Elizabeth Beyal

CHURCH ROCK, N.M. - As we spread her ashes Aug. 29, the rising sun broke through the morning rain clouds.

It shone full and bright upon us in the silent air, only a small tentative breeze blowing, only the green earth before us, the valley in which she had lived a full life, summer's growth of plants and sunflowers filling the land with color.

The day before, Aug. 28, we held a memorial service for our mother, Elizabeth Beyal, 76, who had passed away peacefully in her sleep the early morning of Aug. 22.

We all agreed that she had left us in a natural way, in a good way, and that she had somehow known. She was found Sunday morning with her tádídíín at her side. Her face was peaceful. Our mother's life had come to an end.

The last week of her life she had perked up and been her usual self, making good use of the day, optimistic about any problem, bright and positive while staying busy either cleaning, straightening up things or tending to grandchildren.

Every Saturday the family gathered for a meal at Genaro's in Gallup. On the day before she died, Aug. 21, she seemed different than she had before when life's realities hung heavy on her mind. Looking at her sitting with her sons, daughters and grandchildren, you sensed that she had made peace with whatever or whomever we must deal with at our life's end.

The foundation of her life was humanity, decency, honesty, fairness and a love for family.

She taught that we should never forget we are human beings, we are together in this life and on this earth, trying to help our people while living worthwhile lives of our own.

She was also humble and we could hear her voice as we prepared for her memorial service.

"Don't make a fuss," she would say. "Keep it simple."

We followed her wishes, among them to be cremated and "spread hither and yon."

We held a private memorial service with immediate family, some of whom traveled from Indiana, Iowa, Denver, Tucson and Albuquerque. Some of us had not seen each other for years, even decades. It was a true family gathering with plenty of food and positive feelings, the way she would have wanted and the way she conducted her life.

Her life was filled with feasts on holidays and, before she got older and weaker from health issues, a big dinner every Sunday.

The house was always full of food because of her practicality, her common sense. Like her father, Ashii, who planted corn, squash and other produce at the place of her birth five miles north of Fort Defiance, the lesson was prepare now for tomorrow, always be ready to care for your family.

She told a story about a big snow when the community needed feed for livestock. Grandpa had stockpiled hay and this came in handy as wagons lined up to receive a portion, proving yet again the value of his teachings.

The image that will last forever is of her at home cooking, or driving somewhere, shopping, doing the laundry or attending sports events - but always with young children beside her. First us, the sons and daughters, then her grandkids, then the great-grandkids.

No matter where you went or what you did with your life, you always knew where home was - and that is wherever she was. Even if the house was old and falling apart, she filled it with life, the aroma of food cooking, the sound and smell of coffee percolating early in the morning, the birds outside and our dogs barking. The train sounds all day and night and the freeway like a nearby river.

Now we face the world without her, without her touch, her voice, her calm demeanor, her frank way of speaking. But we have her teachings, her example to guide us and precious memories to help us through the day.

And her spirit, which is with us still, either in a flower, a hummingbird, a sunrise, sunset, a rainbow, a glittering star in the night sky or simply the feeling of peace. Thank you, mom.

The family apologizes to the many friends and co-workers who have known her through her long career with the Navajo Nation government. It was her wish to be cremated and to have a low-key, intimate family ceremony.

We know many of you would have wanted to pay your respects. Perhaps the best way is to carry on her practical, dedicated, common sense way of doing things and to serve the people with honor and a sense of duty.

Her memorial was held at the Gospel Light House Church at Iyanbito, N.M. She was born Jan. 22, 1934, in the Red Lake Valley five miles north of Fort Defiance.

Her clans are Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Kinyaa'áanii (Towering House Clan).

She attended Fort Wingate Boarding School and Phoenix Indian School. She worked at the American Bank in Los Angeles. The rest of her long career was spent with the Navajo Tribe's Personnel Department, the Tribal Work Experience Program, and the Division of Social Welfare, later Social Services, until she retired in 1997.

She was the No. 1 fan of the Gallup Lady Bengals and the boys' basketball teams. She loved with all her heart being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by: sons, Dominic Beyal of Window Rock, Duane Beyal of Gallup, Daryl Beyal of Buffalo Springs, N.M., and Everett Benally of Broomfield, Colo.; daughters, Diana Beyal of Church Rock, N.M., and Debora Beyal of Kalona, Iowa; brothers, Freddie Benally of Burley, Idaho, and Elbert Benally of Fort Defiance; and 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father Ashii Benally, mother Yilthásbah Benally; brothers Hoskie Benally, Nadachee Benally, John Benally, Arkie Belone and Joe Benally; and sister May June Benally.

 

Borgan Castillo

TORREON, N.M. - Funeral services for Borgan Castillo, 79, of Torreon, N.M., were held Sept. 1, 2010, at his residence in Torreon. Jerry Domingo officiated at the service. Interment followed in Torreon.

A reception was held at Borgan's residence in Torreon following services.

Borgan passed away Aug. 25, 2010, in Albuquerque. His clan is Towering House, born for Red House.

Borgan worked on the railroad and worked on potatoes seasonally. He enjoyed playing basketball and softball, attending horse races and revivals, and watching sports, especially wrestling.

Surviving Borgan are his sons, Keith Castillo and Curtis Castillo; daughters, Betty Hasdale, Lorean Toledo and Geraldine Castillo; sister, Gladys Pinto; and 25 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Borgan is preceded in death by his wife, Alice Castillo; daughter, Rena Castillo; father, Francisco Castillo; and brother, Frank Castillo.

Pallbearers were Christopher Hasdale, Alexander Hasdale, Mario Sandoval, Glenn Ignacio Jr., Ryan Pinto, and Larson Castillo.

Honorary pallbearers were Curtis Castillo and Keith Castillo.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Elouise S. Cayaditto

TORREON, N.M. - Funeral services for Elouise S. Cayaditto, 58, of Torreon, N.M., were held Aug. 30, 2010, at Torreon Mission. Paul Skiles officiated at the service. Interment followed in Torreon.

A reception was held at Torreon Chapter House following services.

Elouise passed away Aug. 24, 2010, in Albuquerque. Her clan is Red House, born for Bitter Water.

Elouise was a homemaker who enjoyed rug weaving, beadwork, arts and crafts, and silversmith work. She enjoyed being with family and friends.

Surviving Elouise is her husband, Herman Cayaditto Sr.; sons, Gilson Cayaditto, Billson Cayaditto, Leon Cayaditto, and Fabian Cayaditto; daughters, Gloria Cayaditto and Gloria Ann Cayaditto; brothers, Ricardo and Lester Sandoval; sister, Lucita S. Charley; and 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Elouise is preceded in death by her parents, Elias Chee and Fannie Sandoval; brother, Henry Sandoval; and grandparents, Jose and Juanita Antone.

Pallbearers were Billson, Leon, Fabian, Randall, Tyson, and Shaleno Cayaditto.

Honorary pallbearers were Gilson Cayaditto, Lester Sandoval and Ricardo Sandoval.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Everett Wilson

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. - Funeral services for Everett Wilson, 94, were held Aug. 30, 2010, at Our Lady of Mankind in St. Michaels, Ariz. Interment followed at the Kinlichee community cemetery in Kinlichee, Ariz.

Everett was born Dec. 9, 1915, in Kinlichee. His clan is Water Flows Together, born for Bitter Water. His nali is Salt; his chei is Towering House People. He passed away Aug. 25, 2010, in Fort Defiance.

Everett was a World War II veteran, rancher, farmer, stonemason, lumberjack, bus driver, local chapter official, and school board member.

Surviving Everett is his brother, Jimmy Wilson; Minnie A. Brown; son, Herman J. Wilson; and daughters, Ruth A. Wilson and Ruby Hubbard.

Everett is preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Wilson, and grandson, Neil Hubbard.

Pallbearers were Ryan Wilson, Shay Silversmith, Peterson Hubbard, Herbert Hubbard Jr., Lance Hubbard, and Virgil Brown.

Richard Morris

NEWCOMB, N.M. - A memorial service for Richard Morris, 59, of Page, Ariz., was held Aug. 28, 2010, at the Newcomb Baptist Church. Pastor Jason Walters officiated at the service.

Richard passed away Aug. 24, 2010, in Phoenix. His clan is Edge Water People, born for Near The Water People.

Richard attended San Pasquel High School in Winter Haven, Calif., Arizona Western College in Yuma, Ariz., and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

He enjoyed sports, especially NFL, NCAA, football, and basketball.

Richard is survived by his brother, Thomas Morris of Carson City, Nev.; sisters, Laura Holona and Mae M. Begay, both of Naschitti, N.M.; and numerous niece and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Jack D. Morris Sr. and Isabelle Morris; sisters, Angela Nez and Elizabeth M. Notah, both of Naschitti; and brothers, Jack Morris Jr. of Page, Ariz., Wilson Morris of Parker, Ariz., and Nelson Morris of Naschitti.