COLLATETA, Richard (Dinky)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/11/2006 Richard "Dinky" Collateta, 18, of Cibecue, died Aug. 6, 2006. He was born in Phoenix to the Eagle Clan and the Roadrunner Clan and grew up in Cibecue. As a young boy he was quiet, but his family could tell at an early age that he was a very intelligent child. He liked to play basketball, loved to fish, and very much enjoyed music. His love of fishing grew with Dinky, and as he grew older his love of music increased. He especially liked rap and would spend hours "free styling" with his older brother. He loved his family very much. He was especially close with his mother. Dinky worked as a cook up at the Sunrise resort. He was very adventurous and had a strong interest in the world around him. He was very curious about how things worked. He loved his country, and before his death, Dinky was preparing for service in the U.S. military. Dinky is survived by his mother, Myrna Ivins; father, Richard Collateta, Sr.; his faithful companion, April Gregg; brothers, Byron, Aaron, Tyrone, and Richo Collateta; sisters-in-law, Juliet Haven, Holly Collateta, Shakwan DeClay; nieces Briona and Aralyn; maternal grandparents, Cecil and Myrtle Ivins; paternal grandparents, Magdalena Martinez and Phillip Collateta; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. A wake was held Thursday, Aug. 10. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Cottonwood Gym in Cibecue. Owens Mortuary of Show Low is handling the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com