Sheila Rioux

Minot

Sheila DelRae Rioux, 61, Minot, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at a Minot nursing home.

Sheila was born on January 16, 1958 in Minot to Paul and Katherine (Johnson) Kabanuk. She attended Lincoln Elementary, Jim Hill Middle School, and Minot High School, graduating in 1975. All of her schools were within walking distance of her family home, which is where she lived for the vast majority of her life. There were a couple of years she attended school in Redondo Beach, California while living with her father. She was so clever they skipped her ahead from the 5th to the 6th grade. Sheila later attended Minot State University, earning a degree in Business Management in 1992

Early in her career she managed the Fireside Bar, then held a management position at Great Expectations Hair Salon at the Dakota Square Mall. Sheila worked at Choice Hotels from 1991 to 2005, receiving several promotions during her time with the company.

Sheila was first married in 1984 to Tim McLaughlin. Following their divorce a number of years later, she met Jean-Marie Rioux, and they were married on August 2, 1996. After his unfortunate passing in 2004, Sheila entered into a relationship with Garry Watson around 2005, and the couple would spend the rest of their lives together.

Sheila was very personable and had countless friends and acquaintances around Minot. She played darts and pool in bar leagues over the years and was good at both! She loved to play bingo and getting together for a drink or two anytime. Meeting for coffee with her sisters, mom, and George was also a favorite pastime of hers.

Sheila was a generous and giving person. She was an important part of her nieces and nephew’s lives. Sheila continued to support their children as well. She was quick to congratulate and celebrate all of their activities and achievements. Sheila was committed to her role as Godmother to her nieces Jenny and Kayla. Great Auntie was another level of pride and joy in her life. She loved to pick up the kids in her Mustang convertible along with Garry for a ride and trip to Dairy Queen.

Sheila is survived by her sisters, Karen (Clinton) Beeter, Rhonda (Ron) Pennazoli and Lori (Kenny) Aberle; nieces Kari Herslip, Kristi (Terry) Chole, Jenny (Johannes) Olwage, and Kayla (Chris) Pross; nephew, Kevin (Renae) Beeter; great-nieces, Zuri, Esti, and Ivy Olwage; great- nephews, Nicholas, Lucas, and Zachary Beeter, Kai Olwage, and Leo, Owen, and Evan Pross; and numerous other extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jean-Marie Rioux; her longtime partner, Garry Watson; parents, Katherine (George) Riba and Paul Kabanuk, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Minot. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by going to www.flcminot.com. Burial will follow at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online section on the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home webpage.

Published by The Minot Daily News, September 6, 2025.