Ida Lee Early

Ida Lee Early, of Cibecue, Navajo County, Arizona peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on February 13, 2015 at her home in Cibecue. She was 88. Ida was born in Seven Mile, Navajo County, Arizona to her parents the late, John and Ruby (Velasquez) Lupe on November 5, 1926. Ida was raised in Spring Creek, Arizona, a very rugged environment where she was taught at a very young age to live off the land. A home that had no running water or electricity she quickly learned to adapt and become self-sufficient. In the early 60's Ida served the White Mountain Apache Tribe as a councilwoman and a true advocate for the Apache people. She served as an Associate Judge for many years for the tribe and proved herself to be a true community leader. She promoted, under her leadership, many special projects improving housing and infrastructure for the Cibecue community. She was a key supporter in bringing the main highway from the Junction into Cibecue, petitioning FATCO to build the sawmill also in Cibecue and for the present day location of the Dischiibikoh School. She also served as an Assistant teacher for many years in the Headstart program. Her highest priority in life was to promote education and leadership and encouraged her family to follow in her footsteps. A task and concept they all willingly undertook. Ida had an amazing "green thumb" and was well known throughout the area for her beautiful garden with various vegetables and plants that she would grow and tend to on her land. She was very well respected for the medicinal herbs that she would use for her health food and for the tulpi drink that she would provide for her many traditional functions. It was because of her early childhood and upbringing that she was able to provide such a wonderful and useful service to all. A loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend Ida will be dearly missed by all. She is survived by her children: The Honorable Anna L. Goseyun of Whiteriver, Arizona, Tracy Joe Early of Cibecue, former Councilwoman Judy DeHose of Cibecue and Duane Mark Early (Celta) of Cibecue; grandchildren: Carmen Dan Goseyun, Julian Dan Goseyun, Carla Dan Goseyun, Jeannette Dan Gaseyun, Kenzie Scott DeHose, Virgil DeHose Jr., Tyrell James DeHose, Julee Kateri DeHose, Julio Xavier DeHose, Diane Marie Early and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Ida was a very devout Catholic, the Rosary being her favorite source of prayer. She was very proud of her traditional beliefs and passed down many of the traditional ways of life to her family as well. She was very proud of her Traditional Goddaughters, Janice Thompson Massey and Eliza Duncan Wilson who also survive her. She was also very proud of her Traditional Goddaughters, Betheny DeHose and Marilyn Greyeyes who preceded her in death. A one night wake will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at her home, #3 Rodeo Drive, in Cibecue. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church also in Cibecue where the interment will follow in the Open Range Cemetery.