THINKA, Minnie

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Minnie Tonto Thinka, age 82, of San Carlos, Ariz. passed away on Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 at San Carlos Indian Hospital. She was born in San Carlos, Ariz. on Monday, April 2, 1928, the daughter of Zee and Uneeda (Rice) Tonto. Minnie worked for the San Carlos Apache Tribe for 33 years as a Community Health Representative. She also worked as a cook at the old San Carlos Café. She enjoyed being outdoors picking acorn. During her free time she liked to sit and sew camp dresses and colorful quilts. She was a very kind, gentle, and caring woman who was loved by all. Minnie enjoyed cooking for her family and was devoted to cooking for the San Carlos Veterans Association on Memorial Day. She did this for over three decades. She always had a warm and friendly smile for those she loved. Minnie also enjoyed traveling to Phoenix, Payson and Camp Verde visiting various family and friends. Minnie is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Thinka; her infant twins, Darlene and Deborah Thinka; her adult children, Mark R. Norman, Ida Wiley, Wanda Thinka, Andrew J. Thinka, and Ramona Thinka. Minnie is survived by her daughter, Nadine Thinka and her son, Moran G. Thinka, Sr. both of San Carlos; her brother, Harry Tonto of Phoenix, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. A wake was held on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Thinka’s residence in San Carlos. Funeral services were held on Sunday, Nov. 21, at Burdette Hall in San Carlos. Final resting place is at Northgate Cemetery. Assisting the family is Lamont Mortuary.