Joyce Ruth Blaine, an enrolled member of the Ihanktowan Oyate (End Village Band), also known as the Yankton Sioux Tribe, completed her life journey on March 25, 2008 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Honoring her maternal decendancy of Sunka Wasake (Strong Dog) and Minicopa (Wading in the Water) Clanship, she was born on September 24, 1948 at home in Greenwood, South Dakota to Angelique (Chinn) Blaine and Joseph Wellington Blaine.

With the maternal gift of being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, she pursued her education at Mission Boarding School. She attended and completed the school of Cosmetology in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She then returned to Wagner, South Dakota where she was employed by the Fort Randall Casino.

She was preceded in death by four brothers: Alvin, Dickie, Clement and Donovan aka Chief; five sisters: Millicent, Gertrude, Winifred, Judy and Georgie; her husband: Gary Bettelyoun, Sr.; and parents: Angelique (Chinn) Blaine and Joseph Wellington Blaine.

She is survived by one (hunka) Brother: Cornelius Milk, also known as Kayo; four sons: Kevin, Leon, Gary and Waylon; two daughters: Jan and Arlette; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and Ihanktowan Relatives.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking and visiting at family gatherings. She will always be remembered as the "Family Touching Stone." Holding her family close and dear to her heart.

Wake services will be held at the Boys and Girls Club at South Housing in Wagner, South Dakota, Friday, March 28, 2008 to Sunday March 30, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. open for anyone).

Funeral services will be held on March 31, 2008 at the Boys and Girls Club at 2:00 p.m.

Interment will be held at the Holy Name Episcopal Cemetery in Choteau Creek, South Dakota.