Obituaries for April 6, 2017

Michael P. Bedonie

FLAGSTAFF — Funeral services for Michael P. Bedonie “Pappy,” 70, are scheduled Friday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at the Christ Church of Flagstaff (3475 Soliere Ave.). Viewing will be held today, April 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Norvel Owens Mortuary. Burial will take place at the Citizen’s Cemetery.

Michael was born Jan. 10, 1947, at the Navajo Army Depot in Bellemont, Arizona, into the Naashaashi (Enemy Bear Clan), born for Ta’neezahnii (Tangle Clan). He died April 1, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones in Flagstaff.

Michael grew up and went to school in the Flagstaff and Farmington area. He graduated from Navajo Methodist Mission School in 1966. He then went off to school for computer programming in San Francisco, California. He relocated back to the Navajo Nation where he was employed doing data processing for the Navajo Tribe in Window Rock. He then moved back to Flagstaff where he was employed with McDonald’s for several years while attending school at Northern Arizona University. Shortly after, he took employment with Walgreens Distribution Center in Flagstaff, where he was employed for 30 years.

Michael had many hobbies, such as, fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling. He was also an avid runner and motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed many bike rallies and family reunions.

Michael is survived by his wife, Margaret Bedonie; brother, Walter Bedonie; and children, Tonya Altisi, Cecilia Cody, Myron Wauneka, Stefanie Costello, Terrence Bedonie, Michael Dennison, Marlaina Rodriguez, and Michaela Bedonie; and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Chee Bedonie Sr. and Ethel Kenepah Bedonie; brothers, Chee Jr. and Norman “Skipp” Bedonie, Timothy “Bruce” Bedonie, and Jake Bedonie; and niece, Chasity Bedonie.

A reception will take place at the Christ Church following services.

Arrangements are being handled by Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Susie J. Tapahe

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Susie J. Tapahe, 107, of Old Coal Mine, New Mexico, will be held Friday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, with Rev. Cynthia Hizer officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Old Coal Mine.

Susie was born Jan. 5 in Coal Mine, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). She passed away April 3, 2017.

Susie is survived by her sister, Ellen Tom; son, Loren Tapahe; daughters, Vivian Tapahe and Emolind Tapahe; and nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Susie is preceded in death by her parents, Bonnie and Herbert Reeder; husband, Tom Tapahe; sons, Tommy Tapahe, Melton Tapahe, and Murvyn Tapahe; and daughters, Imogene Tapahe and Charlene Tapahe Herrera.

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Francisco, Jimmy Tom, Tyler Newell, Emery Tapahe, Eugene Tapahe, and Emerson Tapahe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Loren Tapahe, Ron Wood, and Peterson Zah.

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

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Fredrico Eaton

OJO AMARILLO, N.M. — Funeral services for Fredrico Eaton, 47, will be held Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. at the Ojo Amarillo United Methodist Church in Ojo Amarillo, New Mexico, with meal to follow.

Fredrico was born Feb. 21, 1970, in Farmington. He returned to our Creator on April 1, 2017, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Fredrico played football at Kirtland Central High School and attended Haskell Indian Nations University where he was a member of the Renegade Art Warriors Association. He and his family attended art shows where he was recognized as an accomplished artist. His work was purchased by individuals and galleries in the U.S. and internationally.

As a welder and mechanic by trade, Fredrico worked at Eagle Trailer Co., in Lawrence, and was recently employed at ServiceMaster Restoration where he assisted families in restoring artwork and belongings after devastating fires or floods.

Fredrico enjoyed being outdoors, grilling, and watching the Pittsburg Steelers. He genuinely appreciated friends and their children. Fredrico will be remembered for his quiet, generous nature, sense of humor, and an unfailing willingness to offer help to others.

Fredrico is survived by his wife, Althea Tapahonso-Eaton; and children, Joshua, a student at Haskell Indian Nations University, and Amber, a student at Lawrence High School.

Fredrico is also survived by his parents, Fred Sr. and Bessie; siblings, Freda, Fred Jr. (Cornelia), and children Nicole and Triston, all of Upper Fruitland, New Mexico; and maternal grandmother, Irene Mike Benally.

Fredrico is preceded in death by his sister, Fredrica; paternal grandmother, Mabel Werito Eaton; and Alfred Eaton Sr.

The family wishes to thank friends and family in Lawrence and New Mexico; physicians and medical personnel at Haskell Indian Health Center, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, KU Medical Center (Kansas City), Warren-McElwain Funeral Home, and Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice.

Robert H. Jensen

GALLUP — Funeral services for Robert H. Jensen, 43, were held April 5 at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup, with Pastor Joseph Lee officiating. Interment followed at the Rehoboth community cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Robert was born Nov. 26, 1973. He passed away March 29, 2017.

Robert attended Navajo Elementary School, Window Rock High School, Apollo College, University of New Mexico-Industrial Transportation Training (heavy equipment training and NCCER curriculum), and Gallup CDL School-Hazmat.

Robert received the President’s Award for Excellence for restaurant management in Window Rock, and an award in MIT restaurant management. He volunteered as a phlebotomist at veteran clinics and at Pinehaven Fire Department as a first responder.

Robert is survived by his wife, Bridgette N. Jensen; sons, Rayne Jensen, Tayden Jensen, Robert M.S. Jensen II, and Bradyn Toyi; daughters, Sydney Ostrander, Chelsea Toyi, Georgia Jensen, Timara S. Toyi, Adrienne B. Toyi, and Tiana B. Toyi; parents, Destiny Bresia-Star Jensen and Richard Showalter; sisters, Toni Jensen-Collins, Jackie Etsitty, and Mattie Christensen; and brothers, Alan Showalter and Adrain Showalter.

Robert is preceded in death by Anita Christensen-Cattaneo, George Christensen, James “Mo” Christensen, and Christopher “Chris” Christensen.

Pallbearers were Joey Lee, Charles Cline, Aaron A. Ross, Manny Sloan, Jimmy Gonzales, Trent Shije, Justin Silago, Rayne Jensen, Tayden Jensen, and Robert M.S. Jensen.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.