Obituaries | Dec. 8. 2022

Edgar L. Shirley

GALLUP — Funeral services for Edgar Lucas Shirley, 59, of Klagetoh, Arizona, will be held Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at Edward Shirley Sr.’s family plot in Klagetoh.

Edgar was born July 16, 1963, in Oakland, California. He was born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nálí is Naasht’ézhí Dine’é Táchii’nii (Zuni/Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People). He passed away Nov. 28, 2022, in Klagetoh.

Edgar graduated from Sanders-Valley High School in 1982 and served in the U.S. Army. He loved fishing, cooking, reading, planting, watching old-time period movies, and being involved with his community.

Edgar is survived by his wife, Mary Shirley; sons, Edward Shirley and Justin Shirley; daughters, Bonnie Shirley Tafoya and Toni Cramer; siblings, Edward Shirley Jr., Leonard Shirley, Cynthia Deschinny, Glenda Shirley, and John Shirley; and eight grandchildren.

Edgar is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret (Maggie) Shirley; father, Edward J. Shirley; and sisters, Marcella Arriola, Priscilla Chavez, and Jennifer Shirley.

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

Summit Funeral Home oversees arrangements.

Jessica A. Lewis

TUNNEL SPRINGS, N.M. — Graveside service for Jessica Alyssa Lewis, 33, of Farmington, will be held today, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., at the family cemetery in Tunnel Springs, New Mexico (off Indian Route 12, two miles north of Fort Defiance).

Jessica was born in Gallup into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). She was born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her nalí is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass); cheii is Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep). She passed away Nov. 30, 2022, in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Her spouse, Billton Werito, survives Jessica; her children, Amari Werito, and Azarius Werito; father, Albert Lewis Jr.; siblings, Kendall Lewis, Tevin Lewis, Sariah Lewis, and siblings Afton Lewis; and grandmother, Marie Lewis.

Jessica is preceded in death by Darlene Lewis.

Following the service, a reception will occur at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Summit Funeral Home oversees arrangements.

Verdean Todakonzie

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Verdean “Dino” Todakonzie, 61, of Fort Defiance, will be held Monday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m., at the Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance, with Kenneth Delany officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery.

Verdean was born Oct. 20, 1961, at Camp Pendleton, California, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). He was born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Nov. 23, 2022, in Kent, Washington.

Verdean graduated from Window Rock High School in 1979 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he obtained a degree in business while in the military. He was Torpedo Man 1st Class on the USS Eisenhower stationed in Orlando, Florida; North Folk, Virginia; San Diego, California; Japan; and Hawaii.

Verdean was a musician who enjoyed hiking, golfing, traveling, cooking, and playing basketball and baseball.

Verdean is survived by his daughter, Amanda Todakonzie; mother, Barbara Todakonzie; brothers, Kevin Todakonzie and Kenneth Todakonzie Jr.; and two grandsons.

Verdean is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Todakonzie Sr.; sister, Patronella Todakonzie; brother, Lance Todakonzie; and nephew, Frank Todakonzie.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be family members and friends.

Following services, a reception will take place at the Family Church Reception Hall in Fort Defiance.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversees arrangements.

Michael E. Harvey

GALLUP — Funeral services for Michael Eugene Harvey, 51, of Gallup, were held Dec. 7 at the New Life Apostolic Church in Gallup, with Bruce Footracer officiating. Interment followed in Gallup.

Michael was born Sept. 12, 1971, in Gallup. He passed away Nov. 26, 2022, in Gallup.

Michael graduated from Gallup High School in 1989 and honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 2011. He worked as an assistant manager at Walmart, an officer for the New Mexico State Police, a driver for Cheii’s Transport, and a McKinley County Sheriff’s Department officer.

Michael enjoyed attending rodeos and participating in team roping, going to country and rock concerts, and being surrounded by his grandchildren.

Michael is survived by his wife, Lorie Harvey; son, Tyrell Harvey; daughters, Delrae Cervera and Damaris Duenas; brothers, Robert Harvey, and Owen Harvey; and three grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Lucinda and Martin Harvey Sr., and brothers, Bruce Harvey, and Martin Harvey Jr.

Manuel Venegas, Dan Byler, Anthony Tony, Tyrell Harvey, Jose Duenas, and Juan Cervera were Pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Delrae Cervera, Damaris Duenas, Hector Escarciga, Elreno Henio, Cecil Sanders, and Miguel Bittony.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Charles “Deshan” Lynch

GALLUP — Funeral services for Charles “Deshan” Lynch, 48, of Oak Springs, Arizona, will be held today, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m., at Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, with Father David officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Oak Springs.

Deshan was born May 14, 1974, in Gallup, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Nov. 28, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska.

Deshan graduated from Page High School in 1992 and attended San Juan College and Arizona State University. She worked with the Alaska Marine Highway System and Fred Meyer’s in Juneau. Many knew her when she worked at King Dragon in Gallup.

Deshan loved the Alaskan outdoors and enjoyed hiking, running, and spending time with friends and family. She was a most beautiful and kind person. Her family and friends will dearly miss her.

Deshan is survived by her brothers, Udo Brown and Rafferty Brown, and sister, Una Pesata.

Deshan is preceded in death by her mother, Edith Lynch, and grandparents, Henrietta and Ben Lynch.

Pallbearers will be Natalie Lynch, Kevin Shirley, Leandrew Lynch, Chris Hilt, Carl Wamboldt, and Aaron Pesata.

Honorary pallbearers will be Udo Brown, Rafferty Brown, and Una Pesata.

Reception to be announced.

Cope Memorial oversees arrangements.

Stephen D. Arviso

GALLUP — Funeral services for Stephen David Arviso, 64, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Tom White officiating. Burial will follow in Mexican Springs.

Stephen was born Jan. 7, 1958, in Manuelito, New Mexico, into the Dibé Łizhiní (Black Sheep Clan). He was born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Dec. 1, 2022, in Mexican Springs.

Stephen attended Gallup High School and was employed as a truck driver and auto mechanic. He was a social person who loved to cook, enjoyed attending church, helping people with his mechanic skills, and was a loving and caring uncle and brother.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Emma Tsosie; brothers, Leo Arviso, Frank Arviso, Theodore Arviso, Dennis Arviso, and Curtis Arviso; sisters, Alice Arviso and Anna Arviso; and grandparents, Lily and Leo Parker.

Stephen is preceded in death by his mother, Pauline P. Arviso; father, Little Cowboy Arviso; and brothers, Paul Arviso and Jimmy Arviso.

Pallbearers will be Will Arviso, Lawrence Etsitty, Melody Jimenez, Rose Jimenez, Cina Garcia, and Harvey Muskett.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Arviso Sr., Curtis Arviso, Alice Arviso, Leo Arviso, Theodor Arviso, and Anna Arviso.

A reception will take place at Jimmy Tsosie’s residence following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversees arrangements.

Shawn R. Gene

GALLUP — Funeral services for Shawn Ronaldo Gene, 39, of Houck, Arizona, will be held today, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., at the New Life Apostolic Church in Gallup, with Pastor David Dubois officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery.

Shawn was born Jan. 24, 1983, in Phoenix, into the Naasht’ézhí Dine’é Táchii’nii (Zuni/Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He was born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Nov. 25, 2022, in Phoenix.

Shawn graduated from Valley High School in 2001 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He attended the University of Technical Institute and was employed as a miner at Industrial Construction.

Shawn enjoyed movie nights with his friends, watching Dallas Cowboys football, helping his friends, playing basketball, and spending time with his family.

Shawn is survived by his sons, Eric Slim Jr., Jacob Gene, and Ian Gene; parents, Pearl Russell, and Ronald Gene; and brothers, Roland Gene, Jeremy Gene, and Conan Gene.

Shawn is preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty and Daniel Russell, and Nadine and Raymond Gene.

Brandon S. Clinton, Henry Vuong, Jacob Ritchie, Harry Preston, Anthony Zazueta, and Wayne Silvers Jr will be pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Gene, Roland Gene, Jeremy Gene, Conan Gene, Dennie Gene, Nathan Sam, Darty Russell, Aaron Hunt, Maverson Tabaha, Bonito Gene, Frank Gene, Kelliha Tsedah, Matthew Baldwin, and Vyron Baldwin.

A reception will take place at the Gallup Community Cemetery following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversees arrangements.

Ray Mitchell

MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Ray Mitchell, 64, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held today, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m., at the Summit Funeral Home Chapel in St. Michaels, with Edgardo Diaz officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michaels.
Ray was born April 23, 1958, in Jeddito, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He was born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Dec. 4, 2022, in Fort Defiance.

Ray attended Keams Canyon Community School, Toyei Junior High School, and Tuba City Boarding School. He worked at Griswold, Tuller’s Café, Navajo Forest Products Industries in Navajo, New Mexico, and Sawmill Ponderosa Industries.

Ray enjoyed playing the guitar, dancing, singing, and making people laugh.

Ray is survived by his wife, Rita Mitchell; sons, Jason Mitchell, and Darren Mitchell; daughter, Renee Mitchell; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ray is preceded in death by Dempsey Mitchell and Raymond Mitchell.

Marcus Mitchell, Dakota Mitchell, Colbryn Mitchell, Devin Mitchell, Tremayne James, and Eli-Sky Benally will be pallbearers.

Following services, a reception will occur at the St. Michaels Chapter House.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Shane Cody

GRAND FALLS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Shane Cody, 34, of Grand Falls, Arizona, was held Dec. 5 at the Cody family plot at the Salt River Ranch in Grand Falls, with Eugene Cody officiating.

Shane was born July 1, 1988, in Phoenix, into the Oglala Sioux Nation. He was born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). His nálí is Naakai Dine’é (Mexican); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). He passed away Nov. 22, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Shane served in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2014 and was employed with Masonry Construction.

Shane is survived by his father, Herbert Cody; brothers, Loren Cody, Justin Blackwater, and Stuart Cody; and sisters, Valerie Cody, and Kayla Cody.

Shane is preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve Blackwater.

Kevin Williams, D’Ryan J. Ashley, Faith Russell, Adam Aragon, Kyle Monroe-Tso, and Kyle Chance were pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Herbert Cody, Carl Curley, Herman Cody, Nelson Cody Sr., Ben Cody Jr., and Ray Cody.

Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Edgar L. Shirley

GALLUP — Funeral services for Edgar Lucas Shirley, 59, of Klagetoh, Arizona, will be held Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at Edward Shirley Sr.’s family plot in Klagetoh.

Edgar was born July 16, 1963, in Oakland, California, born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nalí is Naasht’ézhí dine’é Táchii’nii (Zuni/Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People). He passed away Nov. 28, 2022, in Klagetoh.

Edgar graduated from Sanders-Valley High School in 1982 and served in the U.S. Army. He loved fishing, cooking, reading, planting, watching old time period movies, and was involved with his community.

Edgar is survived by his wife, Mary Shirley; sons, Edward Shirley and Justin Shirley; daughters, Bonnie Shirley Tafoya and Toni Cramer; siblings, Edward Shirley Jr., Leonard Shirley, Cynthia Deschinny, Glenda Shirley, and John Shirley; and eight grandchildren.

Edgar is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret (Maggie) Shirley; father, Edward J. Shirley; and sisters, Marcella Arriola, Priscilla Chavez and Jennifer Shirley.

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

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

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