Alberta Arpan Richards

Alberta “Birdie” Chris (Arpan) Richards (Wanbli Wiyaka Win) was called home Sunday, May 23, 2021 at her home in Comstock, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in Dupris Family Cemetery, On The Tree. A wake will be 7:00 p.m., Monday May 31, 2021 at the church with a procession from the 4 mile east at 5:00 p.m.

Birdie was born July 10th, 1961 to Marjorie (DuPris) Dolphus and Albert (Swap) Arpan, Sr. She was raised in Armstrong County by Rousseau Creek by her mom and stepfather D.D. Dolphus, Sr. She attended school at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte graduating in 1979.

The only man that truly had her whole heart was born on February 12, 1983, Cameron Cole Arpan. Soon after he was born, she decided to move to sunny California. Birdie and Cameron came to enjoy beach life. After a short stay there they moved back to Armstrong County, going from beach bums to river rats was an easy transition for them both.

She reunited with her childhood best friend Roland “Sudsy” Fielder and they married July 23, 1993. Together they raised Cameron in Rapid City where she built her career in accounting. Accepting a position resulted in her move to Wagner, SD. But meeting Mike and him living in Nebraska may have been a factor in that decision.

On February 3rd, 2017 she married Michael Richards and they made their home in Comstock, NE. They enjoyed their time together going to visit her grandkids, going to watch her brother race horses, hunting, and spending time with family. She had taken up gardening and had a knack for decorating. Mike’s Honey-Do list was pretty long, with the remodeling she was doing.

She was a very strong and independent woman, who was warm and kind to those she cared about. She was strong willed and sharped tongued, but a true cowgirl to the core. Her main goal in life was to make sure her grandchildren were safe and never wanted for anything. They each made her smile in their own special way. She treated some of her friends like family, and if you are family, she always had your back.

She was always there for a nice comment. She always remembered what was bugging you and would call just to see if you got over that subject or still needed help. She was always there for any occasion, especially one with family and friends. Never there for a long time, definitely there for a good time, no doubt. She impacted so many lives. Such a big support for me and my family.

“Birdie Jo”, also known as “Chris” to others, is survived by husband, Mike Richards; son, Cameron Arpan; granddaughters, Jeslyn Rilee and Kyleigh Renee; grandson Devin Ryder; special friend, Patsy Totton; sisters: Marlene Ducheneaux, Sharon (Chuck) LeCompte, Elaine (Bronco) LeBeau, Helen (Kurt) Arpan, Deanne Dolphus, and Violet Arpan; brothers: Junior (Jennine) Dolphus, and Chris, Terry, Albert Jr., and Delbert Arpan; Hunka Ina, Martina Ladeaux; father and mother-in-law, Dennis and Darlene Richards; bonus children: Casey Richards and family, Cody Richards and family; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Birdie was preceded in death by her parents, Marge Dolphus and Swap Arpan; brothers: Vaughn Dolphus and Danny Lessert; and granddaughter, Krislyn Ducheneaux.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Alberta’s arrangements.