Thomas Altaha

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." - Psalm 46:1-4

Thomas Altaha Jr., was born January 13, 1945 to Thomas and Mary G. Altaha at R-14 Ranch in Cedar Creek AZ. He entered Eternal Glory on Thursday August 7, 2025, surrounded by his family, at his home in Cedar Creek, Arizona.

Thomas was a man who loved his family and worked hard to make sure they were well taken care of. His work experience began at 16 yrs old when he was hired as a Ranch Hand by his Uncle Rufus Altaha. He then pursued other careers which includes Tribal Forestry, Police Officer with the WMAPD, Heavy Equipment Operator for WMAT Development Enterprises, Water Distribution Technician for IHS & WMAT, School Bus Driver and Maintenance Supervisor at John F. Kennedy School. Thomas retired after 37 years with the Bureau of Indian Education.

Thomas enjoyed particpating in Rodeos in his early years. He was known for his excellent Team Roping Skills and was often seen in the roping arena with his longtime roping partner, Lowell Altaha. He won many championships and awards for rodeo over the course of his life. Thomas was a true cowboy from the original R-14 Ranch in Cedar Creek, AZ.

Thomas was a believer in Jesus Christ. He revered his Catholic upbringing and often reminisced of his childhood days at the St. John's Indian Mission in Laveen, AZ. Later in life, he developed a passion to hearing the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart's preaching and singing. He also loved hearing his son, Jerold, play piano and singing the Hymns of Glorious Praise. Thomas is now in Heaven with Jesus, reunited with family and friends.

Thomas leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Ludy B. Altaha, his daughters & Sons in law, Aaron & Tammie James, Bryan & Marcia Antonio, his son, Jerold Tom Altaha, Grand children, Brian Aaron James, Lanasha Anderson & Cory, Tanya Tessay & Drake, Mia R. Hooke, Great Grandchildren, Kialjo James, Jayceon, Klohe, Kinsley and Ava Anderson, Laelani, Zyaire, & Azaylee Tessay, 4 sisters Laverne Altaha, Delphine Altaha, Gertrude Taylor, Patsey Clawson, brothers in law Andrew Cosen, Donny Clawson, Adam Burnette, MacArthur Burnette, and 1 brother Michael Naranjo.

In addition to immediate family, Thomas has many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, & great grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held for Thomas Altaha Jr. on Friday August 15, 2025, at the Cedar Creek Assembly of God Church, 1213 AZ Highway 73, beginning at 8:00 AM.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 AM with Rev. Jonathan Lanuza officiating. Internment will be at the R-14 Family Plot in Cedar Creek, AZ. A luncheon will follow at the CCAG Fellowship Hall.

All are welcome to attend these services.

The Altaha Family expresses their sincere appreciation of the tremendous outpouring of love, support, and wonderful words of comfort shared during this difficult time.