Debra Labatte

Debra Â?Darby LouÂ? Lou LaBatte was born January 1, 1957, the daughter of Walter and Genevieve LaBatte, in Granite Falls. Her Dakota name was Omaka Teca Win. She was baptized and confirmed at the Pejihutazizi Church of the Upper Sioux Community. Deb attended the Granite Falls School. She was a lifelong member of the Upper Sioux Community. Deb was married earlier to Ron Odegard and had a son, Lance Odegard. She later married Jerel Enstad and had a son, Preston Â?PJÂ? Enstad. Deb worked as the CHR for the Upper Sioux Community a number of years, where the elders enjoyed DebÂ?s happy demeanor. Deb was also employed at the nursing home and PlewÂ?s Manufacturing of Granite Falls.Deb enjoyed shooting pool, loved fishing and ice fishing. She also liked to picnic and swim, collecting rocks and making crafts from nature. Deb is remembered by family and friends for her happy go-lucky attitude; always joking, even during stressful times and while ill. Deb passed away on Tuesday December 8, 2009, at the Fairview University Hospital. She was 52 years of age.Deb is survived by her significant other Gary Mitlyng of Montevideo, two sons: Lance Odegard of the Upper Sioux Community and Preston Â?PJÂ? Enstad of Granite Falls; her mother Genevieve of the Upper Sioux Community; siblings: Juanita L. Pearsall of Granite Falls, Joyce L. (Bob) Luckow, Walter LaBatte Jr. Â?SuperÂ? both from the Upper Sioux Community; Julie (Jonathan) May of Granite Falls; and Sarah (Roger Abernathy) LaBatte of Upper Sioux Community; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; six brothers: Wayne, Gary, Gordy, Rory, Reggie and Arlin; and three nephews: Edwin Benson, Dustin Randt and Gerrod Leenerts.