Heather DeCoteau, age 41 of Bottineau, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at a Fargo hospital.  Her funeral will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.  Her wake will also be on Friday, starting at 9:00 am at the church.

eather Dawn DeCoteau, Little Rainbow Woman, was born on January 1, 1985, in Belcourt, North Dakota, to William (Billy) DeCoteau, Jr. and Shelly Chase DeCoteau. She passed peacefully at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota, after a courageous 2½-year battle that took her through ten different care facilities. Through it all, she showed strength, humor, and love for those around her.

She was raised in Belcourt and attended Dunseith Day School before continuing public school through the 10th grade. Determined to move forward, she earned her GED through Job Corps in Minot. Throughout her life, she was known as a hard worker and held positions at Dale's Restaurant and Lounge in Dunseith, Sky Dancer Casino in Belcourt, and Treasure Island Casino in Trenton, North Dakota. In 2010, she met the love of her life, Marty Espe. The two shared 16 years together, during which he adored her completely and made sure she was always cared for and spoiled, just as she deserved. She was the proud mother of her daughter, Rebecca Lee DeCoteau, born October 18, 2006. Being Becca's mom was one of her greatest joys. She was immensely proud of her daughter's accomplishments, including being crowned Miss Teen North Dakota 2022 and passing her exams to be accepted into nursing school. She could often be heard hollering proudly while watching Becca play hockey. Family meant everything to her. She helped raise her nephew Rylan for eight years, from elementary through middle school, holding a special place in her heart for "Cry" or "Ry-Ry," whom she cared for as her own. She also opened her home and heart to many children over the years, always making sure no one went without food, love, or attention. She loved powwows, casinos, cooking, music, horse races, dancing the two-step, and spending time with family and friends. She was famous for her cookouts—especially on the Fourth of July and during the Super Bowl—and loved time at the lake, on the pontoon, or at the cabin. Above all, she wanted everyone around her to be happy, fed, and having fun.

She shared a close bond with Roberta and Jimbob, who she lived with and loved like parents. Her godparents were Robert DeCoteau and Julie Peltier.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shelly Chase DeCoteau; grandparents Chester and Josephine Azure Chase, and William and Telephene DeCoteau; sister Denise Morin; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her father, William (Billy) DeCoteau, Jr.; her stepmother; her daughter, Rebecca Lee DeCoteau; her significant other, Marty Espe; siblings Brandon DeCoteau (Dunseith), Tiffany DeCoteau (Minot), and William (Baby Billy) DeCoteau III (Dunseith); half-siblings Jason Malnourie (Parshall) and others; step-siblings Brooke Schroeder, Lenny Schroeder, Robert Peltier, and Ryan Peltier; along with many extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and generosity. Heather will be remembered for her big heart, her laughter, her love of family, and her constant desire to care for others. Her spirit lives on through the many lives she nurtured, fed, cheered for, and loved unconditionally.