Roy Morsette

Roy Morsette, 76, of Twin Buttes, North Dakota, passed away on July 15, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Services will be held at 9:00 AM CT on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Twin Buttes Wellness Center, Twin Buttes, ND with Pastor Kevin Finley officiating. Burial will follow at Cannonball Congregational Cemetery, Cannonball, ND. All are welcome. 

 A wake will begin at 6:00 PM CT on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Twin Buttes Wellness Center.

 Roy was born on April 9, 1950, in Elbowoods, North Dakota, to Alfred Morsette Sr. and Lena Hunts Along. From the beginning, Roy’s life was shaped by family, tradition, hard work, and the land he called home. He attended Twin Buttes Elementary School and later Flandreau Indian School, carrying with him the lessons, friendships, and experiences that helped make him the man so many came to know and love.

Roy lived a life full of memorable chapters. As a young man, he appeared in two movies filmed in Montana: Little Big Man and A Man Called Horse. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling, powwows, working outdoors, horsemanship, and breaking horses. With a natural connection to animals and the land, Roy carried a strong work ethic into everything he did.

In 1975, Roy met Maryann Running Bear Stretches, and they were married on July 20, 1976. Together, they shared a deep love and made their life in Twin Buttes, North Dakota, where they raised their children and helped care for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. They were blessed with five children: Chad Morsette Sr., Roychelle Morsette, Danny Morsette, Baby Roy Morsette, and Danielle Morsette. Family was an important part of Roy’s life, and he took pride in the generations that followed him: his grandchildren, Talon, Courtney, and Lance; and his great-grandchildren, Jayci Yankton and Woyawaste “Tae” Morsette.

Throughout his working years, Roy worked as a ranch hand, operated his own ranch, served with the BIA Roads Department, and worked at Twin Buttes Elementary School until he resigned in the fall of 2014. He often said he would never retire, believing that too many people passed away soon after retiring, so in true Roy fashion, he chose to quit instead. Roy was known for being dependable, resourceful, and talented with his hands. He loved fast cars, was an excellent mechanic, and had his own machine shop. He also enjoyed carpentry and welding—skills that reflected both his patience and his ability to solve problems.

Roy found happiness in the things that connected him to his community, traditions, and family. He was a champion grass dancer and enjoyed the excitement of powwows, where his love for tradition and movement was proudly shared. He was also a longtime wrestling fan and enjoyed the entertainment of the sport. Those who knew Roy will remember his wide range of interests, his hands-on talents, and the strength, independence, and heart he brought to everything he did.

Roy was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Morsette Sr.; his mother, Lena Hunts Along; his brothers, Alfred Jr. and William; his sisters, Victoria, Joann, Germaine, Diane, and Donna; his wife, Maryann; and his son, Chad Morsette Sr.

Roy is survived by his daughters, Roychelle and Danielle Morsette; his sons, Danny and Baby Roy Morsette; his grandchildren, Talon, Courtney, and Lance; his great-grandchildren, Jayci and Tae; his special nephew, Jason “Chubbs” Morsette; close first cousins (siblings); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Roy’s life will be remembered through the family he loved, the work of his hands, the horses he handled, the roads he traveled, and the many stories he leaves behind. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

            Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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