Obituary: Geraldine (James) Tapija 1941 - 2013

Geraldine (James) Tapija, 71 of Clarkdale, passed away at home on Sunday, May 12, 2013. She was born on November 27, 1941 in Prescott, Arizona to Leonard James and Imogene Talawytewa.

Geraldine attended Elementary, Mingus Union High School and Yavapai College earning her Associates of General Studies.

Geraldine worked for the AZ Department of Economic Security (Caseworker) and the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe which she held several positions. She was proud of working with the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe Board of Directors as Secretary and Treasurer.

Geraldine loved bowling, traveling, culture, softball, crafts, puzzles, solitaire, beading, spending time with her family and watching her children and grandchildren play sports.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Imogene; husband Daniel David Tapija Sr. and daughter Lori Lynn Perez. She is survived by sons Daniel David Tapija Jr. (Laura) of Prescott, Marc Wade Tapija Sr. of Camp Verde and Matthew Jason Tapija (Leslie) of Camp Verde; brothers Floyd James Sr. (Mary) of Clarkdale, Edward James Sr. (Lois) of Prescott, Darwin James Sr. and Leland James of Phoenix; sisters Georgianna Johnson of Prescott, Patricia Whitlow (Rufus) of Okmulgee, OK and Linda James of Prescott; 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

E’dum ougna’na’woug’na Um’bi’ne’ma.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at Westcott Funeral Home in Cottonwood. The service will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. at Westcott Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Yavapai Prescott Tribal Cemetery in Prescott.

An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com

Information provided by survivors.