Obituaries for December 14, 2023

Louise J. Nez

COPPERMINE, Ariz. — Louise Jane Nez, 78, of Coppermine, Arizona, was born in May 1945 in Page, Arizona, to Myrtle Bessie Begay-Nez and James Nez. She was born into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). Her nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). She passed away Nov. 18, 2023, in St. George, Utah.

Louise’s maternal grandparents are Arthur and Leona Begay; and paternal grandparents are Andrew and Zonnie Woody.

Louise grew up on the Navajo Reservation, near Coppermine. She herded sheep and helped her parents care for her four brothers and three sisters.

Louise attended Tuba City Boarding School as a child, Page High School and Intermountain High School in Brigham City, Utah. She worked as a stenographer in Cudahy, California, and as a computer programmer at Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California. She also worked in retail sales at Grand Canyon National Park.

Louise loved singing gospel songs, watching the TMC movie channel and listening to her favorite music. She liked to sew for her family, crochet, bead jewelry, and cook for her family. She was an avid reader of astronomy, history, religion, biographies, and short stories.

Louise attended the local Pentecostal Church and held a strong faith to God all of her life. She prayed and read her bible daily. She wanted her family to believe and hold on to the spirit of faith.

Louise is survived by her husband, Patrick Lopez; daughters, Cina M. McBride of Seattle, Washington, and Jayla A. Muhlhauser of Grays Harbor, Washington; and four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Metcalf Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Lynnae M. Bitsie

GALLUP — Funeral services for Lynnae Monica Bitsie, 43, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, were held Dec. 13 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Fred Long officiating. Interment followed in Mexican Springs.

Lynnae was born June 24, 1980, in Gallup, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away Dec. 5, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Lynnae attended Tohatchi High School and Pima Institute. She was employed as a dental assistant in Gila River, Arizona.

Lynnae enjoyed cooking, working out, spending time with family, and had a strong passion for work.

Lynnae is survived by her sons, Terrell Mestas, Quentin Mestas and Liam Joshua Eagle Child; daughters, Bailey Madison Chato and Leah Courtney Eagle Child; parents, Isabella Dixon and Kenneth Bitsie Jr.; brothers, Kenneth Bitsie III, Erik Bitsie, Daniel Bitsie, and Kevin Bitsie; sister, Rebecca Bitsie; and two grandchildren.

Lynnae is preceded in death by her grandparents, Louise and Kenneth Bitsie Sr.
Pallbearers were Terrell Mestas, Daniel Bitsie, Kevin Bitsie, Jerold King, Jordan King, and Nathan Halona.

Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Bitsie Jr., Erik Bitsie and Kenneth Bitsie III.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Jones Holtsoi

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jones Holtsoi, 66, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Clarence Benally officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Pinedale.

Jones was born Dec. 22, 1956, in Gallup, into the Nihóobáanii (Gray Streaked Ends Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Dec. 9, 2023, in Pinedale.

Jones attended Wingate High School and was employed as a silversmith at Felixe Indian Jewelry. He enjoyed attending local basketball games, family gatherings, birthday parties, and football games. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, New Mexico Lobos and Wingate Bears.

Jones is survived by his brothers, Harry “O” Holtsoi, Kenneth Murillo and Herbert Murillo; and sisters, Carol Holtsoi, Sadie Holtsoi and Gloria Holtsoi.

Jones is preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Holtsoi; father, Gerald Holtsoi; and grandparents, Hasbah and Tom Billy.

A reception will take place at the Pinedale Chapter House following services.

Ian D. Pioche

GALLUP — Funeral service for Ian D. Pioche, 62, of Window Rock, will be held Saturday, Dec. 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ in Gallup, with Melissa R. Stevens officiating.

Ian was born March 29, 1962, in McKinley, New Mexico. He passed away Dec. 3, 2023, in Window Rock.

Ian served in the Marine Corps and was employed at J.C. Penney. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed cooking and doing arts and crafts.

Ian is survived by his daughters, Shashonia Castro and Melissa R. Stevens; sisters, Wilhelmina Pioche, Leona J. Pioche and Roselyn Martinez; and 15 grandchildren.

Ian is preceded in death by Irene D. Pioche, Adrian M. Pioche and Cheryl R. Thomas.

A reception will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ following service.

Open donations will be accepted through Zelle and/or Apple Pay to Melissa Stevens at 505-870-8245.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Valeria E. Begay

CHINLE — Funeral services for Valeria E. Begay, 83, of Chinle, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Chinle, with Father Blaine O’Brien officiating. Burial will follow at the old Chinle cemetery.

Valeria was born Sept. 14, 1940, in Chinle, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nalí is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away Dec. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Valeria graduated from Winslow High School and earned a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. She was employed with Chinle Unified School District for 38 years and was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 24 years.

Valeria enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, volunteering at local food banks in Chinle, traveling internationally, and was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Organization. She was also a Tupperware and Stanley cleaning products distributor.

Valeria loved watching sports, especially the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, and her children’s football teams.

Valeria is survived by her sons, Vernold Begay and Aaron Begay; daughters, Valena Begay and Jolene Begay; parents, Ruth Sherman and Marshall Begay; sisters, Marcella Salas, Beatrice Esparza and Madeline Morris; and nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Valeria is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Begay; son, Arnold Begay; and brothers, Marshall Begay Sr. and Michael Begay.

Pallbearers will be Lyle Yazzie, Darin Yazzie, Devon Nez, Duane Nez, Gregory Morris, and Franklin Swimmer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Vernold Begay, Aaron Begay, De’Rian Nez, Canaan Carter, Dugan Yazzie Jr., Marshall Begay, and Justin Morris.

A reception will take place at the Chinle Catholic Hall following services.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Rosita Baker

GALLUP — Funeral services for Rosita Baker, 62, of Gallup, will be held today, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Terri Goodman officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Rosita was born Aug. 18, 1961, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away Dec. 3, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Rosita is survived by her daughters, Elena Yellowhorse, Vanessa Chavez, Valerie Czyz, Stephanie Chavez, Monica Chavez, and Melanie Chavez; parents, Emma and Arnold Baker; brothers, Mathew Baker, Harold Baker and Gerald Jim; sisters, Rose Baker, Rosalie Baker and LaRose Baker; and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rosita is preceded in death by Ernest Baker and Melvin Baker.

Pallbearers will be David Yellowhorse, Felix Torrez Jr., JaeDee Torrez, Brandon Baker, Ethan Baker, and Nick Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bella Angel, Juan Angel, Bailey Angel, Dominic Chavez, Jasmine Czyz, and Nicole Yellowhorse.

A reception will take place at St. Francis Hall in Gallup following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Geraldine Howard

RABBIT BRUSH, N.M. — Graveside service for Geraldine Howard, 58, of Navajo, New Mexico, was held Dec. 13 in Rabbit Brush, New Mexico.

Geraldine was born Sept. 23, 1965, in Fort Defiance, into the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). She passed away Dec. 5, 2023, in Fort Defiance.

Geraldine was employed as a teacher with Gallup McKinley County School. She enjoyed bingo, volleyball, basketball, football, and loved the Dallas Cowboys.

Geraldine is survived by her brothers, Everett Howard, Edward Johnson and Johnathan Johnson; and sisters, Velrann Howard, Florena Howard and Genevieve Bahe.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Johnnie Howard; brothers, Raymond Howard and Virgil Howard; and niece, Chantell Howard.

Pallbearers were Uriah McCabe, Tyrel Lee, Wilton Howard, Darrin Clyde, Shelby Lee, Tayden Lee, Terence Lee, and Jeremiah Tsosie.

Honorary pallbearers were Everett Howard, Johnathan Johnson, Edward Johnson, Brandon Howard, and Wilfred Hubbard.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Rancelia Tsosie

BLUE GAP, Ariz. — Funeral services for Rancelia Tsosie, 40, of Cottonwood/Tselani, Arizona, were held Dec. 11 at the Blue Gap United Methodist Church in Blue Gap, Arizona, with Billy Kee John officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Blue Gap.

Rancelia was born July 29, 1983, Fort Defiance, into Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nalí is Tsé deeshgizhnii (Rock Gap); cheii is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). She passed away Dec. 2, 2023, in Tucson.

Rancelia enjoyed sewing, photography and spending time with family.

Rancelia is survived by her husband, Josh Nelson; sons, Devon Nelson and Javon Nelson; parents, Nora and Raymond E. Tsosie; and sister, Randralene Tsosie.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Ethan H. Nez

TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Ethan Hatathli Nez, 42, of Fort Defiance, were held Dec. 9 at the Community Bible Church in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, with Pastor David Hildeman officiating. Interment followed at the Toadlena community cemetery in Toadlena, New Mexico.

Ethan was born March 26, 1981, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). He passed away Dec. 5, 2023, in Fort Defiance.

Ethan attended Window Rock High School and was a wildland firefighter with the Navajo Scouts. He enjoyed drawing, repairing/making jewelry, cooking, and collecting rocks.

Ethan is survived by his sons, Mehki Hatathli Nez, Eljin Naskai Nez and Landyn Ethan Nez; daughter, Nuveya Arianah Nez; parents, Glennabah Hatathli Nez and Frank David Nez Jr.; brothers, Harold Nez, Anthony Hatathli and Eli Hatathli Nez; sisters, Antoinette Y. Nez and Amorette Cara Nez; and grandparents, Florence and Ned Hatathli.

Ethan is preceded in death by his brother, Elliott Lee Nez.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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