Ryanette Jamie Hunts Along, 50, of Mandaree, North Dakota, passed away on May 6, 2024. Born in Williston, North Dakota, on February 24, 1974, to Rhine Hunts Along and Verna Sitting Bear, Ryanette was a cherished member of her community and a beacon of joy and laughter to all who knew her.

Ryanette grew up a cowgirl in the country, spending a lot of time with her grandma Margie when she was younger. Her summers were spent gardening, riding horses with her sisters and playing basketball. Ryanette graduated from Mandaree High School in 1992, where she excelled in basketball and was prom queen. She furthered her education on a basketball scholarship at Bottineau State College. She became pregnant with her one & only baby girl TaTeona “Peanut” and left Bottineau after a year. She completed her studies at Fort Berthold Community College in 1995, earning her associates. In 2013 & 2017 she had her 2 grand babies whom she loved so much and spent a lot of time with Dobelyn & King-Jerome Hunts Along. She loved them deeply & was the best grandma to them. She embodied spirit and passion in every endeavor. Ryanette’s love for music and basketball defined her vibrant youth; she enjoyed singing, playing the saxophone, twirling the baton, and was an enthusiastic and excellent cheerleader. She had many accolades throughout her basketball career, including numerous all district awards. She continued her basketball journey into her later years, playing in countless independent tournaments.

Ryanette's laughter and playful teasing brought light and warmth to our lives, and she was relaxed and laid-back as well. A lover of country music, she carried a tune in her heart and always found a reason to smile, reminding us all of the beauty of life. In her spare time, you could find her at a country concert or watching a rodeo. She loved to spend time at the lake, where she made plenty of great memories with family and friends. She was an amazing grandmother who had unconditional love for her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.

Proceeded in death by her father, Rhine, and siblings, Dobelyn, Kristie, Van Dale, and Ryan Hunts Along, Ryanette's loving spirit will forever be cherished by her surviving family: her amazing mother, Verna SittingBear; her beloved daughter, Tateona “Peanut” (Tifa); her adoring grandchildren, Dobelyn and King; and her amazing siblings Wade, Bryan, Lucy, and Casey Hunts Along.

Ryanette will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of kindness and cheerfulness will continue to inspire and guide us.