Richard Lee King

Richard Lee King, 77, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and leader whose life was marked by service, humility, and deep love for his family and community. He was born on May 7, 1949, to Ramona (Werk) and Robert M. King at Fort Belknap Agency, Montana. As the eldest of 12 children, Richard took great pride in being the oldest sibling and carried that responsibility with strength and care throughout his life.

Richard’s early life was shaped by the traditions and love of his family. His grandmother, Cora “Belle” King, asked Richard’s father, Robert, if she and his grandfather, Richard “Dick” King, could raise him, in keeping with Nakoda tradition that the eldest grandchild be raised by grandparents. Richard was raised in the Milk River Valley until Belle passed away when he was only 9 months old. His grandfather Dick continued to help raise him until Richard was 11 years old. The family later moved to Bear Gulch near Zortman and then to Hays, Montana, where Richard grew up. When he returned home to Fort Belknap, he built his home at Bear Gulch, where he remained until his passing.

Richard attended school in Hays before attending Flandreau Indian School, where he graduated in 1967. He continued his education at Eastern Montana College in Billings, Haskell in Kansas, and Everest College in Washington, earning his bachelor’s degree. He later received his master’s degree from the University of Chicago. Richard valued learning and carried the knowledge and discipline he gained into every part of his life.

A man devoted to service, Richard served in the United States Navy and later spent time in South America after joining the Peace Corps. He worked in many roles across the country and was known for his commitment to helping others. His work included serving Associate Judge, Chief Judge and Special Judge at the Fort Belknap Tribal Court, working for the Puyallup Tribe in Washington, the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) in Portland, Oregon, and serving as Director of the Kateri Tekakwitha Conference while residing in Great Falls, Montana. He also worked with the Crow Tribe Behavioral Health, Sitka, Alaska Behavioral Health, and Cedar Mountain Center in Cody, Wyoming. Later in life, Richard returned home to the Fort Belknap Reservation, where he served as Tribal Health Director and Chemical Dependency Counseling (CDC) Program Director. Through every position he held, Richard brought wisdom, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Richard was a strong supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – he always talked about taking One Day at a Time.

Richard married Martha Rides Horse on July 11, 1986, prior to that they were together for 12 years. Together they shared a family with their daughters, Jashaun Eagleman, Vallery Lupe, and Tenaya King.

He is survived by his wife, Martha J. King of Malta; his daughters, Tenaya of Malta, Jashaun of Billings, and Vallery of Whiteriver, Arizona; grandchildren including Mercedes King of Malta and Alexeo Alchesay of Whiteriver, Arizona; his brothers Robert “Kim” (Christine) King, Janice Singer, James “Tater” Stiffarm,  Michael “Mitchell” (Tracy Rose) King, Tracy “Ching” (Anna) King, Julie (Charlie) Kulbeck, Terrance “Harvey” King, Keith (Tammy) King, Sr., Judy (Frank Fox) King, and June (Donovan) Bull in Sight; and sister-in-law Holly Allen-King. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who lovingly called him simply “Uncle,” as he was their eldest uncle and a constant presence in the family.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ramona King; his brothers, Sidney King and Brent King; and his grandparents, Isabel and Robert Werk, Cora Belle King, and Richard “Dick” King.

Richard’s life was one of quiet strength, service, and devotion to those he loved. He will be remembered for the example he set, the lives he touched, and the deep respect he earned from his family, friends, and community. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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