Bernita E. (Davis) Lonetree

life story

A loving Mother and Gagum

Bernita E. (Davis) Lonetree, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the people she loved most.

Bernita was born on July 25, 1953, at the Indian Health Service Hospital in Belcourt, North Dakota, to Alma T. (Grandboise) Davis and Peter Davis Sr. She was the tenth of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the love, laughter, and strong family bonds that would remain an important part of her life.

Bernita began her education at St. Ann’s Catholic School in Belcourt. In August of 1962, her mother accepted a position at the Tekakwitha Orphanage in Sisseton, South Dakota, and Bernita continued her education there until 1964. She then attended Little Flower Catholic School in St. Michael, North Dakota, where she completed the eighth grade. In 1968, her mother returned to Belcourt, and Bernita continued her education at Turtle Mountain Community High School, graduating in May of 1972.

Following high school, Bernita moved to the Minneapolis area and applied for a position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. That decision began a remarkable career of service. Over the next four decades, she worked in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Aberdeen and Sisseton, South Dakota; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, retiring after 43 years of dedicated service.

But among all of the places Bernita traveled and all of the work she accomplished, the greatest chapter of her life was the family she built.

On July 7, 1979, Bernita married the love of her life, Gregg Lonetree, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Belcourt, North Dakota. Together, they made their home in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where they raised their daughter, Nicole, and son, Mark. Gregg and Bernita shared a life built on love, family, commitment, and countless memories.

After retiring, Bernita returned to Eagan, Minnesota, where she embraced one of the roles she cherished most: grandmother. Her grandchildren brought her immense happiness, and she treasured every opportunity to be present in their lives. She proudly cheered them on at their sporting events, celebrated their accomplishments, and filled their lives with the warmth and unconditional love only a grandmother can give.

Bernita knew how to enjoy life. She loved spending time with friends at the casino, playing BINGO, shopping, and simply being with the people who mattered to her. She especially enjoyed turquoise jewelry and pottery, treasures that held special meaning from her years in New Mexico. She had an appreciation for beautiful things, but even more than what she collected, it was the memories she made along the way that she carried with her.

Bernita will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to family, her generosity of spirit, and the love she gave so freely. She was someone whose presence made a difference. To her husband, she was his beloved life partner. To her children, she was a source of love and guidance. To her grandchildren, she was a treasured grandmother who was always there cheering them on. To her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, she was a cherished part of their lives and their family story.

Bernita leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the people she loved and the lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Gregg Lonetree; her daughter, Nicole (Lonetree) Brovold; her son, Mark Lonetree; and her precious grandchildren, Lily, Colton, and Peyton Brovold, and Brandon Lonetree. She is also survived by her sisters, Caroline (Martin) Chavez, Mary McKay, and Marlene (John) Davis; her brother, Peter (Harlene) Davis; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bernita was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Peter Davis Sr.; her grandparents, Adele and Alexander Davis, and Patrick and Margaret Montriel; her brother, Lloyd Davis Sr.; and her sisters, Delores Lohnes, Viola Lawrence, Antoinette Ironheart, Corrine Chaske, and Rita Belgrade.

Though Bernita’s journey on earth has come to an end, the love she gave will continue through her family, the memories she created, and the many lives she touched. Her laughter, her stories, her strength, and the love she had for her family will remain with those who knew and loved her.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of her family and friends.

Bernita’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Mystic Lake Event Center.

A Mass in her honor will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Belcourt, North Dakota, on January 3, 2027.