Obituaries for April 21, 2016

Hamilton Lee Yazzie Sr.

St. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Hamilton Lee Yazzie Sr., 38, of Oak Springs, Ariz., were held April 20 at the St. Michaels LDS Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., with Bishop Tulley officiating. Interment followed at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Hamilton was born Dec. 28, 1977, in Fort Defiance, into the Hashk’aa hadzohi (Yucca-Fruit-Strung-out-in-a-Line Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He died April 15, 2016, in Flagstaff.

Hamilton attended Window Rock High School and Diné College. He was employed with Church’s Chicken and McDonald’s in Window Rock, and was a self-employed mechanic. He enjoyed watching NFL football, collecting Transformer toys, spending time with his children, and working on vehicles.

Hamilton is survived by Sharona Silversmith; sons, Hamilton Lee Yazzie Jr. and Sheldon M. Silversmith; daughters, Iesha Yazzie, Nyesha Yazzie, Hailie L. Yazzie, and Laney R.L. Yazzie; adopted parents, Ernest Nez Sr. and Vickie L. Nez; brother, Ernest Nez Jr.; sisters, Melody Sam, Violet Yazzie, Amber Nez, Kimberly Tyler, and Ernestine Nez; maternal grandparents, Irene and Ben Sampson; and paternal grandparents, Johnny Lee and Mae James Yazzie.

Hamilton is preceded in death by his biological parents, Milton and Virginia Yazzie.

Pallbearers were Ernest Nez Jr., Everette Begay Jr., Nathaniel Cortez, Bryan Sam, Ramone Curley, and Merwyn Silversmith.

Honorary pallbearers were Lorrance Gorman, Malcolm Wilson, Lambert Sam, Milford Wilson, Darwin Tyler, Joe Sampson, and Jackson L. Yazzie.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Millard Bowman

FLAGSTAFF – Millard “Red” Bowman, 90, passed away April 11, 2016, surrounded by family at the Flagstaff Medical Center. He was born in Talihina, Okla., and grew up working on the family farm.

Millard was inducted in the Navy in 1944. He served during World War II and participated in operations located at Yellow Beach – Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Lady of Philippines. After the war, he worked in Los Angeles, Calif., a screw machine and turret lathe operator.

In 1957, Millard moved to Flagstaff, after falling in love with the state and made it his home. He worked mostly as an auto mechanic and moved to Winslow, Ariz., and met his wife, Juanita. They married and started raising children. During the course of their 57 years of marriage, they cared for family members, family member’s children and friends of family – some stayed for a short time and some until they completed high school. Their home was always open proving their love and generosity. They had five children, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with one great-grandson on the way.

Upon retirement, he was devoted to his grandchildren and attended many sporting events. He taught many family members how to drive and enjoyed gardening and often shared what he grew. He loved walking and looking for arrowheads. Later, he collected cans to recycle, sharing the profits with his grandchildren. During his walks, he enjoyed chatting with whoever he ran into.

Millard is survived by his wife, Juanita; daughters, Janice of Winslow, and Melinda (Arthur) Somoza of Ohio, and Doris (Jerry) Sullivan of Winslow; and sons, Terry and Larry of Alaska.

Millard is preceded in death by his parents, Belle and Jim Bowman; brothers, Jimmie, Roehanan, Harvey, Nute, and Wayne; and sisters Maggie Lou, Flora and Luceal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences can be sent to www.greersmortuary.com.

Gilbert Damon

St. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Gilbert Damon, 85, of Sawmill, Ariz., will be held today, April 21, at 10 a.m. at the St. Michaels LDS Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., with Lafe Damon officiating. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

Gilbert was born June 20, 1930, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died April 15, 2016, in Payson, Ariz.

Gilbert, a Korean War veteran, attended BIA Indian School in Fort Defiance, Albuquerque Indian School, and Chilocco Indian School in Chilocco, Okla. He was employed with Navajo Forest Products Industry for 20-25 years. He enjoyed football, sports, running, hunting, and fishing. He was a silversmith and family man who loved his children.

Gilbert is survived by his sons, Marcus J. Damon and Damian C. Damon; stepsons, Vince Shirley and Cyril Shirley; daughters, Crystal R. Damon and Theresa Damon; brothers, Thomas J. Damon and Lafe Damon; sister, Nora Damon-Halona; and five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Damon; brother, Thomas J. Damon; and sister, Doris E. Damon-Gomez.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Begaye, Aaron Begay, Ryan Grey, Matthew George, Damian Damon, and Victor Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Cyril Shirley and Dean Bryant.

A reception will take place at Fort Defiance Chapter House following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Lloyd Ramirez

St. MICHAELS, Ariz. – A mass for Robert Lloyd Ramirez, 57, of Window Rock, will be held Friday, April 22, at 10 a.m. at the Mary, Mother of Kindness Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Ariz. A rosary will take place at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Robert was a lifelong resident of Window Rock. He was born July 5, 1958, in Gallup, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away April 14, 2016, in Fort Defiance, from a long illness.

Robert graduated from Window Rock High School in 1976 and attended Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz. He served six years in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist and retired from the Navajo Nation Rangers. He loved horses, cattle, and enjoyed fishing, fixing cars and motorcycles.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Moriah Ramirez; mother, Dorothy O. Ramirez; brother, Anthony Ramirez of Farmington; sisters, Carolyn Ramirez of Gallup, and Josephine Unale of Albuquerque; and three grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, Raymond H. Ramirez; brother, Raymond Ramirez Jr.; and granddaughter, Leila.

Pallbearers will be Navajo Nation tribal rangers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leopolo Ramirez, Theodore Grano, Jerry Herrera, Nate Notah, Stanley Van Kuren, and Orlando Otero.

A reception will take place at the St. Michaels Hall following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Benny H. Platero

ALBUQUERQUE – Funeral services for Benny H. Platero, 72, of To’hajiilee, N.M., were held April 15 at the Daniels Family Funeral Services – Alameda Mortuary Chapel in Albuquerque, with Pastor Jerry Johns officiating. Interment followed at the Fairview Cemetery.

Benny was born into the Áshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He died April 7, 2016, in Silver City, N.M.

Benny attended grade school through 5^th grade at Canoncito Community School. He was employed as a butcher for Karlen Meat Company in Albuquerque. He enjoyed farming, hunting and working on vehicles.

Benny is survived by his wife, Minnie S. Platero; son, Jerome Platero; daughters, Tammy Platero, Kimberly Platero and Refina Platero; brothers, Albert and Daniel Platero; and sisters, LaVerne P. Storer, Lillian Platero-Manuelito, and Lee Annie Platero Willie.

Benny is preceded in death by his parents, Alta S. and Jose N. Platero; daughters, Revina and Brenda M. Platero; brothers, Billy Platero and Jimmy Platero; sisters, Erma and Elizabeth Platero; and grandparents, Etzun Sunny Monte and Preterio Zecatero.

Pallbearers were Jerome Platero, Austin Long III, Jose Platero, Chuck White, Demetric Manuelito, and Eric J. Platero.

Honorary pallbearers were Albert Platero and Daniel Platero.

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

 

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