Cecil Ivins, Sr.

Cecil Ivins, Sr. of Cibecue, Arizona peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at his home in Cibecue with his beloved family by his side. He was 79. Cecil was born on May 13, 1941 in Cibecue to his parents the late, Phillip and Lillian (Hall) Ivins.

Cecil had a deep and abiding love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His firm believe in the gospel lead him to become the first Native American Branch President for the Cibecue branch chapel, a position he would hold 4 times. He was also one of the first to travel to the Salt Lake Temple to help translate bi-lingual in Apache.

Cecil ran several successful logging camps throughout the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. He was always teaching his children and grandchildren the importance and value of a hard days work. Family was everything to him and it is through our faith that we know we will some day see him again as “Families are Forever.”

Cecil is survived by his sister, Mary (Wallace Sr.) Thompson of Cibecue; children, Michael (Nayda) Ivins, Sr., Myrna Ivins, Sharon Ivins, and Wendy Ivins of Cibecue, Erman (Jessica) Ivins of Utah, Daryl Ivins and Paula Ivins of Cibecue, Rolinda Ivins of Phoenix, Rhona Ivins of Cibecue, Cecil (Sheila) Ivins, Jr. of New Mexico, Regina (Brandon Sr.) Tessay of McNary, Arizona, Leon (Neva) Ivins and Gilbert (Jolene) Ivins of Cibecue; over 100 grand and great-grandchildren as well as a traditional Goddaughter, Tanya Narcisco of Cibecue.  

He was preceded in death by his Eternal Companion of 57 years, Myrtle Wool Ivins; sons, Philbert Ivins Sr., Randy Ivins and Ronnie Ivins as well as 5 brothers.

A one-night wake will begin 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 21, 2021 at the family home in Cibecue. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Cibecue Branch Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow in the Salt Creek Cemetery.