George Armenta

01/25/2010 - 11/24/2010

George Armenta
01/25/1928-11/24/2010
George Armenta a Tribal Elder of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, born in Santa Ynez, passed on to be with the great spirit, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his Mother Florencia, Father Loreto; his sisters Catherine, Celestine, Mary, Eulalia, Antonia and brother Leandro. He is survived by his sisters Eva Pagaling, Esther Manguray, his brother Manuel Armenta (All of Santa Ynez); daughter Celestine (Chip) of Bayside, Ca.; and son Michael (Ann) of Las Cruces, NM; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
George served his country in the United States Army from 16 Sept 1946 thru 22 August 1949. He continued to serve his country working in Civil Service, Department of Defense, United States Navy, for 25 years and retired. He loved his country and he loved his family. He served as a four time Tribal Chairman of the Chumash. He was always involved in tribal affairs, he was Housing Commissioner and he managed Tribal Enrollment for many years. He was instrumental in the welfare and growth of the Chumash Reservation from the early years to the present. He loved his friends, so much, that they considered him 'family'.
Gravesite services will be held 12 noon on Wednesday, 01 December 2010 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Ballard, Ca.
Donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care or the Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital would be greatly appreciated.