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
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.
Jean Rhonda Yazzie
FLAGSTAFF -- Jean Rhonda Yazzie, 77, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 26, 2014, in Colton, Calif., with her family by her side. She was born March 9, 1937, in Pinon, Ariz.
Jean loved to go for walks. She walked just about everywhere she went. She lived most of her life in Flagstaff. She loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart. She was always reading her Bible and talking to others about getting their life right with God. Her favorite verse was 2 Timothy 4:7 -- 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Jean is survived by her sons, Michael Ray Ratcliff (Cynthia) of Bend, Ore., Richard Leroy Ratcliff and John Vernon Ratcliff Jr., both of Flagstaff; sister, Areta Samuel (Ferguson) of Colton; great-granddaughter, Dianna Ratcliff; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends in Arizona, New Mexico and Missouri.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Lucy Yazzie; husband, John Vernon Ratcliff Sr.; son, Timothy James Ratcliff; and brothers, Ross and Jerome.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Donations to help the family with expenses can be mailed to: Michael Ratcliff, 21000 West View Drive, Bend, OR 97702 (541-410-2374) or call Bank of the Cascades, Michael Ratcliff, Donation Account for Jean Rhonda Yazzie, RT No. 123206024 (877-617-3400).
On the Navajo Reservation, contact Lavena George Scott at 928-755-6134.
Frank R. Roanhorse Jr.
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. -- Funeral services for Frank R. Roanhorse Jr., 49, of Oak Springs, Ariz., were held Oct. 3 at the St. Michaels Catholic Church, with Father Patrick Schafer officiating. Interment and a reception followed in St. Michaels.
Frank was born Feb. 8, 1965, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódik'—zhi (Salt Water Clan), born for Táchii'nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He died Sept. 26, 2014, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Frank graduated in 1984 from Window Rock High School and earned a electrician certificate from the University of New Mexico. He was employed with GNA Electric and various electric companies in the Phoenix metro area. He enjoyed watching NFL, working on his vehicle and helping others.
Frank is survived by his parents, Ethel and Frank Roanhorse; brothers, Leander, Lorenzo, Elvin, Fernando, and Jeffery Roanhorse; and sisters, Brenda Roanhorse, Linda Carl, Valerie James, and Jacqueline Roanhorse.
Frank is preceded in death by his brother, Harrison Roanhorse; maternal grandparents, Kaydoyah and Anadesbah Hale; and paternal grandparents, Betty Gon and Ralph Roanhorse.
Pallbearers were Elvin Roanhorse, Fernando Roanhorse and Mark Jordan.
Honorary pallbearers were Leander Roanhorse, Jeffery Roanhorse, Frank Roanhorse Sr., Lorenzo Roanhorse, and Elvin Roanhorse Jr.
Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Alberta Yazzie
GALLUP -- Funeral services for Alberta 'Peaches " Yazzie, 77, were held Oct. 3 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.
Alberta was born May 11, 1937, in Cornfields, Ariz., into the Naaneesht'ézhi Táchii'nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), born for Tsénjikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). She died Sept. 28, 2014.
Alberta graduated from Gallup High School and earned teaching certificates from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. She was a teacher for the Navajo Head Start program and the Klamath County School District in Klamath Falls, Ore. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, sewing, beading and singing at church.
Alberta is survived by her son, Jon Yazzie; granddaughter, Nichole Yazzie; brother, Peter Taliman; and sisters, Garnet Smith, Marianne Arnold, Rena Taliman, and Marie Taliman.
Alberta is preceded in death by her husband, Ravis Newman Yazzie; father, Isaac Taliman; mother, Mary Taliman Brown; sisters, Lois Todacheene, Marilyn Taliman Pablo and Donna Taliman Shirley; and brothers, Freddie Taliman and Cato Taliman.
Pallbearers were Robert Arnold, Roger Pablo Jr., Elgin Gorman, Dean Benally, Derrek Benally, and Andrew Todacheene.
Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.