Lupe Kozie

Lupe Jordan Kozie was born at home in Bylas on a hot summer day on July 8, 1931. She was the firstborn to Ada Rope and James Jordan both of Bylas. She was Tugai Clan (white water people) and born for Iaiah clan (mosquito grows there people). Lupe was raised in a close knit family, constantly surrounded by the three younger sisters she adored and protected: Audrey, Bernice, and Delores. These four girls survived the typhoid pandemic that hit the reservation in the early 1930s while four other infants born to Ada and James did not. Lupe called her first cousins: Roland and Roscoe Boni and Clarence Wesley her brothers. They were all very close to their gr4andfather, John Rope. Lupe grew up in a sheltered world, on the ranches deep in the woodlands of the San Carlos Apache Reservation, where her father James protected his family from the unnecessary strife that was occurring all over the world, including the U.S. By this time Lupe reached school age, World War II was in full effect and the Great Depression of the 1930s was causing the poor and unemployed to move from state to state in a desperate attempt to find work and feed their starving families. The World and Nation were both struggling. Meanwhile, here on the reservation, the cattle industry was booming. Lupes father James was a stockman, so as soon as his daughters finished school for the year, the family relocated to Ash Creek Ranch to take care of their brand- 7B and others. The same ranch house where Lupe spent her summers still stands at Ash Creek. In the summer time the ranches transformed into temporary communities. It was a glorious time in history, all the ranch houses were occupied and people were happy and healthy, no one stole, and long lasting memories and friendships were created. Here Lupe developed a deep admiration and respect for the ranching way of life. As a result, she became a devoted member of the Ash Creek Cattle Association and always made sure to vote in the board elections. On the ranch, Lupe grew strong and adapted quickly to the rough lifestyle. She had a lot of freedom on the ranch- to ride horses, learn to drive stick shift, to visit with other friends and extended family and clan relatives, but she was always drawn back to cooking. It was here that she first learned to cook outside with an open fire. At first it was to cook for her sisters, but later it was because she wanted too. She understood that food made people happy. Over time her love of cooking developed into a lifelong passion. Many of her favorite dishes were taught to her by her aunt, Irene Rope Rustin, who was famous for her home made candy, bread, cookies and pies in Navajo Point. Lupe did her formal schooling at Bylas Lutheran School and East Fork Lutheran School, where Emily George (White) became her best friend. She was a cheerleader for the East fork Eagles. Later, Lupe asked her longtime friend, Emily, and her Husband Henry White Jr., of White River to be god parents to her adopted daughter Lola Rambler. Emily accepted and they solidified their relationship even further after Lolas double sunrise dance with Tanayia in 1990. Lupes own sunrise dance was at the mens club in Bylas, her godmother was Dezine. Lupe supported the Apache Culture, and made sure all of her daughters; Cheryl, Kathleen and Tanayia all had dances. Lupe Loved Emily and her other close cousins who were also her best friends: Olive Harvey (Robertson), Marianna Wright (Baylish), and Evalina Rope (pike). In her later years, she grew especially close to her in-laws, Ethyl Rope, Zina Goseyun (Johnson), and Eliza (Buck) Boni. Lupe was conformed Lutheran, but went to all churches. She loved her Godson Terry Anderson Sr. and was very proud that he had given his life to serve and minister for the lord. Because of her strong faith, she donated land in lower Navajo point to the Bylas Miracle church so they could build a church. Some of you may not know that Lupe was a very spiritual person. This was instilled in her early on by her parents Ada and James. She prayed often and always left it in Gods hands, and everything seemed to work out. Her daughter Lola still prays in the manner that Lupe taught her, the song God of Abraham was her personal favorite, and reflected her firm belief in the lord. In 1952 she married Irving sonny Kozie, and they had three children: Patrick Wayne, Cheryl Mae and Kathleen Iris. We all know them as Max, Becky and Iris. Lupe also helped to raise her nephew Louie Lorenzo Jr. and her granddaughter Lola Rambler and Tanayia Rambler (White). Like her father, Sonny was a rancher, so Lupe raised her children just as she had been raised, spending summers on the ranches. They stayed at Warm Springs and Poke Corral because Sonny worked for Ash Creek Cattle Association. There were a lot of bears in these areas and Lupe was often alone at the ranch house while Sonny and the kids were out working. She and Sonny would stay one month at a time in complete isolation at the ranch. Lupe was a tough woman, both mentally and physically, she never complained about the challenges of life, and hardly ever got sick. Lupe also had a strong work ethic. Her love of cooking and children led her to a career at Bylas Head start, where she worked for 27 years for the tribe, under directors Bernice Key and Harrison Talgo. She rotated, and eventually worked for all head starts on the reservation. She was a very devoted tribal employee. She worked summers for forestry as a cook. With her stable job, Lupe created a stable home, where there was always food and warm shelter. Many found refuge and solace in her home including Louie, Lola and Tanayia because Lupe never turned anyone away. She welcomed many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends into her home and continued to work and provide for them because she loved them, like her own. There was always something stable about Lupe that made you feel comfortable and secure. Lupe also cooked at many family celebrations, sunrise dances, wakes graduations, and other events. Even into her old age, Lupe tried to keep cooking. This was the way she showed her love, it was the way she told others she loved them. In America, people say I love you too frequently, like its nothing- traditional Apache Parents like Lupes taught their children to respect words like love and to use them carefully. Lupe demonstrated her love through acts of kindness and through cooking. She was most proud of her Mexican Enchiladas. She loved to cook and eat traditional Apache food. She taught her daughters and others to cook, and passed on her delicious recopies. In her elder years, she stayed active as long as she could. She fulfilled her grandmotherly duties and babysat many grandchildren. She exercised her mind by doing crossword puzzles and love to sit out in the fresh air to feed the birds and dogs. She grew beautiful rose bushes in her yard. She enjoyed any movies that starred John Wayne. She loved to play Apache Cards. Many of the kids will remember her Noxzema Face. Her head start children will remember her Hair Net, Apron and shift dresses that she always wore to work. History will remember her name in the books written about her grandfather John Rope, a famous Apache scout. All of us will remember her dimples, her smile, and her laughter. Staying true to the Apache way, no in-law ever escaped without first being teased by Lupe. She had a truly unique sense of humor and made up original jokes and would laugh for hours with her devoted nephew Gregory Rambler who was with her until the very end. Lupe was a strong and brave Apache woman. She faced lifes challenges and problems head on and never complained because she knew God would get her through it. She was a proud woman, but Lupe had a deep respect for Veterans and was very proud when her only son Max joined the United States Marine Corps. And went with the young men from Navajo Point to the Vietnam War. She was also equally proud to be from the Tugai White Water Eagle Clan. She loved her daughters Becky, Iris and Lola. She taught them the best she could and passed on the traditions in the Apache Way. Because of her, Lola fluently understands the Apache Language. Now its their turn to carry the torch for the next generation. Her sisters Audrey and Delores will miss their big Sister, protector and their best friend. Lupe loved her life, and everyone in it. Today, we thank our creator God for giving her 82 glorious years to enjoy with us. She has seen and accomplished a lot. Lupe lived to see her nephew Terry become the Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She also saw Louie and Lola graduate from College, and Tanayia, Beatrice and Terry graduate from the University. She saw her loving and devoted grand-daughter Desirae Bernice Rambler become Miss San Carlos Apache, like her mother Sandra Rambler. She was proud of her grad daughter Shera Brown (Day) for enlisting in the Army like her uncle Gary Kirk Rambler and Lupes son Max. She witnessed her Great-Grand Daughters Shay George and Lois Lorenzos sunrise dances and watches as Tanayia, Lola and Louieall became godparents. Lupe was filled with joy the day Maxs daughter Rachel came back into her life. She watched as Becky, Iris and Lola all became mothers. She meant more to us than anyone will ever know. She made all of us individually feel special in her own way. Our beloved mother, Sister, Grandmother and friend, Lupe completed her circle of life and returned to the lord on Friday, March 7th, 2014 at her home in Bylas among her family. She has reunited with her only son, Patrick Wayne Max Kozie, her cherished Mother Ada Rope Jordan, and her maternal grandparents John and Sarah Hadley Rope, and her younger sister Bernice Jordan (Harney). Lupe leaves behind three daughters: Becky, Iris and Lola. Her Granddaughters: Rachel Kozie Martineau (maxs daughter), Desirae Rambler, Shaniqua Phillips, Jennith Rambler, Alexis Phillips, and Aubrey Montolla. Her grandsons: Darwin, Dillon, Derrick Turner, Gerrall Phillips, Gerald Phillips III, and Isreal Montolla. Her great-grandchildren: Terecita Dillon, Aurea Dillon, Dareana Dillon, Tiana Kozie Martineau (Maxs granddaughter), and numerous others. Written with love by her granddaughter Tanayia White