ETHELBAH, Ralan Dean

The White Mountain Independent Show Low, Arizona - 12/08/2006 Ralan Dean Ethelbah Ralan went home to be with the Lord Dec. 2, 2006 in Whiteriver. He was born August 26, 1973 in Whiteriver, to Roger Dean Ethelbah and Brenda Marie Ethelbah. He grew up in Diamond Creek with his maternal grandmother Ronda Lavender. He graduated from Alchesay High School in 1992 and later attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. He also lived in Phoenix and Tucson, but always returned home to see the family who raised him. He was a staunch fan of four-wheel-drive trucks and could be found often in the mountains around Whiteriver enjoying nature and testing the limits of his own "monster truck." He spent his final days in Whiteriver staying in the Post Office Canyon where he set his trailer. He thoroughly enjoyed this time with nature and frequently spoke about his encounters with God's creatures. He was a gentle, kind spirit who may have been sometimes misunderstood, but underneath his gruff exterior was a very loving soul. He will be missed by all his family and friends. Ralan is survived by his father, Roger Ethelbah Sr.; brother, Kyle Ethelbah; maternal grandmother, Ronda Ethelbah; paternal grandmother, Vine Ethelbah; and many family members. Ralan will be brought home to his maternal grandmother Ronda Lavender's residence in Diamond Creek Friday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m., for a one night awake. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec 9 at 2 p.m. at the Open Bible Lutheran Church in Whiteriver. Interment will be at the Whiteriver Cemetery. Silver Creek Chapel Mortuary of Whiteriver handled the arrangements