WATT, Eva Tulene

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona 2/10/2009 Eva Tulene Watt, 95, took her final earthly journey Jan. 19, 2009, in Show Low. She was born in Cibecue in 1913 and spent most of her last years in Hon Dah and Whiteriver with her children and grandchildren. She was a renowned storyteller, herbalist and moccasin-maker but was mostly known for her elder wisdom, humor and love. She was also a cultural advisor to the White Mountain Apache's Cultural Center at Fort Apache. She traveled to museums all over the country, identifying Apache artifacts for return to the cultural center. Mrs. Watt received the Arizona Indian Living Treasure Award. In 2004, she received the first-place Evans Biography Award from Utah State University for her book "Don't Let the Sun Step Over You" with Keith Basso, published by the University of Arizona Press. It was the first book by an Apache describing Apache family life. She was a winner of the 2005 Oral History Association Book Award. Along with Gov. Janet Napolitano, she was honored at the 100th celebration of the completion of the Apache Trail, which her brothers helped build. Eva Watt was preceded in death by her husband, William Watt. She is survived by her sons, Reuben (Beverly) Kessay and John (Lena) Watt; her daughter, Ora (Samuel) Seymour; grandchildren Joseph George, Cecil Hendricks, Stephen Hendricks, Jeremy Kessay, Terry Kessay, Samuel Watt and William Watt; great-grandchildren Joshua Kessay, May Kessay, Seriah Kessay, Vanessa Kessay, Amarion Lee, Francis Lee, Aaron Parker, Nichole Parker and Lanley Watt; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren. Her wake and rosary were held Friday, Jan. 23, at her son John's home in North Fork. Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Whiteriver with Father Eddie Fronske OFM officiating. Interment was at the Whiteriver Cemetery. Silver Creek Mortuary handled arrangements.