Benson Tapaha, Sr.

Benson Tapaha, Sr. died Monday evening, April 11, 2011 at Tall Pines Nursing Center in Show Low, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 60 years old. Benson was born on December 15, 1950 in Whitecone, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Billie Tapaha and Mary (Willard) Tapaha. He was a high school graduate and worked as a rancher throughout his life. Benson was a dedicated and loyal husband to his wife of 34 years, Catherine Rose (Yazzie) Tapaha. He loved to stay at home to take care of his animals. Benson was able to ranch on the beautiful lands of the Navajo Nation where he made his living. He worked hard throughout his life and taught his children to work by "the sweat of their brow." Benson was also an awesome grandfather and always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Benson had a special message that he wanted to leave his family as they continue to live his legacy: "Be good to each other. Remain a family. Respect each other. Help each other continue forward. Take care of each other." He truly followed his Lord's admonition to "love one another." His family finds peace in the fact that this incredible man is resting with his Maker in Heaven. Benson Tapaha, Sr. is survived by his wife, Catherine Tapaha of Whitecone, Arizona; his mother, Mary Tapaha of Phoenix, Arizona; his 5 children: Vanson (Natalie) Tapaha of Mesa, Arizona, Benson Tapaha, Jr. of Whitecone, Arizona, Brian (Phyllis Joe) Tapaha of Steamboat, Arizona, Haroldson J. Yazzie of Greasewood Springs, Arizona, Harriet (Kenneth) Begay of Greaswood Springs, Arizona; 2 sisters: Marilyn (Larry) Boone of Phoenix, Arizona, Darlene (Gary) John of Phoenix, Arizona; 3 brothers: Norman Tapaha of Phoenix, Arizona, Benny (Priscilla) Tapaha of Steamboat, Arizona, Wallace Tapaha of Phoenix, Arizona; 7 grandchildren: Zachary, Dilyla, Mario, Nicholas, Ranaan, Karlo and Ethan. The graveside service for Benson will begin 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 15, 2011 at the Holbrook Cemetery in Holbrook, Arizona and will be officiated by Pastor Erwin Brown.