IN LOVING MEMORY OF FERNIE ALTAHA, 61, of Whiteriver, Arizona passed away on January 3, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. Fernie was born on March 26, 1959 in Whiteriver, Arizona to his parents Delbert Sr. and Virginia (Ethelbah) Altaha. He was the oldest of five children. His siblings include brothers, Delbert (Ruby) Altaha Jr, and Dean (Felicia) Altaha. Sisters, Linda Kay (Stevie) Goklish and Velma Sue (Bruce) Kaytoggy.
In August of 1981, Fernie became a proud father to his son Fernando (Rambo) Altaha. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Charlotte (Alchesay) Altaha, grandchildren: Nyjah, Kyrie and Brayden Altaha, Hunter Moody and Elias Goklish. Goddaughter Rhoda Ethelbah-Case and Godson Juwan Burnette.
Fernie attended Alchesay High School and graduated in 1977. His work experience includes working as a range cowboy for the Cedar Creek Cattle Association, Boiler Operator and supervisor for the boiler facility at Fort Apache Timber Company for over 30 years and providing security and maintaining facilities for the Rainbow Treatment Center. He had knowledge and experience in maintenance and repairs with skills in carpentry, welding, painting, plumbing, electrical and mechanical process.
Fernie loved the outdoors with fishing, hunting, making firewood, and pitching horseshoe. He fished the lakes and streams of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, San Carlos Apache Reservation, the state of Arizona, and Rocky Point in Mexico. Also, rafting the Black River from Whiteriver Bridge to Asbestos Mines. He hunted for mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, and small game. Grilling and cooking outdoors for friends and family was his delight. Being with friends and hanging out at the Weiner Roast Horseshoe Pit in Fort Apache, AZ was his leisure time. This leisure time of pitching horseshoe lead to competing in horseshoe tournaments locally, other towns and states and received awards for being a champion horseshoe pitcher. At the time of his passing Fernie was living in Phoenix, Arizona where he was working on making changes in his life.
He is preceded in death by a daughter Michelle Altaha, maternal grandparents, Harvey & Malcolm W. Ethelbah and paternal grandparents, Oliver & Mae Q. Altaha.
On January 15, 2021 a viewing from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dream City Church-White Mountains located on 4703 Vallery Lane, Lakeside, Arizona 85929.
On January 16, 2021 burial at 10:00 a.m. at the R-14 Cemetery in Cedar Creek, Arizona. Services officiated by Pastor Alvin Martinez, Cedar Creek Assembly of God Church.
Arrangement by Silver Creek Mortuary.
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