Michael Tah

Michael Tah passed away on September 13, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 72.  He was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma on December 4, 1946 to Reverend Wesley Tah and Ardelia Cries For Ribs Tah.  Michael was raised in the Fort Oakland, Tonkawa and Ponca City area and graduated high school in Camargo, Oklahoma in 1965.  He then went on to attend college at Haskell Indian University.  He returned to Tonkawa and soon met Julia Ann Moore at Northern Oklahoma College.  Michael and Julia united in marriage on March 17, 1970 and made their home in Red Rock, Oklahoma.  They have three daughters, Hayley, Dena and Gloree Tah and one son Michael McClellan. Michael and Julia opened their home throughout their years of marriage and fostered 22 children, all of whom they loved like their very own children, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will never be forgotten.

Michael served seven years in the United States Army National Guard. He provided for his family for 16 years working the assembly line at Ditch Witch in Perry, Ok. until he retired.  Prior to Ditch Witch, he was employed at the Chilocco Indian School and was at one time a counselor for the Social Development Center of the Ponca Tribe.  Michael enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved very much.  If he wasn’t at home, he was riding around in his white truck visiting people in Red Rock or would sneak off to Ponca City and Tonkawa to visit his many friends.  He enjoyed going to the 7 Clans Casino and the Gasino to drink coffee and coke and just to visit.  Michael was a man of many words and never met a stranger.  Where ever it be, someone, somehow knew Mike Tah.  Michael was a proud enrolled member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma.  He enjoyed attending the Apache Blackfoot Ceremonies and loved his Tah family dearly.  When Michael married into the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, he learned, loved and respected the Otoe-Missouria Traditions. He will always be remembered most for his caring ways and gently smile.

Left behind to mourn and cherish his memory are his wife, Julia Tah of the home, daughters Hayley Tah, Dena Tah and Gloree Tah; and son, Michael McClellan, all of Red Rock, Oklahoma.  His eight grandchildren, Jaylin Ariwite and Aiden Ariwite of the home, Kayley Tah-Delodge, Tamira Primeaux, Ezrah Tah-Delodge, Munchuska “MJ” Primeaux, Camron Tah and Virginia Tohee of Red Rock, Oklahoma and Michael McClellan Jr and Amaya McClellan of Tulalip, Washington.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers:  Don, Daniel and Dean (Uncle Beep), and two sisters, Ruth and Valeeta.  All of whom he loved and missed very much.

Services will be held Saturday evening and Sunday evening.   A Traditional feast will begin at Noon, 12:00pm, on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, followed by a short service. Michael will be laid to rest at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery.

Harley Buffalohead, lifelong friend and brother will take care of our Husband, Dad and Grandpa throughout the funeral.

Casket bearers are:  Ezrah Tah-Delodge, Munchuska “MJ” Primeaux, Michael Tyner, Benji Birdcreek, Leroy Enloe, Michael McClellan, Alvin Moore Jr. and Camron Tah.

Honorary pallbearers are:  Bob Ailey, George Starr, Larry Davis, Gary Davis, Henry “Hank” Childs, Mitchell Childs, Kendall Snake and Michael Black.

Services in care of Grace Memorial Chapel.