Arlene Josephine "A-mupumi" "Shiquiempt" James-Teeias

February 10, 1935 - September 8, 2018

Arlene Josephine "A-mupumi" "Shiquiempt" James-Teeias (83) of Harrah passed away at the Cottage in the Meadow on Saturday September 8, 2018. Arlene was born on February 10,1935 south of Toppenish in the Alfalfa area to Joseph "Nekewyema" and Jenny (Tulalakus) Wesley. She was raised and educated in White Swan and at the Indian Christian Mission. She was the first Miss Indian America in 1953. She raised her family on the Yakama Reservation and worked for the Yakama Nation as a Community Health Representative for over 30 years retiring in 2010. She will be remembered for her love for people always sending cards and poems throughout the year to over 400 people. She enjoyed beading floral bags and will be remembered as White Swan High School's # 1 fan at its sporting events. She is survived by her two sons, Kenneth James-Teeias of Harrah and Hugh James-Teeias of Medical Lake; five daughters, Launa Ambrose of Yakima, Laurie James and Laurene Contreras both of Toppenish, Laurel James-Teeias of Harrah and Lucy Brown of Zillah; 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband; two sons and six siblings. Dressing services were held at Colonial Funeral Home on Monday September 10, 2018 at 2PM. Overnight services following at the Toppenish Creek Longhouse in White Swan with a procession leaving for the Toppenish Creek Cemetery at 5:15AM Tuesday. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Heggie's Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.