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.

Oct. 9, 2014


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Nathaniel Ray Becenti

CUSHING, Okla. -- Funeral services for Nathaniel Ray Becenti, of Cushing, Okla., will be held today, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. at the First Indian Baptist Mission in Cushing. Burial will follow at the Euchee Valley Memorial Park.

Nathaniel was born March 31, 1977, to Hugh Smith Jr. and Agatha Tsosie in Shawnee, Okla., into the Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), Tsé njikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), and Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). He died Oct. 3, 2014, at his residence at the age of 37.

Nathaniel grew up in Cushing, New Mexico and Arizona, moving back to Cushing where he attended school. He was self-employed in the United Armstrong Relocation of Broken Arrow. He was a member of the Diné Nation and was all about good times, working hard and playing hard. He was also known as a friendly fun guy.

Nathaniel is survived by his sons, Nathaniel Ray Becenti II of Gallup, and Zander Ray Becenti of Cushing; daughter, Dine Nizhoni Becenti of Gallup; brothers, Shawn Smith of Tempe, Ariz., Lorezo Poncho Becenti of Albuquerque, and Donovan Roy Gomez of Cushing; and sisters, Shawna Gail Smith of Albuquerque, and Fernina Gomez of Albuquerque.

Nathaniel is preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Margaret and Everett Barker.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing.

Condolences and online guestbook are available at www.palmerfh.com.

Harry Bryant

INSCRIPTION HOUSE, Ariz. -- Funeral services for Harry Bryant, 65, will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. (MST) at the Inscription House Full Gospel Church.

Harry was born Nov. 23, 1948. He died Oct. 3, 2014.

Harry, an Army Vietnam veteran, was a journeyman with the Union Carpenter (Local 1100) and Journeyman Union Boilermaker (Local 627). He served his community as president for Inscription House Chapter.

Harry is survived by his wife Elizabeth; daughter Erica; son-in-law Dale; brothers, James, Thomas, Norman and Ronald; sisters, Catherine and Susie; and 10 grandchildren.

Harry is preceded in death by his father Homer; mother Betty; brother Henry; and sons, Aaron and Bernard.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt gratitude for all condolences, well wishes, prayers, and donation (monetary or personal).

Mosdell Mortuary in Kanab, Utah, is in charge of arrangements.

Pastor Dwight Nelson McBride

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. - The celebration of life for Pastor Dwight Nelson McBride, 92, of Casa Grande, Ariz., will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Grace Baptist Church, with Pastor Ed Baker officiating. Charley Long will interpret in Navajo. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery.

Pastor McBride was born Dec. 18, 1921, in Elida, Ohio, and was the son of Bert and Gwena McBride. He died Sept. 29, 2014, at his home.

Pastor McBride grew up in Ada, Ohio, and graduated from Ada High School in 1939. He enlisted in the Army in July 1942, during World War II, and was a radio operator and participated in the military campaign at Kiska, Alaska. He married Margaret DeLemater on Feb. 13, 1943. He served until June 1945 and was a sergeant in the Air Corps.

When the couple lived in Albuquerque, Pastor McBride was involved in his church and Youth for Christ. In 1958 they started Crosslands Mission, a Navajo children's home in Thoreau, N.M. Soon five girls and two boys were added to their family of two children. Later they started Crosslands Navajo Church, where he was pastor until 1999, when the couple moved to Casa Grande. He started a church for winter visitors at Foothills West RV Resort and pastored there until 2011, although he occasionally preached until Christmas of 2013. He was actively involved in the city's Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center and was emcee of the Little Sweethearts of Casa Grande Fashion Show there for 10 years.

During his life, Pastor McBride was an amateur radio operator and mechanic. He enjoyed photography and building things around Crosslands Mission and his home in Casa Grande. Most of all he loved children, talking to people and leading others to a relationship with Jesus.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his sons, Ben Ichikawa of Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, John McBride of Joplin, Mo., Tim and Mark McBride of Albuquerque; daughters, Judy Haynes of Henderson, Nev., Maureen Largo of Albuquerque, Elise Johnson of Casa Grande, Clara Lebsack of Tucson, and Sue House of Thoreau; sister, Leota Barker of Westfield, Ind.; and 22 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Pastor McBride is preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Gamble; brothers, Scotty, Howard, Andy and Robert McBride; and sisters, Elizabeth Pizor, Ruth McBride and Gertrude Thompson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crosslands Navajo Church. J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Pastor Dwight Nelson McBride, visit www.jwarrenfuneral.com.