Obituaries for Aug. 27, 2015

Layla Dream Watchman

GALLUP — Funeral services for Layla Dream Watchman, 9 months, were held Aug. 21 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Gallup.

Layla was born Oct. 22, 2014, in Shiprock, into the çshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). Her chei is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); nali is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water). She died Aug. 16, 2015, in Phoenix.

Layla is survived by her mother, Kala Begay; father, Ardell Watchman; and sisters, Kylie Ruby Tom and Taylor Anna Watchman.

Layla is preceded in death by Ruby Begay, Bob Begay, Guy Six and Art Watchman.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Benson Harry Kee

KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Funeral services for Benson Harry Kee, 39, of Klagetoh, Ariz., will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. at the Klagetoh Shelter Mission with Pastor Ronald Woodman officiating. Burial will follow in Klagetoh.

Benson was born Nov. 22, 1975, in Fort Defiance, into the çshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He died Aug. 23, 2015, in Klagetoh.

Benson is survived by his wife, Melanie Kee; son, Sheldon Kee; daughters, Cheyenne Kee and Shayleen Kee; brothers, Bobby Kee, Freddie Kee, Timothy Kee and Junior Francis Kee; and sisters, Bertha Pino, Alta Navajo, Ella Koruh, Linda Brown and Dela Kee.

Benson is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Betty B. Kee; brother, Mark H. Kee; and grandparents, Benedict and Maggie Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Bruce Kee, Travis Koruh, Bryce Koruh, Jared Mute, Mark Koruh and Alex Mendivilmiranda Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sheldon Kee, Junior Francis Kee, Freddie Kee, Timothy Kee and Bobby Kee.

A reception will take place at Klagetoh Chapter House following services at 12 p.m.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Alfreda Joyce Becenti

SAN ANTONE SPRINGS, N.M. — Funeral services for Alfreda Joyce Becenti, 69, will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. in San Antone Springs, N.M. Burial will follow at the family plot in San Antone Springs.

Alfreda was born June 28, 1946, in Crownpoint, into the Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan), born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). Her nali is Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People); chei is Tóbaazhni’ázhi (Two Who Came to Water). She died Aug. 21, 2015, in Albuquerque.

Alfreda received her master’s degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota and was employed as a child protection worker retiring from the state of Minnesota and New Mexico. She was known for her seamstress work and made many types of clothing for family and friends.

Alfreda is survived by Willie (Sean) Bennally, Alfred Bennally, Kee Becenti and Robert McCloskey.

Alfreda is preceded in death by her father, Alfred Becenti; and mother, Janet Becenti.

Pallbearers will be Willie Bennally Jr., Alfred Bennally, Kee Becenti, Robert McCloskey, Angel Ruelas, Donovan Becenti and Willie Brown.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jaken N. Taliman

SUNRISE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Jaken N. Taliman, 53, of Gallup, were held Aug. 22 at the Taliman family home in Sunrise, Ariz., with Pastor Olin Bluehouse and Pastor John McIntosh officiating. Interment and a reception followed in Cornfields, Ariz.

Jaken was born Aug. 5, 1962, in Ganado, Ariz., into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Aug. 19, 2015, in Fort Defiance.

Jaken graduated from Ganado High School in 1980 and attended the University of New Mexico. He was employed with Navajo Housing Authority.

Jaken is survived by his significant other, Zondra Bitsuie; adoptive sons, Zachariah Bitsuie, Brandon Bitsuie, Alfonso Bitsuie and Joshua Yazzie; daughters, Desiree Taliman and Deidra Taliman; father, Jimmie Taliman Sr.; brothers, Jonathan Taliman and Jaron Jaye Taliman; sisters, Jennifer Taliman, Janelle Bluehouse, Jheri Clah, Janice Taliman and Juana McIntosh; paternal grandparents, Tom and Dahasbah Taliman; and maternal grandparents, Cyrus and Anna F. Nez.

Jaken is preceded in death by his mother, Alice D. Taliman; brother, Jimmie Taliman Jr.; and sister, Jeanine Taliman.

Pallbearers were Jaron Taliman, Jonathan Taliman, Herbert White Jr., Harlan Smith, Jadiamond Taliman and Jordon Taliman.

Honorary pallbearers were Pat Morgan, Jonas Wilson, Dan Kirk, Dave Kirk, Keith Long, David Clah, Rick Taliman and Loren Smith.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Michael Wingate

CRYSTAL, N.M. — Funeral services for Michael Wingate, 56, were held Aug. 25 in Crystal, N.M. Interment followed in Crystal.

Michael was born Nov. 3, 1959, in Gallup, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nali is Tódik’ózhi (Salt Water); chei is Haltsooi (Meadow People). He died Aug. 21, 2015, in Crystal.

Michael attended Navajo Methodist Mission and served in the Navy for six years. He was a caregiver to his mother.

Michael is survived by Sandra Dodge, Veronica Begay, Tanta Begay, Thomas A. Begay Jr. and Tawny Herrera.

Michael is preceded in death by Thomas A. Begay Sr.

Pallbearers were Ben Dodge, Dave Marteloff, Thomas A. Begay Jr. and Nick Brokeshoulder.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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