Obituaries for Dec. 31, 2014

Akenapah Haskey Norris

FLAGSTAFF — Funeral services for Akenapah Haskey Norris, 101, were held Dec. 27 at the Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. Interment followed at the Flagstaff Citizen’s Cemetery.

Akenapah was born July 5, 1913, in Tuba City, to Eva Neez and Etsitty Hashkay, raised by Eva and Sherman Haskey. She died Dec. 24, 2014, and was a resident at the Haven of Flagstaff at the time of her passing.

Akenapah began her formal education at Tuba City Boarding School in 1919 at the age of 6, and completed 8th grade in 1927. She attended Phoenix Indian School as part of a Five Year Program.

Akenapah met and married Daniel Norris Sr. in 1932 and began a family while living in Kerley Valley. She began employment as a laborer, munitions handler and explosive operator at the Navajo Ordinance Depot in Bellemont, Ariz., from February 1943 through July 1945.

The family moved back to Tuba City where she worked as a dormitory attendant, housekeeping aide (1951-1952), kitchen helper, waitress, and a cook with Tuba City Boarding School (1952) until her retirement on Oct. 26, 1981, completing 31 years of government service. At the time of her retirement, she continued to live in Tuba City.

Throughout the duration of her life, Akenapah loved to read her Bible Diyin God Bizaad, loved her church family at Hidden Springs Bible Church, singing Navajo hymns with the choir, loved to cook for her family and relatives, and as a hobby she loved to card, spin wool and weave rugs. Her family loved her pies, stews, fresh tortillas, and fried bread she always had available.

Akenapah is survived by her sons, Wilson (Gayle), Daniel Jr. (Brenda), and Emerson (Shirlene); daughter, Caroline (Nicholas) Fininis; and 21 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren.

Akenapah is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Norris Sr.; daughters, Sally Marie Yazzie, Shirley Ann and Frances Bell; and sons, Herman, Freddie and Phillip Sr.

Norvell Owens Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Robert C. Manning Sr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Robert C. Manning Sr., 80, were held Dec. 27 at Grace Bible Church in Gallup. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Robert was born Jan. 29, 1934, into the Tódik’ózhi (Salt Water Clan), born for Naasht’ézhi (Zuni Clan) and Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). He died Dec. 21, 2014 in Gallup.

Robert attended Fort Wingate School and was involved with the National Guard. He worked for Elite Laundry, St. Mary’s Hospital, McKinley General Hospital, and for the Union Pacific Railroad in Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Texas, and Pendleton, Ore.

Robert loved reading the bible and singing hymns. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting deer and elk, fishing, grilling, camping, butchering, and traveling. He was a Navajo interpreter, expert mechanic at Navajo Shopping Center, and was sought out for his skills as a mechanic.

Robert’s favorite place was to be at home surrounded by his family, especially taking his grandchildren to McDonalds, the New Mexico State Fair and carnivals. He loved his family, friends, and was greatly loved and admired by all. He was the best grandfather ever.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lula Mae Manning; son, James Manning Sr.; daughters, Loretta McLain and Ophelia Manning-Largo; brother, Chester Manning; sister, Bessie Manning; and 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his grandmother, Ethel Bowman; sons, Loring Manning and Robert Manning Jr.; daughter, Lorraine Manning; and brothers, Charles R. Manning, Art Manning, Nelson Manning, and Allen Tom.

Pallbearers were Raymond McLain, James Manning Jr., Jason Manning, Andreas Manning, Nelson Chee, and Jeremy McCray.

Honorary pallbearers were Wilbur Manning, Wilson Manning, Nelson Chee, Avin Tom, Kree Johns, Jesse Bishop, Nick Bowes, Harrison Largo Jr., and Anthony John.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Lucy B. Curley

GALLUP — Funeral services for Lucy B. Curley, 92, were held Dec. 30 at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Lucy was born May 6, 1922, into the Folded Arms Clan, born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). She died Dec. 24, 2014.

Lucy is survived by Gerald Curley, Leslie Curley, Martha Curley, and Ernest Curley.

Lucy is preceded in death by Presley Curley and Wilford Curley.

Pallbearers were Gabriel Kanawita, Michael Yazzie, Melvin Chavez III, Melvin Chavez IV, Wilford Curley Jr., and Randy Gorman.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.