Benjamin Duwayne Richards was born on April 12, 1955, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He made his journey to the Star Nation on March 22, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he lived for more than 35 years.

He grew up in He Dog on the Rosebud Reservation and was known for his fearless, outspoken, fun-loving nature and infectious laugh. He is now with our ancestors and no longer suffering.

Ben is survived by his siblings Leroy Standing Cloud, Virginia Richards, Francis “Frank” Richards, and Phyllis Elk Looks Back, as well as his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marceline (Reshaw) Elk Looks Back and stepfather, Emery Elk Looks Back; grandmother Ida (Reshaw) La Buff; great grandparents Benjamin and Nettie (Eldridge) Reshaw; uncle Thomas La Buff; cousins Sylvan La Buff and Stephanie (La Buff) Bear Robe; nephew Kaluza Francis Richards; and half-brother William "Poncho" Zimiga.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.