Jacob Morgan Pioche

Jacob Pioche



Jacob "Jake" Morgan Pioche, 70, of Farmington, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, in Farmington. He was born Aug. 13, 1944, in Moncisco Mesa, to Isabel and Mike Pioche. Jake was born to Ashiihii (Salt Clan) and born for Tse'nahabilni (Sleeping Rock Clan).
Jake grew up on a farm and helped his family to herd sheep. Also he started to earn money at the age by selling doughnuts. Jacob was a very intelligent man. He graduated from Riverside Indian Boarding School in Anadarko, Okla. He received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Grand Canyon University and a master's degree in social work from Highlands University. Jake served in the Peace Corps in Columbia. He was an U.S. Army Ranger, who served two tyours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. he spent most of his time walking point. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, Silver Star, Bronze Star, CAU and a CAR and other medals and decorations.
Jake was a world traveler who spoke four languages; Navajo, English, Spanish and Russian. It was overseas where he met his future wife Larissa 22 years ago. He had been happily married for the last 14 years. They traveled a lot at home and abroad attending many cultural and sporting events. Jake was a loyal Redskins fan. He had an exceptional personality. He was generous, warm hearted hospitable, broad-minded and outgoing optimist. His humorous remarks would cheer up the worst pessimist. Everybody who got to know him would instantly admire him. He loved people and lived every day of his life to the fullest. One of his blessed accomplishments was 29 years of his life on the altar of sobriety. The family expresses their unconditional gratitude for support and prayers for Jacob. VFW Post 2182 will be performing the honors. Jacob was greatly loved and he will be greatly missed.
Jake was preceded in death by his son William Foster; his parents; brothers, Charley J. Pioche and Roy Pioche; and sisters, Bessie P. Benally, Phoebe Pioche and Bernice L. Pioche-Benally. He is survived by his beloved wife Larissa Krutova-Pioche (Almaty); son Michael Pioche of Rapid City, S.D.; daughter Breanna Pioche; brothers, Lee P. Pioche, Kee S. Pioche and James B. Pioche; sisters, Christine M. Pioche, Elizabeth M. Pioche, Mary A. Huyser, Nancy Pioche and Shonnie P. Lee; and grandchildren, Jasmine, Morgan, Shane, Donnie; and numerous surviving relatives.
A visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 at Alternative Choice Funeral Chapel.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, with Father Benjamin Huggins, Holy Prophet of the Elijah Orthodox Mission will officiate. Service to be held at Pinon Hills Community Church, 5101 N. Dustin Avenue, Farmington. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Memory Gardens of Farmington. Reception location will be announced at the service.
Pallbearers are Orlando Pioche, Yinayah Pioche, Robert Pioche, Candice Zuni-Pioche, Francine Bliner and Kellen Yazzie.
Jacob's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice Burial and Cremation, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com.