Rowena Richardson

Rowena Sue Richardson passed peacefully the morning of Sept. 7 at her home in Custer, S.D., with family by her side. 
Born  Aug. 29, 1941, she grew up in Oceanside, Calif., among strong family ties and friendships. As a child she was known for her curiosity, social nature and love for music and animals as demonstrated by the various stray animals she often brought home from the park. She graduated from Oceanside High School in 1959 after creating many lifelong friendships and cementing her love for education.
She attended Chapman College and San Diego State University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1964. She later received her Master’s Degree in Education at Cal Poly Humboldt, formerly Humboldt State University, in 1982. Rowena went on to work as a teacher within the California public school system for over 16 years. She also spent three years working as a substitute teacher and two years owning a daycare.
Her business enterprises did not end there as she went on to become co-owner of a restaurant and helped provide billing services for her sister-in-law and friend, Sue Richardson. Some other notable jobs she had included packaging clotheslines for a plastics factory while attending college, secretarial work, waitressing and being a caregiver. In her later years, she relocated to South Dakota where she worked seasonally at Crazy Horse Memorial from 2001 to 2008. She also dedicated her time to the 1881 Courthouse Museum and the Senior Center in Custer, S.D.
Though she found satisfaction in her career success, she was most passionate about her family. She was a wonderful mother to her two daughters, a loving grandmother to five granddaughters, and most recently, great-grandmother to five, with a sixth on the way. She was ever present, and actively involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, traveling to various activities, graduations and weddings.
Her passion for family and knowledge led to her becoming a devoted family historian who spent countless hours researching and compiling family ancestry. She kept communication and connection with as many relatives as she could keep track of, and discovered many new connections along the way. Her interest in ancestry and research also helped to inspire some of her world travels.
She explored Canada, Mexico, Australia, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Italy. She lovingly passed down her wanderlust and appreciation for other cultures to her daughters and grandchildren by bringing them on many of these excursions.
Rowena was also an avid backpacker and hiker, spending time with friends and family in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Lost Coast Trail in Northern California and the canyons of Utah. She had visited 49 of the 50 states, missing only Michigan due to some pesky weather circumstances.
Rowena could find a new hobby in any situation, and took great pride in being of service to others. She was a lifelong teacher and nurturer, caring for many people, plants and rescue animals during her time on earth. She led by example and imparted her wisdom to many, often speaking out for equality and fairness. She easily made friends along each stop of her life’s journey, and cherished each one. Her humor, generosity, knowledge, independence and loyalty are just a few of her many notable qualities. She will be greatly missed.
Celebrations of Life will be held in both South Dakota and California. 
There will be a luncheon in Custer at the senior center at noon Nov. 19. A gathering will also be held at her brother’s home in Oceanside at noon Dec. 13. 
If you would like to attend the gathering in Oceanside contact her family to RSVP at RowenaMemorial2025@gmail.com.
Memorials may be sent to the Custer Senior Center.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.