Obituaries for week of Dec. 11, 2014

Deborah Lynn Cayedito

STEAMBOAT, Ariz. — Funeral services for Deborah Lynn Cayedito, 59, of Steamboat, Ariz., were held Dec. 4 at the LDS Church in Steamboat, with President Peter Lee Yazzie officiating. Interment followed in Steamboat.

Deborah was born April 15, 1955, in Fresno, Calif., into the T’ááslhchi’i (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). She died Nov. 29, 2014, in Bidahochi, Ariz.

Deborah graduated from Diné College in May 1979 with a major in bilingual/bicultural education. She was employed with Phoenix Indian Center as a project director/trainer from 1983-87, Governor’s Division of Workforce Development as a workforce development administrator from 1995-97, Sage Memorial Hospital as a diabetes program coordinator from 2003-08, and was currently a commissioner with Steamboat Commission Government.

Deborah enjoyed hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling and researching/advocating for social justice.

Deborah is survived by her brother, Ralph P. Cayedito.

Deborah is preceded in death by Loretta Laura Hildreth.

Pallbearers were Eron Redbird Cayedito, Simon Cayedito, Angelito Quintana III, Robert Gutierrez, Preston Gorman, and William Kinlicheenie.

Arloa Singer

KAYENTA — Graveside services for Arloa Singer, 58, were held Dec. 5 at the Kayenta cemetery.

Arloa was born March 14, 1956, in Bellemont, Ariz., into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She died Nov. 28, 2014.

Arloa graduated from Tuba City High School. She worked at Kayenta Unified School District in the food service department and at Kayenta Bashas’ store. She had a strong faith in God and worshipped in wisdom and love. She loved to share her religious beliefs with other people.

Arloa is survived by her siblings, Elwood Gene Sr. of Kayenta, Lorraine Tsinaginnie of Phoenix, Loretta Singer of Kayenta, Sharine Sonny of Flagstaff, Regina Sunseth of Denver, Karen Garcia of Tucson, Beverly Thomas of Kayenta, Richard B. Singer Jr. of Denver, Patricia Osif of Kayenta, and Dawny Singer of Santa Fe.

Arloa is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and California.

Arloa is preceded in death by her parents, Richard B. Singer Sr. and Katherine B. Singer; and brothers, Richard E. Singer and Ritchie Singer.
Arrangements were under Desert View Funeral Home.

Julia John

NASCHITTI, N.M. — Funeral services for Julia John, 74, of Naschitti, N.M., are pending.

Julia was born April 15, 1940, in Naschitti. She passed from this life Dec. 9, 2014, inÊFarmington.

Julia is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home.

Belle C. Plummer

SHIPROCK — Funeral services for Belle C. Plummer, 92, of Shiprock, are pending.

Belle was born Dec. 15, 1921, in Fort Defiance. She passed from this life Dec. 9, 2014, inÊShiprock.

Belle is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home.

Joe G. Bennalley

SHIPROCK — Funeral services for Joe G. Bennalley will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Bethel Christian Reform Church in Shiprock, with Pastor Bobby Boyd officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay Yellow Springs private family plot in Toadlena, N.M.

Joe was born Aug. 5, 1933. He passed away Dec. 7, 2014.

Joe is survived by his wife, Minnie R. Bennalley of Shiprock; sons, Tony Bennalley of Prescott, Ariz., and Galen G. Bennalley of Peoria, Ariz.; daughter, Fawnda Kkiddpapich of Buena Park, Calif.; brothers, Lee E. Benally Sr. of Newcomb, N.M., George G. Bennalley of Toadlena, Leonard L. Bennalley of Kirtland, N.M., and Esclay Bennalley II of Toadlena; sisters, Lucy N. Tsosie of Toadlena, Dorothy Bennalley of Shiprock, Jessie L. Bennalley of Shiprock, Betty A. Bennalley of Bernalillo, N.M., and Irene Bennalley of Toadlena; and 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Esclay Benalley and Susie YellowMustache Benalley; daughter, Gale G. Warren; son, Gary R. Bennalley; and brothers, Ernest F. Bennalley and Francis S. Bennalley.

Pallbearers will be Galen G. Bennalley, Gilbert L. Harrison, Jordan L. Warren, Jaimen J. Bennalley, Josiah L. Harrison, and Matthew Bennalley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alvis Largo, George G. Bennalley, Leonard L. Bennalley, and Lee E. Benally Sr.

A reception will be held at Two Grey Hills Chapter House following services.

Ronnie J. Ward

LOWER GREASEWOOD, Ariz. — Funeral services for Ronnie J. Ward, 50, of Lower Greasewood, Ariz., will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Mennonite Mission Church in Lower Greasewood, with Jessie Koehn officiating. Burial will follow in Lower Greasewood.

Ronnie was born June 25, 1964, in Schurz, Nev., into the Paiute Nation, born for Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan). He died Dec. 5, 2014, in Phoenix.

Ronnie attended Lower Greasewood Boarding School and enjoyed helping his family and relatives.

Ronnie is survived by his son, Zachary Ward; daughter, Trina Tsosie; sisters, Rosie Thompson and Diane Jones of Spokane, Wash.; and aunt, Alma Ruth Richards.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Laura Ward; brothers, Dean Ward and Buddy Jones; sisters, Christine Jones and Laura Jean Ward; grandparents, Neswood and Mattie Upshaw; and spouse, Ella M. Begay.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Billy C. Jones

CHINLE — Funeral services for Billy C. Jones, 90, of Chinle, will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Potter’s House Church in Chinle, with Artie Aragon officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Chinle.

Billy was born Jan. 15, 1924, in Sawmill, Ariz., into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He died Dec. 8, 2014, in Chinle.

Billy completed first through sixth grade until he got drafted into the Marines and Navy, and fought in World War II. He worked for BIA as a custodian for 45 years, Chinle Unified School District as a substitute custodian for one year.

Billy enjoyed watching western movies, watching the Dallas Cowboys play, spending time with his children and grandchildren, going to church, and going to Chinle Wildcats games.

Billy is survived by his sons, James R. Jones (Rosemarie), Jimmy R. Jones, and Junior J. Jones; daughters, Elsie M. Jones, Angela Yazzie (Denny Sr.), Lena M. Jones, Evangeline M. Jones, Anita M. Pouncy (James), and Marjorie Lee (Cedric); sisters, Sarah Jones Billy and Alice Claw; and 25 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

Billy is preceded in death by his wife, Alice Whitesinger Jones; parents, Chee and Mae Yanebah Jones; and grandsons, Dennis T. Yazzie and Dennison Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy R. Jones, Denny Yazzie Jr., Kevin Jones, Melvin Clarence Jones, Melville Clarence Calabaca, and Kristopher R. Pouncy.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Kee Y. Wilson

GALLUP — Funeral services for Kee Y. Wilson, 75, will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Kee was born Aug. 15, 1939, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódich’iinii (Bitter Water Clan). His chei is Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He died Dec. 4, 2014, in Gallup.

Kee is survived by his sisters, Louise Peters and Dorothy Edsitty; and five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Kee is preceded in death by his father, Tex Wilson; mother, Marie Adakai Wilson; son, Lester Wilson; sister, Mary Valejo; and brothers, Johnny Lee, Tommy Lee, Kenneth Lee, Stanle Wilson, and James Wilson.

Pallbearers will be Drew Edsitty, Benson Begay, Robby Yazza, Dewayne Wilson, Cordell Wilson, and Edwin Hunch.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Thompson Sandoval

TORREON, N.M. — Funeral services for Thompson Sandoval, 77, of Torreon, N.M., were held Dec. 8 at the Torreon Mission Church with Pastor Landoll Benally officiating. Interment followed in Anthill, N.M.

Thompson was born into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan). He died Dec. 2, 2014, in Ojo Encino, N.M.

Thompson was self-taught in mechanic and carpentry work. He was self-employed as a silversmith and worked with the Santa Fe Railroad. He enjoyed watching softball games, watching TV and spending time with his grandchildren.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Lilly C. Sandoval; sons, Melvin Sandoval, Jefferson Sandoval, Nelson Sandoval, Sampson Sandoval, Patrick Sandoval, and William Sandoval; daughters, Lorraine, Sherlene, Francine, Olivia, and Natasha; brothers, Thompson Begay and Glenn Sandoval; sister, Loretta B. Lynch; and 33 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Thompson is preceded in death by his daughter, Latanya Sandoval; parents, Jay Woody Sandoval and Gladys Largo; and sister, Mabel Shorty.

Pallbearers were Watson Long, Bradley Stewart, Cooper Valencia, Marcus Betone, Thurman Tully, and Glenn Sandoval Jr.

Honorary pallbearers were Melvin Sandoval, Jefferson Sandoval, Nelson Sandoval, Sampson Sandoval, Patrick Sandoval, and William Sandoval.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou Dickson

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Mary Lou Dickson, 87, were held Dec. 8 at the Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Winslow, Ariz., with Pastor Melvin Tsosie officiating. Interment followed at the Desert View Cemetery in Winslow.

Mary Lou was born May 15, 1927, in Castle Butte, Ariz., into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tl’izi lani (Many Goats Clan). Her nali is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around); chei is Tábaahá (Water’s Edge). She died Dec. 2, 2014, in Winslow.

Mary Lou worked at Camp Navajo in Bellemont, Ariz., during World War II. She was a homemaker and raised seven children. Her hobbies included playing cards (Navajo 10, Rummy and Solitary), but most of all she enjoyed watching her six kids play basketball. She was a traditional Navajo rug weaver and enjoyed going to rodeos.

Mary Lou is survived by her sons, Seya Brown, Arnold Brown and Richard Dickson; daughters, Gloria Alcott and Alberta Dickson; and 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mae Yazzie; spouse, Ross Dickson Sr.; brothers, James Barton Sr., and Bennie Yazzie Sr.; sisters, Dolly Dickson, Minnie Dixon, Ella Nez, and Betty Dick; and sons, Phillip Brown, Kee Brown Jr. and Marlin Brown Sr.

Arrangements were under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

George Harkes Jr.

OTIS, N.M. — Graveside services for George Harkes Jr., 79, of Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle, N.M., were held Dec. 4 at the Otis cemetery in Otis, N.M., with Rebecca Elridge officiating.

George was born into the Bit’ahnii (His Sheaves Leaf Clan/Under His Cover Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Nov. 29, 2014, in Albuquerque.

George had a second grade education along with traditional teachings. He was employed with Union Pacific Railroad as a foreman, bus driver for Navajo Nation Head Start, and a foster grandparent for Navajo Nation Head Start. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma University. He enjoyed wrestling, basketball, rodeos and baseball.

George is survived by his wife, Virginia Harkes; daughters, Bonnie Harkes, Rilla (Ernest) Nephew and Jeannie Delaware; and 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by Roland Harkes, Ronnie Harkes, Randy Harkes, Genevieve Harkes, Nicky Bankefewa, and Dewayne Harkes.

Pallbearers were family members.

Honorary pallbearers were Jamelle Delaware, Dylan Harkes, Ryan Harkes, Erik Nephew, Larry Castillo, Albert Simpson Jr., Jiron Delaware, and Randy Stumbling Bear.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Sarah Carol Tom

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Sarah Carol Tom, 67, of St. Michaels, Ariz., were held Dec. 4 at the St. Michaels Catholic Church, with Pastor Patrick Schafer officiating. Interment and a reception followed in St. Michaels.

Sarah was born Jan. 1, 1947, in Fort Defiance, into the çshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away in Gallup.

Sarah had two years of education and was a homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, chopping wood, herding sheep, riding horses and making fry bread.

Sarah is survived by her sons, William Blackgoat, Robert Gene Blackgoat and Troy Yazzie Tom; daughters, Josephine Harvey, Roxanne Tom and Cheranne Tom; mother, Josephine Begay; brothers, Toby Wallace and Edwin Wallace; sisters, Angeline Milford and Imogene Wallace; and 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Sarah is preceded in death by her father, James Willson; husband, Joe Yazzie Tom; sons, Normen Blackgoat and Hermen Blackgoat; and sister, Evangeline Wallace.

Pallbearers were Jeff White, Troy Tom, Darrick Blackgoat, Darryl Begay, Raydell Begay, and Ronald Tsosie.

Honorary pallbearers were Edwin Wallace, William Blackgoat and Toby Wallace.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.