Rufus Tim Johnson

Rufus Tim Johnson, of Cibecue, Navajo County, Arizona passed away on June 3, 2015 at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 71. Rufus was born to the late, Kurt and Anita (Perry) Johnson on May 1, 1944 in Cibecue. He graduated from the Stewart Indian School in Stewart, Nevada and then continued his education at Chilocca, Oklahoma, where he fell in love. In 1968 upon returning to Cibecue with his girlfriend, he later got married in the Lutheran Church. Thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two years. As a young veteran, returning home to Cibecue, he found temporary work as a heavy equipment operator and with the Police Department. Employment was scarce, but he was hired as the Tribal Community Health Representative (CHR), which he did for 42 years before retiring in 2011. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke it was inspiring, encouraging and good discipline. He reminded everyone to pray for everything you do in your life. He had vast knowledge, integrity, honesty, respect and was an organized person. In his earlier years, he tried saddle bronc and bareback riding, but settled as a team roper. He was a member of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Cibecue. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Louise (Wauneka) Johnson of Cibecue; daughter, Rebecca Johnson of Cibecue; Goddaughter, Kyesha Henry of Cibecue; sister, Thurza Yellowhair of Whiteriver; brothers, Graham Johnson Sr. of Whiteriver, Matthew Johnson of Whiteriver, Lincoln Johnson of Cibecue and Pat Johnson of Seven Mile; nephew, Johnny Altaha. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Timothy Johnson; sisters, Geraldine Adley and Cathleen DeClay and brothers, Overson and Stacey Johnson. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Cibecue from 7:00 A.M -10:00 A.M. with the services to immediately follow. Interment will be in the Family Plot.