Obituaries for June 20, 2024

Minnie G. Malone

GALLUP — Funeral services for Minnie Grace Malone, 87, will be held Tuesday, June 25, at 10 a.m., at The Door Christian Center in Gallup.

Minnie was born Feb. 9, 1937, in Lupton, Arizona, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her maternal grandfather was born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House); paternal grandfather was born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away June 16, 2024, in Gallup, with her family at her side.

Minnie was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. At a young age, she started working as a waitress in Lupton, where she met her husband Bill who worked nearby. They were married in 1962 and later the family moved from Keams Canyon to Piñon, Arizona.

Minnie had a successful career as a weaver and silversmith, as well as a local postmaster in Piñon. She was one of the first Navajo postmasters in the country.

The Malone’s moved to Ganado, Arizona, for Bill’s new job at Hubbell Trading Post and Minnie worked at the U.S. Postal Office in Ganado until retirement. She also served as an accountant at a local church in Ganado.

On top of all of her successes, Minnie helped raise and look after a growing family. She will be remembered and revered across the Navajo Nation and beyond.

Minnie is survived by her husband, Bill Malone; son, Oscar White; and daughters, Karen Malone, Thelma Malone, Carol Shorty, Cindy Rael, and Billie Malone.

Minnie was the eldest of her siblings. She is also survived by four sisters, one brother, 22 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

Minnie is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Notah and Mary Smith Avery; stepfather, Johnny Goodluck; and two sisters and three brothers.

A reception will take place at Red Rock Park in Church Rock, New Mexico, following services.

Bessie Trujillo Masten (Dec. 7, 1947 — June 8, 2024)

OJO ENCINO, N.M. — Funeral services for Bessie Trujillo Masten, 76, will be held Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m., at the Eagle Springs Baptist Church in Ojo Encino, New Mexico, with Pastor Kevin Chiquito officiating. Burial will follow at the Cuba Baptist Cemetery in Cuba, New Mexico.

Bessie was born in Torreon, New Mexico, to Montoya Trujillo and Alice Willeto Trujillo. She passed away June 8, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.

Bessie attended college in Oakland, California, where she met her first husband, Manuel Gonzales Soto. They lived in Abilene, Texas, for many years. She then married Sammy Masten of San Diego, California, and moved from San Diego to Arlington to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

A caring and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, she will be dearly missed but never forgotten by her family and friends.

Bessie is survived by her children, Johnelle Trujillo of Torreon, Alicia Flores and husband Jose of Arlington, Michael David Soto and wife Kristy of Abilene, Michelle Ramirez and husband Joe of Abilene, Jessica Soto of Arlington, Melissa Soto Kellum and husband Jamaall of Arlington, Robert Soto and wife Tessa of Arlington, Matthew Soto of Arlington, and Shareca Kellum and fiancé Marquel Neal of Lewisville, Texas; and 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many grand pups and grand cats.

Family and friends are invited to an evening visitation on Friday, June 21, from 7-9 p.m., at the Trujillo Family Funeral Home (110 Alvarado Drive SE) in Albuquerque.

A Celebration of Life reception will take place at the Eagle Springs Baptist Church following services.

Keith A. Wato

ZUNI, N.M. — Funeral services for Keith Andrew Wato, 63, of Zuni, New Mexico, were held June 14 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Mission. Interment followed in Zuni.

Keith was born March 15, 1961, in Zuni. He passed away May 30, 2024, in Phoenix.

Keith graduated from Window Rock High School in 1979 and played football and baseball in his younger years. He was also a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Keith worked as a journeyman butcher for many years. In his last years, he was a medical transporter in Tucson.

Keith is survived by his mother, Vivian Wato of Zuni; daughters, Marissa Gishie, Tiffany Baldenegro, Nicole Nava, and Brandi Wato; sons, Kiki Wato, Jaime Wato and Joshua Wato; sister, Karyn Wato of Gallup; and brother, Micheal Wato of Zuni; and 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Keith is preceded in death by his father, Russell Wato; daughter, Robyn Wato; and grandson, Toby Nava.

Honorary pallbearers were grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ford Y. Begay Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ford Y. Begay Jr., 54, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Monday, June 24, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Jonah High officiating. Burial will follow in Pinedale.

Ford was born Dec. 20, 1969, in Gallup, into the Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). He passed away June 11, 2024, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Ford attended high school, trade school, and was employed at Supersmith Inc. He was a mechanic, electrician and carpenter who enjoyed roping.

Ford is survived by his mother, Doris Begay; brother, Fredrick Begay; and sisters, Matilda Begay and Miranda Jim.

Ford is preceded in death by his father, Ford Y. Begay Sr.; and grandparents, Bertha and Thomas Lewis Sr., and Gleebah and Brown Begay Sr.

Honorary pallbearers will be immediate family members.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Michael White

KAYENTA — A service to honor the life and legacy of Michael “Mike” White was held June 18 at The Potter’s House Church in Kayenta. He was laid to rest at the Kayenta community cemetery.

Mike, a devoted family man, respected engineer, and beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, passed away June 14, 2024, at the age of 51. He was born April 3, 1973, in Shiprock, to Herbert C. White and Rosie A. White.‍

Mike’s early life in Kayenta, alongside his siblings, Pamela White-Hanson (Brent Hanson), Leilani White, Nicholas White, Deborah J. White (William Smith), Rhonda A. White (Michael Schuur Jr.), Marcus K. White, Kimberly R. White (Matthew McMillan), and Lisa White (Nate Lake), was filled with the joys of simplicity, plus sports, and the bonds of close-knit family ties.

Mike graduated from Monument Valley High School in 1992 and pursued his passion for electrical engineering.

In 2001, Mike married Liz Cohoe. Together they built a life raising their four children, Keanu Cohoe, Brady White, Reece White, and Gabrielle White. He cherished every moment spent with each of them as a devoted husband and father.

Mike was a highly skilled electrical engineer who made significant contributions to the commercial construction industry all around Phoenix and California. His expertise was applied in the field and shared his wisdom and knowledge with his younger brothers, in-laws, and co-workers, where he inspired them to pursue similar trades.

Mike’s hearty laugh was infectious and his dad jokes were legendary. He left an indelible mark on his family and community that will be felt for generations to come.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Rosie A. White.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy is carried on by his wife and his children.

Dana Buck

FARMINGTON — A Celebration of Life for Dana Buck, of Farmington, will be held Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hills Church-Pinon Hills Academy (5101 N. Dustin Ave.) in Farmington.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Dana went to be with our Lord on June 5, 2024, at the early age of 46. He was born Aug. 19, 1977, to Marie Buck and the late Jonah Buck of Sundance, New Mexico.

Dana attended grade school in Gallup, and graduated from Navajo Preparatory School in 1995 where he excelled in academics and sports. He had a lucrative career in the Indian Gaming Enterprise having worked for the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and Navajo Nation.

In 2015, Dana graduated from San Juan College with an associate degree in instrumentations and control. For his apprenticeship he worked for Arizona Public Service at Cholla Power Plant and then became an E & I journeyman. He also worked as a journeyman at Four Corners Power Plant.

Dana met the love of his life, Teresita Clashin, in high school. Together they celebrated 29 wonderful loving years together.

Dana had a passion for his family, life, and faith. He had immense joy for his nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Dana could be found outdoors biking, hiking, fishing, or camping on any weekend. Through his passions he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

Dana will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His great personality, sense of humor, and passion for life will live eternally.

Dana is survived by his wife, Teresita Clashin of Farmington; mother, Marie Buck of Sundance; sisters, Joey Spencer of Sundance, Stephanita Touchin of Sundance, Tabitha Willie of Gallup, Una Buck of Austin, Texas, Frieda Buck of Juniper

Hills, New Mexico, and Sharon Buck of Shiprock; brothers, Thurman Buck of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Darnell Buck of Sundance; and 11 nieces, six nephews and five grandchildren.

Dana is preceded in death by his father, Jonah Buck; brother, Ronald Buck; father-in-law, Larry Clashin; and grandparents, Bah Thomas, George Willie, Mary Buck, and Wallace Buck.

Wilma A. Sandoval

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Wilma Ann Sandoval, 73, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, June 20, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance, with Father Blaine officiating. Burial will follow in Lukachukai, Arizona.

Wilma was born Jan. 15, 1951, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away June 15, 2024.

Wilma attended Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Arizona, and was employed with Indian Health Service as a secretary for 34 years. She enjoyed attending high school sporting events, doing crossword puzzles, and going to bingo and the casino.

Wilma is survived by her husband, Duane King; daughters, Racheal Sandoval and Raquel King; brothers, William “Bill” Sandoval Jr., Robert Sandoval, Wilbert Sandoval, and Stanley Sandoval; sisters, Janet Bradley and Rose Hale; maternal grandparents, Willie and Pauline Redhouse; and paternal grandparents, Chic and Ethnabah Sandoval; and four grandchildren.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Redhouse Sandoval and William Sandoval Sr.; and Garold Sandoval.

Pallbearers will be Bill Sandoval, Roderick Spencer, Donnie Blueeyes, Keane Ashley, and Homer Ashley Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be William “Bill” Sandoval Jr., Robert Sandoval, Wilbert Sandoval, Stanley Sandoval, Frances Bradley Sr., Frank Hale, and Duane King.

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

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Alexander R. Gilmore

FLAGSTAFF — Funeral services for Alexander Roy Gilmore, 49, of Kayenta, were held June 18 in Flagstaff.

Alexander was born in Phoenix, into the Lók’aa’ dine’é (Reed People Clan), born for Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). His maternal grandfather is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); paternal grandfather is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together). He passed away June 13, 2024, in Kayenta.

Alexander graduated from Monument Valley High School in 1992 and attended Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. He was employed as a housekeeping supervisor at Kayenta Health Center.

Alexander is survived by his father, Roy Gilmore; and siblings, Victoria Adams, Cassandra Gilmore, Samuel Gilmore, and Mica Llerandi.

Alexander is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Gilmore.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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