Dustin Paul Benavides

Dustin Paul Benavides passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 29, 2016 in Pinetop, Arizona at the age of 31. Dustin was born on July 30, 1984, in Whiteriver, Arizona, to Marilyn Bonito-Salter & Frank Benavides. Dustin graduated from Alchesay High School as Valedictorian in 2002. He received multiple scholarships & awards. He attended the University of Arizona and Northland Pioneer College where he received his Associate of Science degree in General Science/mathematics. In 2005 he was inducted into the International Community College Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Dustin acted in several NPC theatre productions, he also sang with the Northland Master Chorale. He played multiple instruments which include the flute, clarinet, piano & the electric keyboard.   Dustin was a very intelligent, witty, blunt, sarcastic, & talented individual. He always had the smartest "literal" remark &/or answer, if you were to ask him a question. He loved drinking Coca-cola. Dustin also loved to read, research everything he could possibly think of, and was obsessed with prime numbers. Dustin worked as a Grant Manager for the White Mountain Apache Tribe since 2010. He also worked at the White Mountain Apache Housing Authority: Boys & Girls Club as an instructor. Before then he worked at Northland Pioneer College Whiteriver Center doing multiple "jobs" such as: a lab aide, registration assistant, front office clerk, library staff member, and being the centers only tutor. Dustin is survived by his mother, Marilyn Bonito-Salter; father, Frank Benavides, brothers: Fernando & Farren Benavides; 3 nephews, 2 nieces, 1 grand-nephew, 2 grand-nieces; grandmother, Alice Chavez and Roxanna Baha; grandfathers: Breezy Johnson Sr., Sylvester Johnson, & Ashley Griggs Sr. A one night wake will be held 10:00 A.M. on Friday July 8, 2016 at his mother Marilyn Bonito-Salter's residence (1402 South Chaps Av) in Whiteriver, Arizona. Funeral will be held on Saturday July 9, 2016 at 12 Noon at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center in Whiteriver, Arizona. Officiating Reverend Sid Cota. Interment will follow at the Canyon Day Cemetery.