Obituaries for Feb. 22, 2018

Thomas Herbert Begay

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Thomas Herbert Begay, 84, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Glory Temple Church in Ganado, with Pastor Sammy Begay officiating. Burial will follow at the Ganado cemetery.

Thomas was born Sept. 8, 1933, in Ganado, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). He died Feb. 18, 2018, in Winslow, Arizona. Thomas attended the Phoenix Indian School five-year program, graduating in 1955. He was employed with Public Health Service, Dennehotso Chapter president and Navajo Area School Board Association from 1974 to 1999. Thomas enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos football team, singing Navajo gospel hymns, sheepherding, public speaking, traveling, politics regarding the Navajo Tribal Council and watching rodeos.

Thomas is survived by his sisters, Leta S. James and Lena A. Kee. Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Begay; mother, Lena Ella Begay; brother, Danny W. Begay; and father, Hostiin Clotsoi. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends. A reception will take place at the Ganado Chapter House following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Brown Sr.

CHINLE — Funeral services for Virgil Brown Sr., 80, of Chinle, were held Feb. 21 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Interment followed at the family plot in Chinle.

Virgil was born Dec. 6, 1937, in Chinle, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He died Feb. 17, 2018, in Chandler, Arizona.

Virgil was a rancher and retired from law enforcement for the Navajo Nation.

Virgil is survived by his sons, Virgil Brown Jr., Vernon Brown and Vincent Brown; daughters, Vergie Yazzie and Verdenas Begay; and 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Virgil is preceded in death by his wife, Irene Rose Brown; parents, Margaret Talliwood and John Brown Sr.; brothers, John Brown Jr. and Calvin K. Brown Sr.; and sisters, Helen Heyde, Louise Tah, Zonnie Silversmith, Bessie Martin and Anna Lewis.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Drake

INSCRIPTION HOUSE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Ralph Drake, 61, will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Inscription House, Arizona. Burial will follow at the family plot in Navajo Mountain, Utah.

Ralph was born Sept. 18, 1956, in Navajo Mountain, into the Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (His Sheaves/Under His Cover Clan). He passed away Feb. 18, 2018, in Winslow, Arizona.

Greer’s Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.greersmortuary.com.

Michael R. Manson

HARDROCK, Ariz. — Funeral services for Michael R. Manson, 49, of Hardrock, Arizona, were held Feb. 15 at the Navajo Gospel Mission in Hardrock, with Pastor Paul Chief officiating. Interment followed in Hardrock.

Michael was born Nov. 24, 1968, in Tuba City, into the Tl’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). He died Feb. 8, 2018, in Flagstaff. Michael graduated in 1987 from North American College in Tempe, Arizona. He was employed as a commercial and industrial electrician and residential carpenter, drywall installer, plumber and auto mechanic. He enjoyed playing the guitar.

Michael is survived by his son, Matthew Manson; daughter, Taylar Manson; mother, Dora Manson; brothers, Joseph Manson, Richard Manson, Daniel Manson and Kenneth Manson; and sister, Delphine Chief. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Joe Manson; and brother, Ernest Manson. Pallbearers were Joe Manson Jr., Adam Begay, Kenneth Manson, Nick Manson, Erwin Purley and Erick Chief. Honorary pallbearers were Matthew Manson, Daniel Manson, Joseph Manson and Richard Manson.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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