Matthew John Tortice

Matthew John Tortice, 55, of Whiteriver, AZ, was born on April 29, 1952. Matthew passed away in the early morning to reunite with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 4, 2007. Over the 55 years of his life, he has demonstrated strength, optimism, and ultimately acceptance and was an inspiration to those around him. He was born in Show Low, AZ. He attended Show Low Elementary and Nutrioso Elementary in Springerville, AZ. Eventually, he obtained his GED in Cibecue, AZ. With his determination to continue his education, he attended a school at Roswell, New Mexico to receive extensive knowledge in auto body mechanics, which we all loved about him because when we were on foot, he was there "tools and all" working on our vehicles. We had the privilege of having our own "in-house" 24-hour mechanic! To his family, he was the center of love, patience, humor, and tolerance. He gently guided, rarely scolded, and always forgave. To his colleagues and friends, he was a dedicated mentor, leader and monitor. He made sure all was well. To the children he cared for, he was a ray of hope. He lived and cherished life; never taking it for granted. He was a beloved father and was much loved by his family, his friends, his community and the many people who became his family through his love, generosity, and never-failing support. As a young man, cowboys all around remember "Boy" showing his athleticism skills by competing in the bareback and saddle bronc event. With his Love of nature, "Boy" became one of the original Ft. Apache Hot Shots and also served as a member of the Engine Crew. He also had unique job skills that took him from various states,including: Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Texas. He leaves behind 3 beautiful daughters, Christine Jones, Charlie and Mattea Tortice; one "spitting image" son, Belfew Matt; his companion of 14 years, Lynette Dehose Henry; 3 amazing grandchildren, Kersey, Justine and Bryce. He is also survived by his mother, Noddy, of Whiteriver; 6 sisters, Bettina (Raymond) Begay, of Phoenix, Lorinda (Paul) Amos, of Whiteriver, Elena (Lincoln) Mataalii, of West Jordan, UT, Juanita B. Tortice, of Taylorville, UT, Louise Jean Tortice, of Salt Lake City, UT and Lorraine John, of Phoenix; 1 brother, Derl (Bertha) Tortice of Hondah. He is preceded in death by his father, John Tortice; daughter, Pearl Marie; son Matthew Jr.; 2 nephews, Davey Tortice, and John Derl as well as Grandma Bessie G. Tortice. His body was brought back on October 10, 2007 at 10:00 AM for a one-night wake at his mother's residence in Whiteriver, AZ. His eternally resting place is at Cooley Mountain Cemetery, Hondah, Arizona. Dad, Son, Brother, Grandpa, Uncle-You will be greatly missed by all the hearts you've touched including ours; You will continue to live in our hearts, and we truly cherished your time with us here on earth. We thank our Heavenly Father for sharing you with us. We Love You!"