Roger Dean Ethelbah Sr.

Roger Dean Ethelbah Sr., of Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona unexpectedly passed away on May 19, 2015 at his home in Whiteriver. Roger was born to his parents, Luther Ethelbah Sr. and Vine (Kinney) Ethelbah on February 15, 1951 in Whiteriver. In his younger years, Roger was a champion bullrider, having won many rodeos throughout the state. A true cowboy, he also tamed many wild horses on the reservation. He was an outstanding artist, having made many leather belts and even a leather crown for his niece, former rodeo queen, Ramselynn Larzelere-Rodgriquez. His many arts and crafts are valued treasures held by his family and friends. Roger was an avid reader always recommending a good book to anyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor always teasing and joking with his family. He enjoyed fishing and being near a quiet stream or lake. A great family man, Roger will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children: Kyle Kirby Ethelbah of Salt Lake City, Utah, Marcilla Cruz, US Navy, of San Diego, California, Jimi Dean Ethelbah of Phoenix, Arizona, Jamie Ethelbah of Whiteriver, Josie Ethelbah of Savanna, Georgia, Roger Dean Ethelbah, Jr. of Whiteriver, Jana Ethelbah of Savanna, Georgia; mother, Vine Ethelbah of Whiteriver; brothers: Lonnie Ethelbah Sr. (Valeria) of Whiteriver, Henry Ethelbah (Verlla) of Whiteriver, Mark Ethelbah (Renelda) of Whiteriver; sisters: Flora Jensen of Whiteriver, Phyllis Ethelbah of Phoenix, Arizona, Margaret Smith (Corwin) of Whiteriver, Mary Ethelbah of Tempe, Arizona, Gina Loas (Keith) of Whiteriver, Stephanie Baylish of Whiteriver; 2 grandchildren: Grayson Alexander Cruz and Silver Chase Bahr and by a stepson, Brian Tortice of Whiteriver. He was preceded in death by his sons, Ralan Dean Ethelbah and J.R. Dean Ethelbah; father, Luther Ethelbah Sr.; brothers: Luther Ethelbah Jr., Anthony Mark Ethelbah, Edwin Ethelbah and Nathan John Ethelbah and sisters: Ruby Jean Ethelbah, Linda Altaha and Pauline Crocker. A one night wake will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at the family residence, 701 N. 1st Ave., Whiteriver. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the North Fork Miracle Church in Whiteriver. Interment will follow at the Canyon Day Cemetery, Canyon Day, Arizona.