Charles Stevens, of Canyon Day, Arizona, formerly of San Carlos, Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2023, with his wife Berlinda by his side as family rushed to accompany her at Haven Health in Lakeside, Arizona.
Charlie was born May 5, 1943, in San Carlos to Jesse J. Stevens and Virginia Leah Sundust Stevens. He married Lea Marie LaRose and of this union had three children, Gina Theresa Stevens, Maria Elena Kitcheyan and Bart Stevens. They later divorced. Charlie then married Berlinda Bones Stevens.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Christine Astor and Katherine Lomayesva, baby Kenneth Stevens, great-grandson Xen Matthias Steele, aunts Virginia Patten, Sadie Kniffin and Sarah Bush, and uncles Ray Stevens, Sr., George H. Stevens, Samuel R. Stevens, Carl Stevens, James Stevens and Henry E. Stevens. He is survived by his wife Berlinda, his children, stepson Javan Nike Bones, daughter-in-law Jacqueline Stevens, son-in-law Aaron Kitcheyan, sister Erma Beaver, brother Lee Stevens, grandchildren Heather Renee Altaha and Jesse Albert Hooke, granddaughter-in-law Angel Nosie, Mika David Hooke, Lori Jane Hooke, Adrian Matthias Stevens and Ian Chas Stevens, and great-grandchildren Alantino John Garcia, Jr., Savannah Grace Edwards, Lozen Brielle Edwards, Wendslyn Lea Hooke, Jesse Albert Hooke, Jr., Coby Talkalai and Makir Jada Bones, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
Charles Stevens graduated from Globe High School in 1962 where he excelled in track and fi eld and was a leader among his peers. He went on to work in various capacities within the San Carlos Apache Tribe (SCAT) including the Forestry program, Job Corps and Keams Canyon Boarding School. He then joined the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) Highway Patrol where he was a patrol officer, recruiter and narcotics agent, where he retired. After he completed the academy training, he was first sent to the Arizona State Prison in Florence to assist in managing the unrest that was happening there at the time. He went on to be stationed in Coolidge, Whiteriver, Phoenix, San Carlos and Globe.
After retirement from AZ DPS he went on to work for the SCAT as an assistant prosecutor, juvenile probation officer, in-school suspension technician and various security roles including time at the Hondah Casino leading the security department.
Charles’ father Jesse was a former Chairman of the SCAT and this drove him to enter tribal politics. Charles successfully served two consecutive terms as the Gilson Wash District (GWD) Councilman and was committed to serving the people of San Carlos. He went above and beyond in providing for those most in need, including the children and the elderly. He gave coats and shoes to schoolchildren, took them swimming, delivered turkeys during the holidays and so much more. He was well respected and led by example, and would never have anyone do what he wouldn’t do himself. He also expedited economic development opportunities for not only GWD but the tribe as a whole both locally and at the state and federal levels.
Charles lived life on his own terms and had many close friends. He had a great sense of humor and was always telling jokes and sharing stories. He had an exceptional amount of love for his family, his country and his tribe. He especially loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devout Catholic and committed to living an authentic life. He was very proud to be a part of the Stevens family and a San Carlos Apache. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation was held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at St. Charles Catholic Church in San Carlos, Arizona. Rosary was held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at St. Charles Catholic Church. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. Charles Catholic Church. Interment followed at Mormon Hill Cemetery in San Carlos, Arizona. There was a meal after burial at the Gilson Wash Activity Center in San Carlos.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
