Richard Lee Archuleta, 81, of Piedmont, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on April 17, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held on June 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Piedmont American Legion.

Richard was born on May 14, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to Richard and Adeline Archuleta. He grew up alongside three sisters and one brother.

Richard met the love of his life, Linda Gould, and the two were married on November 1, 1969. Together, they built a life centered on family and raised three children: Conrad, Nicole, and Vincent. Over the years, their family lived in many places—more than they liked to admit—but wherever they went, Richard made it home.

Richard found great joy in fishing, hunting, thrifting, and yard sales, but above all, he cherished spending time with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell a good joke, bringing laughter to those around him. He was especially fond of classic Westerns and could often be found watching Gunsmoke or any show that captured the spirit of the Old West. Throughout his working years, Richard held a variety of jobs, ranging from sales to refinishing furniture. One of his favorite roles was working as a maintenance man at Applebee’s, where he took pride in his work and the relationships he built.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Linda Archuleta; his daughter, Nicole (Todd) Thayer of Kimball, South Dakota; his son, Vincent Archuleta of Piedmont, South Dakota; and his granddaughters, Faith, Brianna, and Cassie of Gillette, Wyoming. He also leaves behind two sisters, one brother, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Conrad Archuleta; his parents; his grandparents; one sister; and other beloved family members.

Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will be cherished always.

You Never Said Goodbye

You never said I'm leaving.

You never said goodbye.

You were gone before I knew it, And only God knew why.

A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place, That no one could ever fill.

It broke my heart to lose you, But you didn't go alone For part of me went with you, The day God took you home