R.I.P. Rosetta Coffey

It is with heavy hearts that we report that the Delaware Tribe has lost one of our most revered elders. Rosetta Coffey passed away on July 20. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers in their time of sorrow.

Rosetta Pearl Coffey

January 2, 1925–July 20, 2014

Rosetta Jackson-Coffey of Dewey, OK passed away July 20, 2014 at Forest Manor Nursing home of Dewey, OK. Rosetta was a full blooded Delaware Tribal member born in Dewey, OK on January 2, 1925 to James and Emma Jackson.

Wake services will be held in Bartlesville, OK at the Delaware Tribal Community Center on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Deyo Mission Baptist Church in Cache, OK on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 1:00pm. Burial to follow at Deyo Mission Cemetery.

Rosetta is proceeded in death by her husband, Cheevers of 69 years, November 17, 2012. One son, Marvin “Rusty” Coffey and her only daughter Paulette Louise Tallchief-Morrow. Two brothers, John and Marion “Cowboy” Jackson and two sisters Evelyn Thomas and Elgia Bryan and one Granddaughter Jonita Coffey.

Rosetta is survived by sons, Jesse Coffey, Cache, OK; James Coffey of the home, Charley Eckroat, Oklahoma City, Two sisters, Bette Notah, Lawrence, KS; Jean Kirkendall, Claremore, OK. One brother, James Jackson of Catoosa, OK. Grandchildren Susan Hartman, Robin Coffey-Hopkins, Rusty Coffey, Carrie Coffey, Angie Thurman-Goodfox, Janet Coffey-Work, Kristie Coffey, Marty Thurman, Jesse Jr. Coffey, Jake Coffey, 17 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandson “William”.

Rosetta started her family and lived in Faxon, OK, then made a few moves to Lawton, OK, Tulsa, OK, and then to Lawrence, KS where she then began working with Haskell Indian Junior College as a Supervisor of Residential Housing in the Women’s dorm. After working for many years she retired in 1989 and returned back to her hometown, Dewey, OK. Throughout those years she traveled, cared for family, and attended many pow-wow’s with her husband. While running for office for the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma she was elected and served as a Trust Board Council Member for two terms. Also, Rosetta was the founder of the Delaware War Mother’s Organization in Dewey, OK which is still actively going strong to this day.