DECLAY, Serrano, Sr.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, AZ ~ March 11, 2011 Serrano DeClay Sr., 54, of Whiteriver died suddenly Monday, March 3, 2011, due to a heart attack. He had lived in the community of Rainbow City in Whiteriver for many years. He married his love, Althea Oct. 4, 1977. He was a family man and loved his wife, children and grandchildren very much. Serrano was an outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, making woods. Bull riding was a hobby that he enjoyed. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys' fan. He enjoyed life, he had many friends. He worked for Forestry for 33 years. Serrano came from a big family. He loved all his brothers and sisters. They each had a special place in his heart. "We will miss you very much." He leaves his wife of 34 years, Althea (Mesteth) DeClay; son Serrano DeClay Jr.; three daughters: Charity DeClay, Shannon DeClay and Sherrana DeClay; four brothers: Jerris, Aaron, Patrick and Matthew DeClay; three sisters: Evangeline D. Williams, Janice D. Charley and Paulena D. Burnette; two god-daughters: Vanessa Essay and Josiah Lavender; god-son Errol Zahgotah; 11 grandchildren and many relatives and friends. The late Serrano, Sr. was escorted by his fellow Forestry coworkers and friends starting Thursday, March 10, to his residence at Knottslanding house No. 8 for a two-night wake and remembrance. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Whiteriver Assembly of God Church and burial will be at the Whiteriver Cemetery family plot. All Tribal Leaders and gospel singers are welcome to pay their last respect. If you would like to leave an online remembrance for the family, visit website: www.silvercreekmortuary.net Arrangements were handled by Silver Creek Mortuary of Taylor.