Althea Gloshay

Althea Hastings Gloshay, retired nurse, cook, friend, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was welcomed home by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ On May 10, 2025.

Althea Hastings Gloshay was born on February 17, 1944 in Whiteriver, Arizona to Cain and Blossom Haozous Hastings. Althea attended school at Theodore Roosevelt School in Ft. Apache up to third grade, then transferred to East Fork Lutheran School where she graduated High School as Valedictorian in 1962. She successfully held the title of Miss Fair and Rodeo, a precursor to Miss White Mountain Apache around the same time. Althea later enrolled and graduated from the Nursing program at Phoenix College in 1966. 

Althea began her nursing career at Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix in 1966. In early of 1967, Althea accepted a Nursing position with the Whiteriver Indian Hospital beginning a 50-year Federal Service career with the Indian Health Service. As a nurse, she gave her life to serving others. She helped deliver countless numbers of babies and held and prayed with just as many who were preparing to meet our Lord. She worked in all areas of the Hospital, and early in her career, she was the only nurse for the entire hospital. She told stories of times when she would ride in the ambulance to provide care while the hospital janitor drove. Later in her career, these trips would also include medical transport flights to Phoenix in the hospital plane. She enjoyed working in the Emergency Department. She triaged and helped an Air Force pilot when he safely ejected from his jet before it crashed near Whiteriver. In the Local film, "Apache Mountain Spirits" she played herself, an Apache ER nurse. Althea transitioned to a quieter role in the Outpatient department as a staff nurse, where she was known for giving painless shots. Later her role switched from being a staff nurse to assistant supervisor, then finally as OPD nursing supervisor. Althea retired from Indian Health Service in April of 2017 after 50 years and four days in federal service.

Althea was not only a nurse, but someone who loved. She loved to sing. She loved all genres of music with Reba McEntire being one of her favorites singers. She, of course, was known to everyone who knew her to sing "Angel Baby" by Rosie and the Originals. Althea was also a huge advocate for what she felt was right. Whether it was politics on the Tribal and National level, or fighting as a union steward. Along with her sisters, she helped shape many tribal politicians, and in turn helped transform tribal policies.

She loved her family. She loved her siblings and always provided advice and opinions even if they did not ask for them. She was the eldest of nine. She took on so much responsibility being the eldest. The love she had for her children was unmatched. If there was a greater love, she showed it to her grandchildren. She was a working grandma to all, but one. Her love for her grandchildren is certainly unending. Her gentle spirit, soft hands, kind words, and food will be missed by everyone.

She was a lifetime member of the Canyon Day Lutheran Church. She knew her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In her last years, her love for her Savior grew stronger. As the last sunsets came near, she was filled with love and advice all centered around our Savior.

A one night wake will begin at 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 16, 2025 at 104 Hastings Street, Canyon Day, Arizona. Her Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Canyon Day Lutheran Church, Canyon Day, Arizona. Interment will be at the Family Plot in Canyon Day.