Aljolson Ethelbah, Jr.

Aljolson Ethelbah, Jr. died in the very early morning hours of Monday, June 12, 2017, at the Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona following a brief illness.  He was 60 years old.  Aljolson was born on a Wednesday, August 8, 1956, in Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona to his parents, the late Telala (Truax) and Aljolson Ethelbah, Sr.Aljolson is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy Ethelbah of Canyon Day, Arizona; son, Aljolson Ethelbah, III of Canyon Day, Arizona; 3 sisters:  Romalda Colelay, Annie Tessay, Elmira Alchesay all of Whiteriver, Arizona; his brother, Norbert Alchesay; 4 godchildren:  Tyler Bonito, Kelsey DeClay, Kayrene Armstrong, Cheyenne Nosie all of Whiteriver, Arizona; and his also survived by 1 granddaughter.  Along with his parents, Aljolson was preceded in death by 2 sisters:  Beverly Colelay, Flora Colelay; 2 brothers, Jasper Colelay, Sr., Presley Ethelbah (who was an infant); 2 godchildren;  Lyneia Pechuli and Carmen Burnette.During his life, Aljolson worked at various places.  Most notably, he was a firefighter for the forestry department of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.  He also worked as a security guard for the Fort Apache Timber Company (FATCO) as well as IHS in Whiteriver.  Many might be surprised to learn that Aljolson was a true cowboy at heart.  He always enjoyed the company of others and enjoyed hanging out with his friends.  He was an outdoorsman who hunted regularly and always loved a good fishing trip.  Also, when out walking through the forest, Aljolson was always on the lookout for antlers, as he was an avid collector of them.A one day wake for Aljolson will begin 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 19, 2017, at the Ethelbah Family Home, 5213 S. Chief Avenue in Canyon Day, Arizona.  A home funeral service will begin 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at his home with Co-Pastor Kimmy Burnette officiating.  The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Canyon Day Cemetery in Canyon Day.