GIA, Adrian Joseph

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona, Thursday, February 28, 2013 Adrian Joseph Gia, 59, passed away in Cottonwood, Arizona on February 23, 2013. He was born December 01, 1954 at the Marcus J Lawrence Hospital in Cottonwood, Arizona, to the late Joseph Gia and Betty Smith Gia. Adrian is survived by two brothers, Ted Gia and Frank Gia. Three uncles; Lloyd Smith, Scotty Smith, JR, and Richard Smith, five aunts; Hattie Puggie, Grace Lomaintewa, Vida Smith, Leona Wathogoma and Nancy Guzman, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Adrian grew up on the Yavapai-Apache Reservation in Camp Verde, where he lived all his life. Adrian attended Camp Verde High School and was a free-spirited person. He grew up in the days of “Peace and Love,” long hair and bell bottom pants (The Year of the “70’s”). In his younger years, He also enjoyed hanging out with his auntie Roberta Quail and friends. They traveled around Arizona attending concerts and tribal Pow-Wows. He played softball and basketball with family and community members. He had a love for music; oldies. He owned a guitar and a harmonica, which he played when he was alone. Adrian worked for the Indian Action Team as a construction labor that built new homes and renovated old ones, on the Yavapai-Apache Nation community. Adrian will be missed by his family and friends. A wake in his memory will be held at The Old Rock Church in Camp Verde, Friday March 1, 2013, from 6-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Old Rock Church, burial to follow at Yavapai-Apache Nation Cemetery in Middle Verde. Bueler Funeral assisted the family. Information provided by survivors.