Marcie Fairbanks, age 56 of Naytahwaush, MN died on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.

Marcie Joy Bunker was born on October 12, 1961, in Mahnomen, MN, to Glenn and Phyllis (Ojibway) Bunker. She was raised with her family near Naytahwaush. As a young child, Marcie spent most of her days attending school and playing with her best friend, Tammy Wadena. She also helped the elders sew quilts, as the need to help others was always evident in Marcie's life. Later, she attended the Job Corps and worked for a time at Kicking Horse, MT. She then moved to California and worked in San Jose for several years. After returning to the Naytahwaush area, Marcie served as teacher's aide at the Circle of Life School before beginning her career as a Community Health Representative for the White Earth Nation. Nearly 20 years ago, Marcie met LeRoy Fairbanks. The couple was married and have since shared their life together. Marcie lovingly raised Stephanie, Theresa, Chris, Ana, Matt, all of whom she loved deeply. She truly loved kids and cherished each of her nieces and nephews. Marcie was also especially proud to have served as a first responder with the ambulance crew. She had recently taken a medical leave, after 15 years, from White Earth, as her health had declined. Marcie passed away, with family by her side, on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.

Marcie had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She always put her family first and never hesitated to go when they called in need. Marcie also enjoyed traveling and was known to take a spontaneous trip with any family or friends who would join her in an adventure. Her carefree personality and giving spirit will be greatly missed by her family and dearest friends.

Marcie is survived by her husband, Lee Fairbanks; her children: Theresa, Chris, Ana, Rodney, and Shana; her mother, Phyllis Bunker; one brother, Mark (Tammy) Bunker; two sisters, Theresa (Jim) Loud and Rose Alvarado; eight sisters-in-law: Carol Bunker, Millie Beaulieu, Debra Fairbanks, Denise Kaste, Laurel Fairbanks, Mary Jorgenson, Jeanette Fairbanks, and Deonaka Fairbanks; a dear niece, Susie Ballot; and a special cousin, Lois Pritch; as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended relatives.
She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn; two sisters, Kathleen and Molly; two brothers, Richard "Dicky" and Kelly; a step-son, Matt; three nieces: Stephanie, Kelsey and Danielle; and three nephews: Richard, Wade and Daniel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00pm, at the Sports Complex. Interment will take place at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Cemetery in Naytahwaush.