Melanie Sargent, age 44, of Moorhead, MN, formerly Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Melanie Marie Sargent, the daughter of James Burnette and Avonelle Sargent, was born on September 25, 1973, in Detroit Lakes, MN. She grew up on the White Earth Reservation and attended school in Mahnomen. Mel was always very close to her family and raised several of her nephews, including Hoggie, Tyson, Trenton, Sano, Dayton. Her nephew, Ian, came in to her life as an infant and she raised him as her own. Mel met and spent many years in a loving relationship with Lawrence Bradley "Brad" Sargent and together they were blessed with two children, Sharon and Lawrence "Joe."   Mel and Brad had many wonderful years together before he passed away in 2004. Last fall, Mel moved to Moorhead, MN, to make her home and recently her health significantly deteriorated. Mel loved to tell stories of her previous shenanigans which always brought laughter to her family and friends. She never shied away from an adventure, loved to gamble and enjoyed the thrill of living life on the edge. Mel's smile and contagious spirit will forever be in the hearts of many.

Melanie is survived by her children: Ian of Rice Lake, MN, Sharon of Bagley, MN, and Lawrence "Joe" of Mahnomen; six brothers, Simon Burnette, George Burnette, James Burnette, Darrell "Boone" Wadena and John "Hoggman" Sargent; sisters: Effie Burnette, Sherie Burnette, Kathy Wadena, Cheryl Sargent, Brenda Sargent, Eleanor Sargent, and Jamie Sargent; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Avonelle; sisters, Janelle Sargent, Sasha Burnette, and Lois Brown; her brother, Brian Sargent; and niece, Marisa Sargent.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at the Church of Naytahwaush and continue until the time of the Funeral at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the Church of Naytahwaush in Naytahwaush, MN. Burial will be in the Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN.