two daughters, Tara (Thomas) Mason and Amber (Greg) Blue, all of Naytahwaush; 11 grandchildren: Coreen (Gerilyn) Roy, Alex Mason, Veronica Roy, Olivia Mason, Carmen Mason, Carla Mason, Michael Mason, James Mason, Cali Mason, Brenden Blue, and Amira Goodwin; two great-grandchildren, Wilton Bailey and Desmond ; two brothers, Terry (Diane) Roy, Phoenix, AZ, and Tim Roy of Naytahwaush; three sisters-in-law: Ann (John) LaVoy of Naytahwaush; Gloria "Tudy" Nepstad of Mahnomen and Lois "Petey" Olson of Naytahwaush; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Scrub" Goodwin; parents; brothers, Ronald Roy, and Jerry Roy; sister, Barbara Morth; five brothers and sisters-in-law: Charles "Butch" Goodwin, George "Dode" Goodwin, Lyle "Pokey John" Goodwin, Carol "Jeanie" McDougall, Juanita Ortiz and many nieces and nephews and great nephews.

Traditional Services will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, in Naytahwaush, with a ceremony at 7:00 p.m. and visitation continuing until the Funeral Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Sports Complex.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced. Masks are strongly encouraged.