Rufus Glenn Burnette

Rufus Glenn Burnette entered eternal rest on January 19, 2023. He was born August 23, 1954, to Ryan Burnette Sr. and Eunice Carroll. He was the eldest of 8 siblings. Glenn, as he was known by, grew up in McNary and attended school there. He took pride in being a part of the 1973 Arizona State Basketball Championship team for McNary High School. He was a talented basketball player. He graduated from McNary High School in 1973. Following graduation, Glenn enlisted in the United States Army and completed basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He served during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Germany. While in the army, he learned his trade as an electrician. He was honorably discharged in 1976. Glenn loved his Apache culture. He performed sunrise dance ceremonies and embraced the holy grounds ceremonies assisting his late brother, Harris Burnette. He strongly believed in “keeping the Faith” and encouraged young people to keep the Apache culture alive.

 Glenn had an enormous love for the outdoors. Whether it was camping, cutting wood, taking his granddaughters fishing or simply just sitting in his backyard, he loved being in the mountains of his beautiful reservation. He also loved competing in cycling events. He competed in El Tour de Phoenix. He was also a gifted bowler, often accomplishing a 200-game score. He was enjoying retirement at the time of his death, but his previous employment included Indian Heath Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs equaling 25 years of service.

 There are no words that could describe Glenn’s one-of-a-kind personality. He was humble and simple. He had tremendous love for his family which included his fellow singers, helpers and of course, his sunrise girls whom he guided through their sacred becoming of age ceremony. He had friends near and far. He was sought after for his wealth of knowledge and spiritual guidance in Apache culture. Though we may have lost an extraordinary person, we will forever remember his teachings, his kindness, his words of advice and the wonderful life he lived. Glenn’s Viewing and Service will be held on Saturday January 28th, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Social Hall at Silver Creek Mortuary in Pinetop and the service will be held at the LDS Stake Center in Lakeside at 11:00 a.m. Interment following at Ponderosa Pines Cemetery in McNary.

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