CHERRY CREEK, SD – Marlem “Billy” Dupris, 70, of Cherry Creek, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Monument Health, Rapid City.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. MST, Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Cherry Creek Gym, Cherry Creek. Burial will follow in ATT Cemetery, located north of the family homestead. This is where Billy wished to be buried so he could always watch over his family. Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the gym, with a procession at 4:00 p.m. from the hill east of Cherry Creek.
Marlem William Dupris “Billy” was born July 14, 1953, in Cherry Creek, SD to Millard and Rosalie (Straight Head) Dupris. He attended grade school at Cherry Creek Day School and later Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School, where he played football.
Throughout his life Billy worked for Sioux Stone Craft Industries, the TWEP program, as a ranch hand, maintenance with Cheyenne River Housing Authority and Takini School, and for the Ziebach County Road Department. He was also certified as an EMT.
When Billy was younger, he enjoyed riding horses and motorcycles. As time went on, he enjoyed in his spare time: hunting, fishing, making mini saddles, playing horseshoes and softball. He was an avid trapper who was published in the Fur, Fish, and Game magazine, issue September 2001 with the bobcat he trapped. Billy also enjoyed watching “History’s Greatest Mysteries”. He was Jackie Bird’s biggest fan as well as Elvis Presley’s, as he could sing just like him.
Billy served as chairman of the Tri-Community Development Board. He loved to harvest, braid timpsila, make bapa for his wife, and was known as the best outside soup maker. He loved to tease, joke around with everyone, and could make friends with complete strangers simply by striking up a conversation. Billy always prayed the Lord’s Prayer with his family and made sure to pray before each meal. His all-time favorite football teams were the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos.
Billy is survived by the love of his life, Ophelia of forty four years; his children: Tera Dupris of Pierre, Derek Yellow Owl Sr. (Ladylee) of Takini, Yvette Dupris (Jacob Fire Cloud) of Cherry Creek, Megan Dupris of Cherry Creek, Shawna Franco (Carlos) of Cherry Creek; 22 grandkids; eight great grandkids; and three more great grandkids on the way; brothers: Audie and Joseph (Dungee) Dupris, both of Cherry Creek; sisters: Victoria and Sharon Dupris, both of Cherry Creek; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a special god-daughter Kelsie Counting.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Millard and Rosalie Straight Head Dupris; brothers: Maynard and Brian Dupris; sister, Margaret Ann Cruze; aunts: Victoria LaClaire, Angeline Afraid of Hawk, and Doris Ward; uncle, Francis “Tuffy” Straight Head; granddaughter, Heavenly Angel Charging Cloud; and nephews: Morgan and Miguel Mexican.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Marlem’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse