Mass of Christian Burial for Melissa Agard, 40, of Ft. Yates, will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fort Yates.  Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Ft. Yates under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Prayer service will be held at the AJ Agard building at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Melissa Jo Agard was born on December 12, 1982 in Bismarck ND to Kem "Jimmy" Agard and the late Deborah Ireland. Melissa passed away June 2, 2023 at St. Alexius Hospital. She stayed strong for her brother Beau to make it to her bedside.

Melissa spent her younger years 1982-1988 moving from Ft Yates, Bismarck and McIntosh. In 1989, they made their big move to Minnesota. She along with her twin sister Misty Dawn completed and graduated from kindergarten in Bismarck, ND, she attended elementary, middle and majority of High School in Minnesota before moving back to Fort Yates after the passing of her mother in 1999. Melissa and her twin sister enjoyed going to church camps and summer camps. Spending most of their younger years learning to be independent.

From the year 2001-2003 Melissa and her twin Misty helped with the care of Grandma Evelyn "DoDo" Agard. On November 4th, 2003, Melissa lost her twin Misty and filled the void by spending time with her cousins, friends and the rest of the family. Melissa enjoyed fishing with her half-brother Bronson, "trying" to hunt, as well as digging for turnips and picking berries.

She also really enjoyed listening to music and hanging out with her numerous friends and family.  She was happiest when her brother Beau James and his children, Beau Jr. Alexis and Isiah would come visit from Minneapolis, also when her older brother Dakota would pop in unannounced. She always made sure they were comfortable and made them feel at home. On December 25th of 2018 she unexpectedly gave birth to her son Dakota James Blu Agard, who she called "baby jesus" or her "tiny stinky baby boo". From then on she devoted her life to taking care of her dad and her baby boy.

Melissa LOVED spending time with her one and only son, teaching him new things and making sure he ALWAYS ate. She loved taking him to the park and to the river to swim, Dakota James Blu was her miracle baby!!! In 2017 she met her partner Robert "bobby bangs" Day and spent the remainder of her life with him.

Melissa is survived by her dad Ken, only son Dakota James Blu, Brothers Beau Agard and Bronson Warpaint, Aunts Cynthia, Susan, Bessie, Joette, Dellis Agard, Uncles John and Charles "OX" Agard Niece Alexis Nephews Beau Jr. Issaih Agard, Sisters Lacey, Desiree, Prairie Rose, Sadie. Uncle Josh and Aunt Lynette "neddie" Ireland, as well as numerous Family and friends. We apologize for leaving anyone out, it's not our intentions.

Melissa is welcomed in death by Her Mother Deborah Ireland, twin Sister Misty Dawn, Brother Dakota, paternal Grandparents Aljoe and DoDo Agard, Uncles Alfred and Duane Agard, and her maternal grandparents Dawn L. and Mary Ireland, as well as her close cousins Kansa Whitetail and Julius Antelope.