Erma Sharon Burnette

Erma Sharon Burnette, of Whiteriver, Arizona went to be with Jesus, March 1, 2011 in Sun City, Arizona. She was 66. Erma was born February 25, 1945 in Cibecue, Arizona to Sydney and Rachel (Wallen) Brooks. A very loving and caring person, she loved to provide for her family as well as those less fortunate. She always had hot meals for anyone in need and especially her family. Cooking was a wonderful way for her to share time with her family and pass on her many life experiences to her grandchildren. Never afraid to correct you, her words were wise and knowledgeable. A homemaker at heart she loved to knit, work on cradle boards and burden baskets, beadwork as well as many different arts and crafts. She loved spending time traveling and exploring the beautiful mountains surrounding her home on the reservation. Nature was her love and spending as much time outdoors was very important. Always one to go camping and fishing, she was often seen picking acorns and pinions while waiting for the fish to bite. Watching the elk and the wild horses was her way of experiencing true peace and she loved sharing this time with her husband, Richard. Animals and nature were very important to her, and she found joy in being able to care for her chickens and cats. She especially loved to get after her two cats, Porky and Lollipop, always speaking in Apache. During the early 7o's Erma was employed at the Simpson Store in Whiteriver as well as in Sunrise as a waitress and housekeeper. During this time she also worked for the BIA Tribal Forestry Department where she worked as a wild land fire fighter. This allowed her the opportunity to travel and fight many different fires. Following her time as a fire fighter she was a waitress at the restaurant in Whiteriver and also a cook for the Elementary school in Whiteriver. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard; children, Tyrundo Gushoney, Raynor Gushony, Jr. Jared Gushoney, Norma Kitcheyan, Erna Gushoney, Erina Gushoney and Misty Ethelbah; step-children, Abeline Burnette, Marilyn Fall, Gwendolyn Burnette; grandchildren, Dylan Harvey, Kylie Dosela, Candice Dosela, Kyra Dosela, Rylan Gushoney, Camille Tenijieth, Courtney Gushoney, Joseph Gushoney, Nicole Gushoney, Heather Gushoney, Michaella Kpodo, El-Sarinna Kpodo, LaShar Tessay; god-daughter, Troylena Tonya Lee. A two night wake will begin 10:00AM Thursday, March 10, 2011 at her residence, 806 N 1st Ave, Whiteriver, Arizona. Funeral services will be held 1:00PM Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the North Fork Miracle Church with Pastor Jon Hoyt officiating. Interment will be in the Whiteriver Cemetery.