Helen Archuleta (Richardson) Archuleta

After a full life, Helen passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on Thursday, June 16, 2016. She was born the second of five children to Harry and Mearl "Tiger" Richardson in Cabool, Missouri. During her childhood, her family moved several times, which provided her one of her greatest gifts, the ability to never know a stranger and to make friends easily. After she graduated, Helen joined the Navy to see the world. She was quickly discouraged when she was handed a bugle and assigned the position of "bugle blower", realizing her plans for world travel had changed.

After serving her country, Helen's mother, Tiger, introduced her to Rupert "Rick" Archuleta. Rick played in a band with his brother Mark where Tiger worked in California. After a whirlwind courtship, Helen and Rick eloped in Reno, Nevada. Helen and Rick quickly realized their dream of a family and became the proud parents of three children, Kimberly, Christopher and Jodi. Rick and Mark then invited their wives to join their band, "The Archuleta's". Rick taught Helen to play the drums and Mark taught his wife Grace to play the base. The Archuleta's became very popular while playing in different night clubs in California's Bay Area. After several years, Helen and Rick grew tired in the fast paced life of California and proceeded to buy a ranch in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, to settle down. Music has always been an important part of the family, so Rick and Helen taught their three young children to sing and play music. Together they formed a band and played music on the weekends at the local Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and other events.

Nothing was more important to Helen than family. Her family was always first and foremost in her life, so her mother and siblings also moved to Myrtle Creek. She was the most amazing daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma, aunt and friend to so many. Her warm heart and laugh will never be forgotten. Strength, unconditional love, support, wisdom, kindness- these words so accurately describe Helen. While our hearts are heavy for our loss, we take strength from the fact that she is once again with her beloved mother and brothers and no longer in pain. May she rest in peace knowing the impact she left on us all and for giving each of us a special part of her.

Helen was preceded in death by her mother, Tiger Jordan; her brothers George Richardson and Huey Richardson; and father Harry Richardson.

Helen is survived by the love of her life of 55 years, Rick; her three children, Kimberly (Jim) Booth; Christopher (Carrie) Archuleta; and Jodi (Carlos) Schwantes; brother Paul Richardson; and sister Betty (Max) Lincecum. Also surviving are nine precious grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

At Helen's request, there will be no public service. Because she loved to have all her family together, Helen's family and close friends will be gathering in July to celebrate her life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.