Dorinda Tessay Crocker

Surrounded by her loving family, Dorinda Crocker died late in the afternoon of Friday, April 27, 2012 at Sierra Blanca Care Center in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona following complications of a stoke. She was 75 years old. Dorinda was born on July 4, 1936 in Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Bland and Janet (Nachu) Tessay. With a twinkle in her eye, she always let everyone know that the fireworks that were set off each 4th of July were actually to celebrate her birthday...across the entire United States! She truly was a patriotic woman and was so proud to be an American. Though Dorinda did live most of her life in Arizona, she did spend a short time in Montana where she graduated from high school. Following her high school graduation, she was privileged to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah for 2 years. She was able to attend BYU until she fell in love with Ernie Crocker's horse, "Captain." Then, after a while, she actually fell in love with Ernie, too! The two were married on March 16, 1960 in Whiteriver, Arizona and their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Theirs was a happy marriage that lasted 52 years before she passed away and her Eternal Sweetheart, Ernie, as well as the rest of her family, find a great deal of peace and comfort knowing that "Families Are Forever." Dorinda had a deep and abiding faith in The Lord and daily, strived to do His will. Dorinda worked for many years as a cashier at the Whiteriver Trading Post. Everyone always looked forward to seeing her friendly smile as she waited on them. After she retired from the trading post, she worked a few years as a Teacher's Aide at 7 mile Elementary School. She enjoyed helping the special children of that school and they, in return, loved her very much. Also Dorinda was an advocate for Indian Education traveling throughout the United States attending the National Indian Education Association Conference with WUSD Federal Programs. As much as she enjoyed serving the public at the trading post and at the school as well as being an Indian Education Advocate, Dorinda's favorite job was that of being a loving wife and mother, not only to her own children but to several nieces, nephews and other extended family members as well. She took her role as "Mother" seriously and everyone that she had the privilege to "mother" have risen up and call her "blessed." Dorinda also had some favorite pastimes that she enjoyed doing. She loved sewing and had the talent to sew just about anything that anyone could imagine. Her sewing skills literally put clothes on the backs of many dozens of people. She also was an expert cook and looked forward to preparing meals for her large family and many friends. Also, without fail, Dorinda looked forward to receiving "The Ensign" of The Church and would read the magazine from cover to cover and share with many the important messages of each article. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings within it throughout her long life. This meek and gentle lady will be greatly missed by everyone whomever had the privilege to know her. Dorinda is survived by: her husband, Ernie Crocker of Whiteriver, Arizona; children: Vickie Suttle of Whiteriver, Arizona, Leon Crocker of Whiteriver, Arizona, Janet Crocker of Whiteriver, Arizona, Eileen Crocker (Justin) Pike of Pinetop, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Susie Pallzote Crocker of Whiteriver, Arizona; 25 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Along with her parents, Dorinda was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Crocker, Sr. on December 13, 2009 and by all of her brothers and sisters. The public visitation will begin 10:00 A.M., Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Fort Apache Branch Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 107 E. Walker in Fort Apache, Arizona. The funeral service will begin the following day promptly at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 4, 2012 also at the Fort Apache Branch Chapel. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Crocker Family Plot in Whiteriver, Arizona. Dorinda's family is thankful for all of the expressions of sympathy they have received and are especially grateful for all the prayers offered up on their behalf.