Obituaries for April 16, 2026
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Wilhelmina Becenti Nelson
FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Wilhelmina Becenti Nelson, 87, of Fort Defiance, were held March 20 in Fort Defiance. Interment followed at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery.
Wilhelmina Becenti Nelson, April 28, 1938 – March 14, 2026
Wilhelmina was born April 28, 1938, in Becenti, New Mexico, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). She passed away March 14, 2026, in Kingman, Arizona.
Wilhelmina earned an associate degree from Northland Pioneer College and worked for Little Miss Muffet and Karigan Child Care. She enjoyed going to church, reading her Bible, sewing, and watching sports events and Urkel in Family Matters.
Wilhelmina is survived by her husband, Roger Nelson; children, Ophelia Nelson, Nizhoni Thorton, Rodney Nelson and Clarissa Holmes; sister, Arlene Tolino; and five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Mathias Milford, Ken Thorton, Michael Holmes, Brighten Thompson, Norman Bowman, Nathaniel Tolino and Dylan Tolino.
Honorary pallbearers were Roger Nelson, Rodney Nelson, Arriania Milford, Cheyenne Milford and Blake Campbell.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Roy Jensen
GALLUP – Funeral services for Roy Jensen, 83, of Gallup, were held April 10 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed in Gallup.
Roy was born June 1, 1942, in Cedar Springs, Arizona, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nálí is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People); cheii is Hopi/Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away April 4, 2026, in Phoenix.
Roy graduated from Phoenix Indian School in 1962 and retired as an auto mechanic at Montgomery Wards. He loved rodeo and sports, especially the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Roy is survived by his daughters, Deborah Jensen and Glorianna Ray; brothers, Bennie Jensen, Steven Tsinijinni, Felix Tsinijinni and Justin Jensen; sisters, Annie Monroe, Maxine Jensen, Rose Jensen, Cecelia Jensen, Laura Alex Emery Jensen, Norma Jensen-Shorty and Emolinda Jensen; and three grandchildren.
Roy is preceded in death by his wife, Lynn Jensen; daughter, Brenda Jensen; and parents, Jasper and Yollie Jensen.
Pallbearers were Tyrone Tsinijinni, Elden Santiago, Gary B. Jensen, Deborah Jensen, Glorianna Ray, Savannah Nelson, Angie Curley and Zoey Nelson.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Wilson Laughing
FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Wilson Laughing, 82, of Crystal, New Mexico, will be held Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m., at the Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance, with Hoskie Bryant officiating. Burial will follow in Milkwater, Arizona.
Wilson was born Feb. 7, 1944, in Crystal. He passed away April 12, 2026, in Farmington.
Wilson graduated from Wingate High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University. He was a rancher who enjoyed taking care of his livestock and watching football.
Wilson is survived by his daughters, Drena Shirley and Terri Laughlin, both of Gallup, and Marlynda Shirley; brother, Kee Y. Laughing of Crystal; sisters, Minnie Laughlin of Provo, Utah, and Lorraine Laughlin of Crystal; and 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Wilson is preceded in death by his mother, Frances W. Laughing; father, Sam Laughing; brothers, Johnny Laughing Sr., Dan Laughing, Bennie Laughing Sr., Tommy E. Laughlin, Jonah Laughlin, Edward P. Laughlin, and Clarence Laughlin; and sisters, Ella Mae Brown and Gertie Laughing.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Laughing, Nicholas Samuels, TJ Teller, Calijuah Laughing, Adriano Jesus and Bennie Laughing Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kee Y. Laughing, William Laughing, Eugene Wauneka, Taime Vaughn Tso and Theron Vane Tso.
A reception will take place at the Crystal Chapter House following services.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Sampson Belin
CROWNPOINT – Funeral services for Sampson Belin, 63, of Crownpoint, will be held Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m., at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Crownpoint. Burial will follow in Crownpoint.
Sampson was born Feb. 10, 1963, in Littlewater, New Mexico, into the Chishi Clan, born for Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). His nálí is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House); cheii is Tł’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia). He passed away April 11, 2026, in Grants, New Mexico.
Sampson attended Crownpoint Boarding School and worked in the electrical field in Dalhart, Texas. He enjoyed cooking, playing softball, dancing and riding horses.
Sampson is survived by his son, Olin Belin; brothers, James Belin, Jimeson Belin, Gene Belin Sr., and Lanson Belin; sisters, Margie Rojack, Martha Slim, Margaret Belin and Geneva Belin; and two grandchildren.
Sampson is preceded in death by his mother, Helen C. Belin; father, Richard Belin Sr.; and brothers, Richard Belin Jr., Anson Watson and Pahe Belin.
Pallbearers will be Karl Slim, Karlton Slim, Ronnie Rojack, Ronavan Yazzie, Rylane Belin and Alton Yazzie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Olin Belin and Braxton Belin.
A reception will take place at the St. Paul Parish Hall following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
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Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow