Roy Tenijieth Sr.

Roy Tenijieth Sr. went home to be with the Lord on December 10, 2010 at University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ following a courageous battle with a terminal illness at the age of 74. Roy Sr. was born on August 1, 1936 in Whiteriver, AZ to his parents, the late Ambrose Sr. and Irene (Colelay) Tenijieth. He excelled in academics and sports at Theodore Roosevelt School in Fort Apache, AZ. Class of 1956 bids farewell to one of its favorite sons, Roy Tenijieth Sr., an exceptional student, role model, as well as a star athlete while at TRS. The endeavors he took on while at TRS include: Football, Track, Baseball, Basketball, Ag Club, 4-H, Class Vice President, Ag Club Secretary, Class Play, Student Council Treasurer, Boys State, Class President, Student Council President, Dorm President, and 4-H President. It is said of him that he never lost in the mile run and he was voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates in football. Roy continued with higher education at Bacone College in Oklahoma where he was also a star athlete. He late came home to the reservation and fell in love and married his beautiful bride, the late Lorinda (Nastivar) Tenijieth. They left the reservation and relocated to Los Angeles, CA for two years where Roy continued his education in heavy equipment operator. He retired from WMAT Public Works in 2003 where he was employed as a Truck Driver. He is survived by his children: Coralee Tenijieth, Fernando Butch (Jeanette) Tenijieth, Cyndee (Norton Sr.) Tessay, Lorene (Dale Sr.) Billy, Gerald Sr. (Suzie) Tenijieth, Lora (Asa Jr.) Lavender, Bonnie (Robert Sr.) Tate, Roy Jr. (Rhonda) Tenijieth; 1 brother Scottie Tenijieth, 3 sisters - Rosalie (Jensen Sr.) Ethelbah, Lucille (Dennis Sr.) Williams, and Beverly (Wesley Sr.) Malone; 27 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 4 traditional Goddaughters - Sandra Cosay, Norma Brown, Carlinda Gooday, Raquel Begay; Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, & friends. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Lorinda (Nastivar) Tenijieth, and two grandsons, Dale Billy Jr. and Dayton LeRon Billy. Two night wake will begin Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 @ 10am at his residence in Diamond Creek. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Dec 19, 2010 @ 1pm at North Fork Miracle Church. The concluding service and interment will be at Golden Gorge Family Plot where he will be laid to rest near his parents and two grandsons. Tribal dignitaries, church groups, friends are all welcome. Roy will be greatly missed by all who knew him. www.owenslivingstonmortuary.