Obituaries for Feb. 16, 2017

H.. Franklin ‘Frank’ Booher

THOREAU, N.M. — A celebration of the life of H. Franklin “Frank” Booher, 93, a longtime resident of Smith Lake, New Mexico, was held Feb. 13 at the Thoreau Baptist Church in Thoreau. Interment followed at the Mount Powell Mission.

Frank was born Sept. 27, 1923, in Cambridge, Ohio, to Lynes Harold and Jennie Booher, the second of five children. He passed away Feb. 6, 2017.

Frank attended school in Canton, Ohio, graduating in 1941, and then attended college to become a mechanical engineer. World War II was raging, however, so Frank entered the U.S. Navy in 1943. He proudly served in fire control on the USS Sands in the Pacific Theatre until the end of the war in 1946. He returned to Canton, married Nancy Weis and had four children.

Frank worked 25 years for the Ohio Bell Telephone Company. In 1963, he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and his life was forever changed.

In 1967, he and Nancy were called by the Lord to become missionaries to the Navajo people in the Four Corners area. In 1969, they adopted eight children and they established Mount Powell Navajo Mission and Church, faithfully preaching the gospel for over 50 years.

Frank is survived by his four siblings, 10 children, 34 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends who loved and will miss him.

Frank is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years and two sons.

Direct Funeral Services handled arrangements.

Denny Lewis Watchman Sr.

CHINLE — Funeral services for Denny Lewis Watchman Sr., 86, of Chinle, will be held Friday, Feb. 17, at Our Lady of Fatima in Chinle. Burial will follow in Hidden Springs, Arizona.

Denny was born Jan. 15, 1931, in Canyon De Chelly, into the Nát’oh dine’é Táchii’nii (Tobacco Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). He died Feb. 10, 2017, in Chinle.

Denny attended Chinle School, St. Michael Mission School and finished a 5-year program at Chilocco Indian Agricultural School in Chilocco, Oklahoma.

Denny was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War as a tank driver. He worked in the railroad industry for 30 years.

Denny was a bantam-weight champion boxer for the U.S. Army and earned a pair of Golden Gloves. He enjoyed horseback riding, working on cars, and traveling.

Denny is survived by his sons, Robert L. Watchman, Alvin C. Watchman, Denny Watchman Jr. and Jonathan Benally; daughters, Nadine Watchman and Colleen Watchman; brothers, Tully Watchman, Joe Watchman Sr., Yazzie Lewis and John Watchman; sister, JuneAnn Totsoni; and 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Denny is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Mae Watchman; mother, Dorothy Watchman; father, Robert Lewis; stepfather, Charlie Watchman Sr.; brothers, Kenneth Watchman and Charlie Watchman Jr.; and sister, Louise Woody.

Pallbearers will be family members.

A reception will take place at the Chinle Catholic Hall following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Leroy Shirley

DEER SPRINGS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Leroy Shirley, 63, of Deer Springs, will be held today, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. at The Family Church in Fort Defiance, with Pastor James Flores and Pastor Kenneth Delaney officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Red Willow Springs.

Leroy was born Dec. 13, 1953, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsénabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Tsénjikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). He died Feb. 6, 2017, in Navajo, New Mexico.

Leroy attended Fort Defiance Elementary School, Crystal Boarding School, and graduated from Window Rock High School. He then attended San Juan College for millwright training.

Leroy worked at Navajo Forest Products Industry in Navajo, and loved ranching, welding, carpentry, and building. He was a big fan of the Denver Broncos and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge of livestock, tending to the land and skills with loved ones, and supporting his grandchildren in sports and education.

Leroy is survived by his companion, Linda Tsosie of Navajo; daughters, Renee Hardy-Shirley of Navajo, and Tracella Dokey of Coalmine, New Mexico; brothers, Edward Shirley Sr. of Klagetoh, Arizona, and Lewis Shirley of Deer Springs; sisters, Pauline S. Holmes of Window Rock, Ella S. Dalton of Albuquerque, and Linda S. Wilson of Red Willow Springs; and 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Annie T. Shirley; and brothers, Henry Shirley and Edison Shirley.

Pallbearers will be Justin Begay, Derrick Dalton, Samuel Dalton, Randan Holmes II, Keenan Nez, Keon Nez, Justin T. Shirley III, Leroy Tsosie, Ivan Watchman and Nathan Wilson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Malcolm “Skip” Curley, Doug Hardy, Joe Hardy, Mike James Jr., Edward Shirley Sr., Leonard Shirley, Lewis Shirley, Michael Shirley and Dan Wilson.

Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Henry Carr

TONALEA, Ariz. — Henry Carr passed away Feb. 12, 2017, in Tonalea. A celebrated and esteemed member of the community, he is remembered for his humility, grace, and loving nature.

Henry was born Jan. 15, 1932, into the Tl’izi lani (Many Goats Clan), born for Naasht’ézhi dine’é Tábaahá (Zuni Water’s Edge Clan). He resided with his family in Tonalea.

Henry was a Korean War veteran who served in the Air Force as a munitions system specialist in 1952.

Henry loved his family and was wholly devoted to them. A father of 10 children, he also adopted a son and raised three of his grandchildren. As a born-again Christian he helped pioneer a church for his community, Red Lake Full Gospel Church, which now sits next to his home.

Many will remember Henry as the cashier at the historic Old Red Lake Trading Post, and from his 31 years as a bus driver for Tonalea Day School.

Community contributions and sentiments encourage us to celebrate Henry’s memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made online at www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-henry-carr.

The family thanks you for your support.

Bruce Ray Peters Jr.

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral services for Bruce Ray Peters Jr., 62, were held Feb. 13 at the Riverside Funeral Home in Albuquerque. Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Bruce was born Sept. 13, 1954, in Albuquerque, to Bruce Peters and Katherine Sandoval Begay. He passed away Feb. 5, 2017, peacefully at his home in Albuquerque, after a long battle with diabetes and dialysis treatments.

Bruce graduated from Wingate High School in 1974 and served in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977 stationed in Germany as private first class and was in the U.S. National Guard from 1977 to 1978.

Bruce was always full of life and had a great sense of humor. He always made people laugh with his funny analogies, fed people with his cooking, talked about his time in the Army with his armory crewmen and reminisced about his bull riding days, including sharing his talent as an artist with his drawings and leather stamping.

Bruce worked as a prep cook in the late 80s before going on to be a plumber laborer for Tuffy’s Plumbing from 1987 to 1998 and prior to retiring he worked at Klines Auto Repairs from 2005 to 2008.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Lena Peters; daughter, LeAndra Madalena; sons, Leander Peters, Lyle and Kyle Peters; siblings, Benjamin “Rick” Peters, Christine Peters, Victoria Peters, Marthella Peters, Audrey Begay Rosado, Phyllis Bunny and Valentina Begay; and four grandchildren.

Bruce will greatly be missed by his family and numerous friends.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt gratitude for all condolences, well wishes, prayers and donations.

Jesse Ygnacio Sanchez

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jesse Ygnacio Sanchez, 23, will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

Jesse was born May 3, 1993. He passed away Feb. 11, 2017, in Gallup.

Jesse graduated from Rehoboth High School and attended the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico. He worked at UPS, Designated Drivers and Law Office of Erica E. Anderson.

Jesse was an excellent student with a contagious smile. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, working out, and loved spending time with his family and friends.

Jesse is survived by his parents, Marcos and Esther Sanchez; brother, Isaiah Sanchez; and grandparents, Virgie Sanchez, and Ernest and Barbara Wilson.

Jesse is preceded in death by his grandparents, Nacho Rangel, Jose Sanchez, and Delfina Martin.

Pallbearers will be Will Golden, Charles Avery, Ryan Postma, William Donahoo, Chris Smith, and Phil Spitz.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

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