Thursday, March 28, 2024

Select Page

Obituaries for April 28, 2016

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

WINSLOW, Ariz. – Graveside service for Marilyn Monroe was held April 27 at the Desert View Cemetery.

Marilyn was born Marilyn Thompson to Nona and Navajo Billy Thompson on Oct. 25, 1925, in Tolani Lake, Ariz.

Living in Tolani Lake most of her life, although she said she only went to the third grade, Marilyn read and sang nursery rhymes to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilyn married Sidney Monroe in June of 1940, out of that came seven children. Due to employment with Santa Fe, Sidney moved them to a little community of Dennison, near the railroad tracks in 1953. For further employment with Santa Fe, they moved to Winslow in 1960, where they lived until retirement in 1973, taking them back to their homestead in Tolani Lake.

Marilyn was an avid fan of the Diamondbacks, Dallas Cowboys, and loved to watch NBA games on TV. She also watched the soap opera “Days of Our lives” and watched “Another World” from 1960 until it was cancelled.

She loved to sew, not only making her own clothes but was creative making clothes, pin bags, quilts, and denim coverings out of old pants. She also enjoyed doing puzzles and working in her word search book. She wove beautiful rugs all her life, making sure her children had rugs with their last names written on them hanging in their home.

Marilyn is survived by her sons, Eddie (Laverne) Monroe of Tolani Lake, and Tony Monroe of Morris, Okla.; daughters, Dolly Monroe and Marilyn (Earl) Dixon, both of Tolani Lake; brothers, Dennis Thompson of Bostic, N.C., and Cornelius (Fannie) Thompson of Window Rock; sisters, Patricia James of Seligman, Ariz., Florence Nez of Winslow, and Lula Mae Riggs of Tolani Lake; and 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is also survived by a special granddaughter, Sandy (Darren) Nez, whom she helped raise and also took care of her in her late years with her children, Devon (Tanisha) Nez, Laci Nez (Leander Tso), Demitrius Nez, and Draden Nez.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Monroe; daughters, Irene Monroe and Annie J. Barton; and great-grand-nali, Hailey A. Barton.

Sidney made sure she lived a loving and blessed life without being in need of anything. We will continue her traditional Táchii’nii teachings for generations to come.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to www.greersmortuary.com.

Minnie June Lee McGirt Tsinhnahjinnie

SACATON, Ariz. – Minnie June Lee McGirt Tsinhnahjinnie passed away April 23, 2016, at the Caring House in Sacaton, Ariz.

Minnie was born June 18, 1927, in Seminole, Okla., into the Bear Clan and Hvteyievlke Band of the Seminole Nation.

Minnie, also known as June, was the daughter of Dick McGirt, a member of the Mvskole Creek Nation and Alice McGirt, a member of the Seminole Nation, Hvteyievlke Band.

As a young girl growing up in Oklahoma, family and community who were active participants of the church and Seminole culture influenced Minnie. Her mother and sister were connected to the Achena Church, of which she was a member.

As a young woman Minnie attended Chilocco Indian Boarding School. After graduating, Minnie and her sister Marie, traveled to St. Louis for work, to see the world. They found work and experienced the racism and riots that were happening at the time.

In the early 50s, Minnie, along with her mother, sister Marie, nephew David, and niece Alice Marie, traveled to Phoenix.

It was during this time that Minnie worked for Designer Lloyd “Kiva” New (Cherokee). It was during this time that she met her future husband Andrew Van Tsinhnahjinnie, an artist.

In the early 60s, Minnie raised a family and attended the Muscogee Church, which had a strong membership of relatives and friends due to the number of Creeks and Seminoles living in the Mesa and Phoenix area.

In the mid 60s, Minnie and her family moved to Rough Rock, Ariz. Her husband had been asked to return to the Navajo Reservation to be an illustrator for the Rough Rock Demonstration School, a pilot school for bilingual and bicultural education. Her introduction to Navajo culture was a bit of a culture adjustment, in that she came from a community that is gregarious, and did not hesitate to display signs of affection. The Navajo Nation was a bit more reserved. She made a welcoming home and always had the door open and food on the table. On the Navajo Reservation she became known by her first name, Minnie.

In the 70s, Minnie pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico and received her Bachelor of Arts and teaching degrees. Returning to Rough Rock, she taught home economics. Her teaching style was based upon compassion which endeared her to the many students she taught.

In the early 90s, Minnie and her husband retired from teaching. They had a house in Rough Rock and Phoenix, where she reconnected with her Muscogee and Seminole relatives and friends. She was a church song leader and soloist, and always ready to support those in need with prayer.

When she wasn’t in church she was on the powwow trail with her family, constantly making new friends at the many powwows she attended. If it was summer, everyone knew she was traveling.

In 1996, Minnie traveled to New Zealand (Aotearoa) with her husband, daughter Hulleah, and a family friend.  She was hesitant to make such a long flight, but when it was compared to a car trip from Phoenix to the Stanford Powwow, a 15-hour car ride, she packed her bags. In Aotearoa, she made friends who remember her to this day. Minnie has friends all over the world.

In 2000, her husband passed on, and her son Pahe was Minnie’s caretaker during this time, passing on himself in 2009. Her need for 24-hour care took her to the Caring House, on the Gila River Reservation. At the Caring House, her advocacy and compassion did not cease, she was an active member of the Senior Counsel, an advocate group for the residents, and she sang with the residents’ church group.

Minnie was blessed with 28 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

On April 17, Minnie was taken to the hospital. On the third day at the hospital she told family she was tired and ready to go. On the fourth day, hospice was arranged at the Caring House and that evening the Creek Singers of Phoenix (Gary Long, Reginda Sands, Betty Weston and Ella Ruth Barnett) sang hymns in the language.

From the very first day she was in the hospital until the fifth evening, friends, relatives, and staff from the Caring house, sang, prayed, and thanked her for including them in her life. In the twilight hours of April 23, Minnie June Lee McGirt Tsinhnahjinnie traveled on to join her family and Lord. This is a very condensed reflection of a life well lived.

Minnie is survived by her daughters, Professor Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie of Woodland, Calif., Weleike J. Tsinhnahjinnie of Kelowna, British Columbia, and Miquakee Tsinhnahjinnie-Moore of Phoenix; and sons, Tsosie Van Tsinhnahjinnie of Albuquerque, Dlo-hee D.Tsinhnahjinnie of Chinle, and Yaas-Tso Tsinhnahjinnie of Phoenix; and adopted son, Bo Young Bear of Kansas City, Mo.

Minnie is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Van Tsinhnahjinnie; parents, Dick and Alice McGirt; siblings, Emerick Jane Pack Cross, James H. “Sonny” Dunn and Marie Grace Hall; daughter, Lillian Tsinhnahjinnie; son, Pahe J. Tsinhnahjinnie; and grandchildren, Micco Harry Sabori Tsinhnahjinnie and Adriana Lynn Tsinhnahjinnie.

Minnie’s family will be returning her to Oklahoma to be buried on her mother’s allotment. Plans are being made for services later in the week. The family will be utilizing Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

Wayne Joseph Morgan

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Wayne Joseph Morgan, 54, of Sawmill, Ariz., will be held today, April 28, at 10 a.m. at the St. Michaels Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., with Father Jose officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Wayne was born July 30, 1961, in San Francisco, Calif., into North Fork Mono, born for Dibélizhini (Black Sheep Clan). He died April 24, 2016, in Albuquerque.

Wayne enjoyed cultural and traditional activities, drawing, and beadwork.

Wayne is survived by his father, Leslie Morgan; brothers, Vincent Morgan and Dean Morgan, both of Sawmill; and sisters, Wanda Brown and Theresa Morgan, both of Sawmill.

Wayne is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Morgan; and grandparents, Ida and Daven Morgan, and William and Polly Paulton.

Pallbearers will be Vincent Morgan, Keithen Morgan, Thurman Begay, and Marcellus Morgan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leslie Morgan and Dean Morgan.

A reception will take place at St. Michael’s Parish Hall following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jean Holmes

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Betty Jean Holmes, 74, will be held Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m. at the St. Michaels Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Ariz. Burial will follow at the Kinlichee community cemetery in Kinlichee, Ariz.

Betty was born May 13, 1941, in Kinlichee, into the Naasht’ézhi Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). Her nali is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water); chei is Tótsohnii (Big Water). She died April 23, 2016, in Phoenix.

Betty received a culinary arts certification and retired as a teacher. She enjoyed traveling to Washington, D.C., London and Paris. She cherished her grandchildren, Gregory, Alexandra and Mardenia.

Betty is survived by her husband, Richard Holmes Jr. of Ganado, Ariz.; sons, Benjamin Holmes of Washington, D.C., and Julius Holmes of Ganado; and daughter, Julia Holmes of Ganado.

Betty is preceded in death by her son, Virgil Holmes; mother, Elizabeth Albert; and father, Austin Albert Sr.

Pallbearers will be Julius Holmes, Gregory Holmes, Garrett Yazzie, Jason Yazzie, Craig Wallace, and Terrell Albert.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Alvin Lee Cayaditto

TORREON, N.M. – Funeral services for Alvin Lee Cayaditto, 36, of Torreon, N.M., will be held Friday, April 29, at 10 a.m. at the Jesus Mission Church in Torreon, with Evangelist Irvin Cayaditto officiating. Burial will follow in Torreon.

Alvin was born into the Naakai Dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kinlichii’nii (Red House Clan). He died April 21, 2016.

Alvin worked spot labor jobs in various places. He liked walking and visiting friends and family. He enjoyed playing with his nephews and nieces and helping the community. He was always lending a hand when needed and never hesitated to help no matter what you needed. He would rush to your side. His act of goodness and courage will never be forgotten.

Alvin is survived by his parents, Irvin and Juanita Cayaditto; brothers, Edwin, Travis, Tyson, and Fernandez Cayaditto; sisters, Bernita Cayaditto, Ruthmarie Littleben, Ervina Cayaditto, Felicia Cayaditto, Tina Cayaditto, and Tiana Cayaditto; and grandmother, Ruth O. Cayaditto.

Alvin is preceded in death by his uncle, Leo Jr. Cayaditto.

Pallbearers will be Charleson Littleben, Ross Tsosie, Darrell Mariano, Craig Rafeal, Preston Chiquito, and Neil Charley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alzadam Martin and Edwin, Travis, Tyson, Fernandez, Tyrell, and Mesach Cayaditto.

A reception will take place at Torreon Chapter House following services.

Daniels Family Funeral Services – Alameda Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Benjamin Belone

GALLUP – Funeral services for Benjamin Belone, 65, were held April 25 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the family cemetery in Ram Springs, N.M.

Benjamin was born Feb. 18, 1951, in Gallup, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Áshiihi (Salt People Clan). His nali is Naakai Dine’é (Mexican); chei is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). He died April 19, 2016, in Gallup.

Benjamin is survived by his brothers, Toney Shipley, Steven Belone, Reuben Belone, Lee Belone, Pete Belone, and Daniel Belone; and sisters, Helen Leslie, JoAnne Charlie, Elise Meyers, and RoseAnn Slim.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his parents, Tom Belone and Alice Chummy Belone; and brother, Raymond Belone.

Pallbearers were Marcellus James, Chris Peters, Danny Belone, Uriah Torres, Johnny Williams, and Rodney James.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Brodrick Kenneth Talk

REHOBOTH, N.M. – Funeral services for Brodrick Kenneth Talk, 26, were held April 23 at the Light House International Church. Interment followed at the Rehoboth cemetery.

Brodrick was born Feb. 19, 1990, in Gallup, into the Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His chei is Tsé Njikini (Honey Combed Rock People). He died April 18, 2016, in Iyanbito, N.M.

Brodrick received his high school diploma at the University of New Mexico and completed half a year of college at the UNM-Branch. He was employed with McDonald’s and worked for BPL Plasma. He enjoyed attending concerts, playing basketball, writing, and playing video games.

Brodrick is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Grace Talk of Iyanbito; brother, Patrick Talk of Albuquerque; and sister, Tasha Talk of Iyanbito.

Pallbearers were Michael Ben, Shaniel Largo, Kirby Sherman, Isralie Jones, Nolan Murphy, and Adrian Morgan.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.


 To read the full article, pick up your copy of the Navajo Times at your nearest newsstand Thursday mornings!

Are you a digital subscriber? Read the most recent three weeks of stories by logging in to your online account.

  Find newsstand locations at this link.

Or, subscribe via mail or online here.




About The Author

ADVERTISEMENT

Weather & Road Conditions

Window Rock Weather

Fair

28.0 F (-2.2 C)
Dewpoint: 21.9 F (-5.6 C)
Humidity: 78%
Wind: Northeast at 3.5 MPH (3 KT)
Pressure: 30.22

More weather »

ADVERTISEMENT