Obituaries
In response to requests from our readers, the Navajo Times will post obituaries as they are published in the print edition of the Navajo Times.
The Navajo Times does not receive all obituaries from border towns and reservation communities. Some mortuaries send them regularly, others ignore the Navajo Times in favor of local daily newspapers.
Many obituary notices are brought in by families or friends. If you would like an obituary for a loved one or friend published in the Navajo Times and posted on the web page, send to obits@navajotimes.com.
May 3, 2012
In loving memory of
Ernest Zah
(June 21, 1942 - May 6, 2009)My father, uncle, grandpa, and especially brother, we all miss you so much. You were with us believing you often appear walking across the Plot 11 at Red Lake Field, sitting underneath a pinon tree. Even at the Sawmill log cabin, we hear your echo talking.You were at the gourd dance, second night squaw dance, walking downtown Gallup, taking the transit bus back to Navajo. Your companion and friends ask, "Where is Ernie?"
We miss you!
Ernie Jr., Robyn, Summer, uncle James, niece Valencia, and brother Bruce
Richard E. Begay
LAWTON, Okla. - Funeral services for Richard E. Begay, 76, of Burke, Va., were held May 4 at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel in Lawton, Okla. Rev. Matthew Asetamy officiated. Interment followed at the Cache KCA Cemetery in Cache, Okla.
Richard was born Dec. 9, 1935, in Arizona and was an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He passed away among family at Inova Fairfax Hospital on April 19, 2012.
Richard was raised at the Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, and attended boarding schools at Fort Defiance, Carson City, Nev., Carlisle, Pa., and Fort Sill. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C., as well as the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
Richard was a school bus attendant for special needs children in the Fairfax County Public School system and a retired Bureau of Indian Affairs employee. He served as the commander of the Vietnam Era Veterans Inter-Tribal Association Color Guard - Washington, D.C. Chapter. He coordinated and presented colors for many ceremonies including the dedication of the Sacagawea coin at the White House, the dedication of the Chief Washakie statue at the U.S. Capitol, the various American Indian Society inaugural balls, and numerous American Indian powwows on the East Coast. He was also the brother of Keats Begay who wrote the first story in the book "Navajos and World War II."
Richard was known for his commitment to family and friends and many referred to him as "Papa" or "Grandpa." He was an avid hunter, firearms enthusiast, and loyal Washington Redskins fan.
Richard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Clara Tahdooahnippah Begay, of Burke; children, Jonathan Begay of Burke, and Audrey Begay Sessions of Woodbridge, Va.; and grandchildren, Jaelen and Hayden Sessions, both of Woodbridge.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters.
Pallbearers were Loui Pohawpatchoko, Raymond Pohawpatchoko, Gene Mithlo, Aubrey Mithlo, James Cizek and Jay Cizek.
Cards may be sent to the family at Begay/Sessions Family, 13859 Redford Lane, Woodbridge, Va. 22193.
Arlinda Ann Scott
FORT DEFIANCE - Funeral services for Arlinda Ann Scott, 29, of Coalmine, N.M., will be held Friday, May 11, at 10 a.m. at The Potter's House in Fort Defiance. Pastor Haven will officiate. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance cemetery.
Arlinda was born April 23, 1983, in Fort Defiance, into the Tabaaha (Water Edge) Clan, for Ashiihi (Salt) Clan. She died May 7, 2012, in Fort Defiance.
Arlinda was passionate about animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. She enjoyed everyone around her and was open to everyone's suggestions and got along with everyone.
Arlinda is survived by her brothers, Jimmison Scott, Johnathan Scott and Ronnie Scott; and sisters, Rena and Gina Scott.
Arlinda is preceded in death by her parents, Irene Benally and Jimmy Scott; and grandparents, Ora Desbah Benally and Harry Benally.
Pallbearers will be Jimmison Scott, Ronnie Scott, Paul Benally, Orlando Cleveland, Albert Cleveland and Dewayne Williams.
Honorary pallbearers will be James Lee, Anderson Scott, Nelson Scott, Sheldon Cleveland, Anthony Scott, Johnathan Scott and Stewart Kinlichee.
A reception will be held at Fort Defiance Chapter following services.
Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
