November 6, 1925 – October 16, 2022
Memorial services for Arlene Eleanor Mound, 96, of Lantry were held October 22 at the White Horse Episcopal Church at White Horse. Arlene died on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Medicine Wheel Village in Eagle Butte.
Arlene Eleanor Mound “Wahpéí Gi Wín” was born November 6, 1925 to James E. and Alice Mound at the Old Cheyenne Agency.
Arlene graduated from Wakpala High School. Following high school, she became a cook at the White Horse Day School. Her occupation kept her busy and gave her the opportunity to create everlasting connections with many children.
Arlene met Vincent LeBeau and later Donald, Arnold, and Ann LeBeau were born.
Shortly after, Arlene decided to move north so she could begin cooking at the St. Elizabeth Mission School.
As an alumni of the Wakpala School, Arlene returned where she could continue cooking and providing nutritional meals and dedicating her time to the children.
Ms. Mound would travel to Brookings annually to re-certify during the summer time. Arlene remained at the school until she decided to retire, the first time.
Arlene was a very independent woman, she kept herself busy. Because of this, she decided to come out of retirement, which led to her employment at the Grand River Casino.
Arlene spent most of her time visiting with family, attending events for her grandchildren and greatnieces and nephews, visiting Alice or Grandma Wiest. She enjoyed laughing with her sister Millie or having private conversations in Lakota with her sister Lorraine.
Arlene was full of stories for anyone who came to see her. When Arlene was able to, you could find her walking, baking, creating kitchen hand towel embroidery designs, and maybe playing a slot or two, as casinos were an entertainment thing she liked to do. She enjoyed small mom and pop cafés that served a good plain burger and a hot cup of coffee, watching Williams and Ree, listening to Charlie Pride, and watching Nancy Grace. For being a lady that did not drive, Arlene traveled to many different cities, towns, or states. She spent a few years in Ohio and Minnesota.
She was most proud to be the oldest living direct descendant of Chief White Horse and was honored to be present when Chief White Horse’s winter count resurfaced in 2008.
Arlene lived a long beautiful life, survived a lot of history, cooked for many children, and crossed paths with many people.
Arlene is survived by: Donald (Connie) LeBeau, Arnold LeBeau, Ann LeBeau; special nieces, Peggy (Pat) Hawk, Janel Mound, Marva Two Hearts, and Shirley (Jay) Christianson, Marlene Carrier, Hunka son Gary Montana, and grandchildren: Vincent “Jamie” LeBeau, Bobbie Jo LeBeau, Donald LeBeau Jr., Jessica Rousseau, Rhonda Rousseau, Laci Hale and Kali Hale, Beau LeBeau and An’Gel LeBeau; along with many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, greatnieces, and great-nephews and extended family and friends. She was also grandma and aunty to many that crossed her path in life.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, James and Alice (Howard) Mound; siblings Alvin Mound, Orson Mound Sr., Mildred Mound, Blanche Claymore, Lorraine Miner, and Delphine Garreau; her grandparents, Lucy and Philip Mound and Chief White Horse, along with grandchildren, nieces and nephews.