William Delma, Sr.

William Delma, age 75,  of Whiteriver, AZ passed away on April 4, 2014 at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, AZ  He was born in Bylas, AZ on December 24, 1938 the son of Charles and Rhea (Sippi) Delma. William was a very gentle and kind man. He loved to rodeo, photography, play guitar and sing. He also liked singing at his church. He liked taking his grandchildren and family to round-ups. He was a board member of the Slaughter Mountain Cattle Association. He had worked at the Sawmill in Cutter and in Payson. He liked to cook and make Indian Tamales to sell them in San Carlos. He attended elder meetings and won awards representing the elderly. He was published in the White Mountain School magazine. He enjoyed educating young students about the Apache culture and dances. He was preceded in death by his first wife Idella Delma, his sons; William Delma, Jr., and  Richard Delma, his brother Kent Delma and his step-son Eugene Hoffman.   William is survived by his loving wife Cornelia Delma, his children: Flora Rogers, Curley Delma, Sr., Carlos Delma Sr., Velda Kenton, Beverly Cheney, Adalena Hoffman, Emery Hoffman, Eva Thomas, Lydia Hoffman, Felisa Hoffman, Sunshine Hoffman, Maebelle Walker, his sisters; Pauline Waterman and Pamela Delma,  47 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. We will remember him for his warm personality and will be greatly missed by his family.   Wake will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. at Rodeo Grounds, La Bamba City in San Carlos, AZ. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at Assembly of God Church in Bylas, AZ. Interment will be at Navajo Point Cemetery, Bylas, AZ