Alma P. Valandra, 84

Alma was born on February 19, 1939 in Pine Ridge, SD to Thomas and Jeanette (Ross) Conroy. Alma was the second eldest of five children. She grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation and graduated high school in 1957 from OCHS in Pine Ridge as Valedictorian of her class. She then attended the University of South Dakota, later transferring to St. Mary’s school of Nursing where she received her LPN degree.

Alma would begin her professional career in Rushville as a nurse before marrying Donald Martin Allen in July of 1960. They would both work for the Public Health Service before transferring to Rosebud in 1965. To this union two children were born: Donald Dean Allen and Barbara Jean Allen. Upon coming to Rosebud, Alma worked as a dental assistant until 1972. Also, during that time, Alma would lose Donald in a tragic car accident in October of 1966.

Alma married Vetal “Bony” Valandra in Winner, SD on December 16,1970. They had a daughter, Beth Ann Valandra. During their marriage they lived in Rosebud in the Ring Thunder community and built a home and ranch together. This remained Alma’s home until her passing.

Alma began her career in the Post Office in 1974. Her hard work and perseverance would take her all over the State of South Dakota and the United States. She was stationed in several post offices in South Dakota. Alma was Postmaster at both Rosebud and Mission. During the change to the new +4 zip code Alma visited every post office in South Dakota and made several trips to Washington D.C., Chicago and Nashville. Alma retired from the US Postal Service early in 1993 to care for her ailing parents.

In 1994 Alma was hired as a day one employee with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Casino. Alma was employed with the Rosebud Casino for 24 years with no break in employment. She was in management roles at the Casino and held the role of General Manager multiple times. Alma did not complain, never was caught up in politics, always present, she was just a rock that the Tribe could always depend on. She would retire from the Casino in December of 2018. Alma made some meaningful relationships with many people while employed with the postal service and casino that she cherished dearly.

Alma enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling, spending time with family and was an avid reader. She had many friends and always enjoyed spending time visiting her friends. In her later years she enjoyed keeping up with family and friends on her cell and iPad. Alma also loved her church and had a strong faith in our Lord. She attended the Church of Jesus in Rosebud since 1965. She was always active in the Church. Alma was on the altar guild and took care of the altar with great respect and care. Alma taught her grandchildren how to care for the altar. She and her granddaughter Brooke spent many hours caring for and preparing the altar.

Alma passed away on the morning of June 6, 2023 at the age of 84 in Rosebud, SD.

Alma’s siblings are the late Anita “Penny” Janis (the late Wilbert), Thomas Conroy (Ann), Chuck Conroy (Patty), and Joan Conroy.

Alma’s children are Donald Dean Allen, Barbara Jean Allen, and Beth Ann Valandra-Burnette.

Alma’s grandchildren are Trina McConnell (Chris), Thomas Allen-Marshall, Blake Burnette (Talyn), Bryant Burnette, and Brooke Burnette.

Alma’s great grandchildren are Londyn Allen-Hunsaker, Paisley McConnell, Adylin McConnell, Ellyette McConnell, Embry Burnette, Eila Burnette and Beauxen Burnette.

Alma loved and lived life on her terms. She will be missed greatly among friends, family, and the community. Alma was a loving mother and devoted grandmother.

Wake was held Sunday, followed by funeral service Monday, June 12, 2023 in Mission, SD. Private inurnment will be at a later date. Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine was entrusted with the arrangements.

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