Joseph Shanta Jr.

Joseph Shanta Jr., 85, of Mescalero passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in Ruidoso.  He was born September 7, 1934 in Mescalero and had lived there all of his life.  He was the head of the Mescalero Apache Tribe Maintenance Department until his retirement.  He attended St. Joseph Mission in Mescalero.  He married Ceda Ann Magoosh on December 2, 1971 at Mescalero.

He is survived by his wife, Ceda; his children, Miralene Blaylock, Joseph Magoosh, Howard Magoosh, Uretta Platta, Dudette Shanta, Betty Shanta, Andrew Shanta and Matthew Belin; 25 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday, January 13, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso from 2:000 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.  His prayer service will also be Monday, at 6:00 P.M., at St. Joseph Mission where the funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 14, at 10:00 A.M.  Burial will follow at the Mescalero Cemetery.