(Wanbli Wiyaka Win) July 10, 1961 – May 23, 2021
Alberta “Birdie” Chris (Arpan) Richards passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021 at her home in Comstock, NE. Funeral services were held June 1, 2021 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eagle Butte. Burial followed in Dupris Family Cemetery at On The Tree.
Birdie was born July 10, 1961 to Marjorie (DuPris) Dolphus and Albert “Swap” Arpan, Sr. She was raised in Armstrong County near 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 moved to sunny California. Birdie and Cameron came to enjoy beach life. After a short stay there they moved back to Armstrong County.
She reunited with her childhood best friend, Roland “Sudsy” Fielder, and they married on July 23, 1993. Together they raised Cameron in Rapid City, where she built her career in accounting. Accepting a new position resulted in her move to Wagner.
On February 3, 2017 she married Michael Richards and they made their home in Comstock, NE. They enjoyed their time visiting her grandkids, watching 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.
“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; and 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 was in charge of arrangements.