Obituaries for January 18, 2024

Ralph U. Davis

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Ralph Ulysses Davis was born March 11, 1940, in Chinle. He passed away Jan. 8, 2024, and was laid to rest in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Ralph is the son of the late Anselm G. Davis Sr., Navajo, from Lukachukai, Arizona, and Aileen Ben Davis, Choctaw, from Standing Pine, Mississippi.

Ralph was born into the Mississippi Band of Choctaw, born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nálí is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

Ralph was an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, but later enrolled as a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw in honor of his mother’s heritage.

Ralph received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He taught at Wingate High School and Navajo Community College. He worked 30 years for the Navajo Nation and was part of the team that co-created services for the Navajo people, including the Office of Management and Budget and Navajo Division of Education. He also worked for the Division of Health as a planner, grant writer, administrator, and policy analyst.

In retirement, Ralph focused his attention on an art form that he originated in 1966 using the universally recognized symbol of life, the circle. He created mandalas from a Navajo perspective. His weavings were colorful and one-of-a-kind work of art. His Mandalas will forever remind us of the inner balance and harmony that keeps us on the path of hózhó.

Ralph stayed connected to his Native American roots through the exploration of mandala imagery, which also served as an inspiration for a holistic way of thinking.

Ralph will be remembered by his family, siblings, relatives, and friends for his zest for life, his humor, his generosity, and for being a kind and loving person. He touched the lives of so many adults and children in so many ways.

Ralph is survived by his former wife, Sandra Hamana; daughters, Pamela Ann Davis and Renee K. Allen; sons, Derrick Davis, Vincent T. Davis and Jason A. Thomas; sisters, Rose B. Layba and Patricia Ann Davis; brothers, Dr. Anselm G. Davis Jr., William Paul Davis and Robert Michael Davis; and stepsister, Mae Davis Begay.

Ralph is preceded in death by his son, Rodrick Davis; sisters, Pearl Ethel Nelson, Eleanor Marie Smith, Sister Gloria Ann Davis, and Loretta Ann Chavez; and stepbrothers, Anselm K. Davis, Michael Davis and George Davis.

Ronald A. Manuelito Jr.

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral services for Ronald Alex Manuelito Jr. will be held at the Riverside Funeral Home (225 San Mateo Blvd. NE) in Albuquerque, followed by a Celebration of Life community meal at the Gallup Community Service Center (410 Bataan Veterans Court) in Gallup. Dates are pending due to unforeseen circumstances.

Ronald was born April 10, 1976, in Laramie, Wyoming. His mother is from the Santee Sioux Tribe in Flandreau, South Dakota, and his late father is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He died Dec. 30, 2023, in Silver City, New Mexico.

Ronald graduated from Tohatchi High School in 1995 and attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute for engineering studies, Sheridan College for psychology studies, and Central Wyoming College for computer/systems technology. He also enrolled in online courses through the University of Wyoming.

Ronald was employed with oil field companies across Central Wyoming and Billings, Montana. He also worked for the BIA Zuni Agency with the Interagency Hotshot Crew and smokejumper, participating in the aftermath clean-up of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 and the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City in 2001.

Ronald enjoyed running cross-country and was once a renowned competitor for Tohatchi High School. He kept up a daily regimen of exercise and eating healthy. He loved to read and would spend his spare time in public libraries, which he jokingly referred to as his “Pub.”

Richard loved animals, especially dogs and horses, listening to music, watching a good movie, journaling, writing letters, and was a good handyman.

Ronald is survived by his daughters, Raquel and Raylene Manuelito; son, Itancian Manuelito; mother, Elizabeth Wakeman; sisters, Colleen, Krystal and Rebecca Manuelito; paternal grandmother, Carol Manuelito; paternal aunts, Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet, Roberta Manuelito-Musser, Eugenia and Brenda Manuelito; and maternal aunts, Debra Wakeman, Diane Austin and Dawn Lee Serrano.

Ronald is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Alex Manuelito Sr.; paternal grandfather, Robert A. Manuelito; brother, Justin Manuelito; paternal uncle, Randy Manuelito; paternal aunt, Colleen Manuelito; great-grandfather, Nelson Pine; great-grandmother, Ethelyn Pine; maternal grandfather, Francis Wakeman Sr.; maternal grandmother, Inez Redwing; maternal uncle, Francis Wakeman Jr.; and maternal uncle, Fred Redwing.

The families wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the condolences and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests everyone use face masks and hand sanitizers. Most importantly, hold your loved ones close and treasure your time with them on Mother Earth.

Richard George

KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Funeral services for Richard George will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Mennonite Church in Klagetoh, Arizona. Burial will follow at the Wide Ruins community cemetery in Wide Ruins, Arizona.

Richard was born Aug. 1, 1955, to Bessie George and the late Dan George of Klagetoh. His clans were Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), and Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People). He died Jan. 11, 2024.

Richard grew up in Klagetoh and Ganado, Arizona. He graduated from Holbrook High School in 1974 and earned his plumbing and carpentry certification.
Richard was employed with Union Pacific and BNSF Railway for 29 years. He was a member of The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees and was a respectable, kind, and hardworking man.

Richard was always there to spend time and help out family. He enjoyed doing puzzles, reading, being outside, going to events, and watching football and basketball games.

Richard is survived by son, Donovan George of Houck, Arizona; daughter, Savannah George of Tucson; brothers, Matthew George of Shiprock, Emerson George of Farmington, Daniel George of Phoenix, Ray George of Laveen, Arizona, Micheal George of Klagetoh, and Darryl George of Phoenix; sisters, Lorita George of Phoenix, Genevieve George of Klagetoh, Rita George of Phoenix, Rosita George of Phoenix, and Christina George of Phoenix; and six granddaughters.

Herbert P. Notah

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Herbert Patrick Notah, 65, of Morenci, Arizona, were held Jan. 16 in Fort Defiance, with Father Blane officiating.

Herbert was born Feb. 25, 1958, in Morenci, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). He passed away Jan. 9, 2024, in Gallup.

Herbert attended Morenci High School and enjoyed building model cars, working on vehicles, and watching Kung Fu videos, baseball and football.

Herbert is survived by his sons, Nicolas Jonathan Notah and Patrick Cliff Notah; brother, Alvin Notah; sisters, Evelyn Notah-Curley, Marilyn Notah-Yazzie, Laurie Notah-Bamon, Loretta Notah-Ashley, and Charlene Notah-Begay; grandfather, Walter Harvey; and two grandchildren.

Herbert is preceded in death by Kee Notah, Minnie Harvey-Notah, Virginia Goseyun-Notah, and Harold Notah.

Pallbearers were Ronald J. Notah, Patrick C. Notah, Jay W. Notah, Valentino J. Hale, Tyler Dan Goseyun, and Theron Owens.

Honorary pallbearers were Nicolas J. Notah, Patrick C. Notah and Alvin W. Notah.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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