Esther Thompson | 1937 - 2026

Esther Thompson, 88, of Eagle Butte, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, June 29, 2026, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Friday, July 10, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte with Fr. John Paul Trask presiding. Burial will be at a later date. A wake service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the church with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.

Esther was born on September 16, 1937, at the Old Agency on the Cheyenne River to Antoine Sydney Lebeau and Katherine Cecelia Livermont Lebeau. She grew up along the Moreau River with her brothers and sisters, creating lifelong memories rooted in family and community.

After graduating in 1954, Esther attended the School of Commerce in Aberdeen before returning home to work at the Old Agency.

Esther and her first husband, Edward “Posse” Garreau, were blessed with three children: Coty, Roland, and Pam. Together they owned and operated 212 Liquor and a café by day, bar by night. During those years, Esther also provided transportation services throughout the Cheyenne River Reservation and was a longtime employee of the Housing Authority.

After the unexpected loss of her husband Esther later found love with Richard “Dick” Thompson. The two married and spent many happy years traveling together with their beloved dog, Max, and their cat, 212. After Dick’s retirement, they returned home to Eagle Butte.

Esther had a personality that could light up any room. She was known for her unmistakable style—you rarely saw her without her nails and makeup done, her hair perfectly fixed, oversized sunglasses, and her favorite purse. She almost always had a Marlboro Light in one hand and a Cherry Coke close by. Her confidence, humor, and generosity made her unforgettable.

Above all else, Esther loved her family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, Louden, Stevie, Taylor, Justice and later on Brody and her great-grandchildren, Quentin, Christopher, Arya, Betti, Lucy, Charlotte, & Scarlotte, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and many dear friends. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, resilience, and unconditional love that will continue through generations.

Esther is survived by her sisters: Lila Ladue & Caroline Thorsen; children: Coty Garreau (Pepper Ann), Roland Garreau (Kris), and Pam Garreau; stepdaughter, Regina Hintzman; grandchildren: Louden Garreau, Stevie Fulls Garreau, Taylor Lawrence, Justice Garreau, Brody Cole Garreau, & Jordan Thompson; great-grandchildren: Quentin Jeffries, Christopher Jeffries, Arya Garreau, Betti Jai’ Rose Lawrence, Lucy West, Charlotte Knife, and Scarlette Knife; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Antoine Sydney Lebeau and Katherine Cecelia Livermont Lebeau; her first husband, Edward “Posse” Garreau; & her second husband, Richard “Dick” Thompson; brother, Melvin Lebeau; sisters: Caroline Lebeau, Charlotte Conn, Darlene King, Amelia “Mimi” Laplante, Antoinette “Toni” Claymore, and Pauline Ducheneaux; stepsons, Jeffrey Thompson and Jake Thompson; great-granddaughter, Vidiona Tai’ Moni Merene Sand; and many other beloved family members.

“Esther your love, strength, laughter, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Esther’s arrangements.