Obituaries for April 18, 2024

Michael Manson

COPPERMINE, Ariz. — Michael Manson, of Coppermine Arizona, passed away April 11, 2024, in Tucson, at the age of 64. He was born in Tuba City, to Carol Begay Manson and Johnny Manson.

Michael was born into the Tsé Deeshgizhnii (Rock Gap Clan), born for Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). His cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House); nálí is Honágháahnii (one-walks-around).

Michael served in the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He was an artist his whole life, using his skill with woodworking to not only create art, but build homes, and help community members when able.

As an avid lover of the outdoors, Michael instilled a sense of wonder for nature and the sky with his children, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Never one to sit still, Michael was always on the move, whether it was going on bike rides, creating art, or cooking – he was able to find joy (and humor) in life’s small moments.

Michael is the first of Carol and Johnny’s children to join them in the spirit world. He is survived by his children, Merry C. Manson and Jon Yazzie Manson; and sisters, Minnette Roundstone, Wynnette Hammond, Macaria Manson, and Ava TaCheenie.

Michael will be celebrated by his family on Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m. (MST), at the Hanging Horse Valley in Coppermine, followed by dinner at the Manson-Hammond residence at 5 p.m. (MST).

Roshaunavan K. Harrison

GALLUP — Church service for Roshaunavan Kavner “Shaun” Harrison, 45, of Houck, Arizona, is set for Friday, April 19, at 12 p.m., at the All Nations Assembly of God (716 East Hill Ave.) in Gallup.

Shaun was born April 7, 1979, in Gallup, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Bi cheii is Mą’ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass) and bi nálí is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around). He passed away April 11, 2024, in Houck.

Shaun was raised in Houck, and attended school in Sanders, Arizona. He graduated from Sanders High School in 1997 and worked at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon as a chef.

Shaun also lived in Fairfax, Virginia. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1999 and served in Iraq and in Okinawa. He was a marksmanship instructor and a field wireman. He was bestowed with three meritorious awards and was classified as a rifle expert and a pistol sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in October 2003.

Shaun attended DeVry University in Phoenix and served as private security for most of his career. He was a chef, entertainment disc jockey, mechanic, and a professional driver.

Shaun is survived by his son, Goliath Brahm Harrison; parents, Albert and Lucinda Harrison; and sisters, Ronalda Tome-Warito, Earlinda Warito Chima and Ratana Warito.

Shaun is preceded in death by his brothers; sister, Carmen; maternal grandparents, Charles and Ella Morgan; and paternal grandparents, Charles and Yetasbah Harrison.

A Celebration of Life memorial and reception will take place at the Community Service Center (410 Bataan Veterans St.) in Gallup, following the church service at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Diné Naazbaa Partnership are welcomed. (https://www.dinenaazbaapartnership.org/)

Ida M. Johnson

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ida Marie Johnson, 87, of Red Rock, New Mexico, will be held Friday, April 19, at 10 a.m., at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup, with Pastor Terry Goodin officiating. Burial will follow in Red Rock.

Ida was born May 17, 1936, in Pinehaven, New Mexico, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). She passed away April 12, 2024, in Red Rock.

Ida was a homemaker who loved tending to her flock of sheep, helping relatives with traditional ceremonies, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Ida is survived by her sons, Ernest Johnson, Jimmie Johnson Jr. and Isaac Johnson; daughters, Juanita Wanda Lee and Marita Mae Smith; and seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Ida is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Johnson Sr.; son, Amos Johnson; daughter, Loretta Bitah; and parents, Ben and Bah Joe.

Pallbearers will be Donaldran Bitah, Demetrius Smith, Nicholas Joe, Christopher Joe, Dauron Eve, and Ivan Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmie Johnson Jr., Ernest Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Levon Smith, Charles B. Lee, Brian Brown, Kevin Chatto, and Darrell Deswood Joe.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Thomas Begay

THOREAU, N.M. — Graveside service for Thomas Begay, 68, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, were held April 12 at the Thoreau cemetery in Thoreau, New Mexico, with Charley Long officiating.

Thomas was born Oct. 15, 1955, in Gallup, into the Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away in Birdsprings, Arizona.

Thomas graduated from Wingate High School and worked for N.T.S. for 15 years. He was a member of the Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders and Native American Church. He held many awards in basketball and loved working on vehicles.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Lisa Begay, Lois Begay, Licia Nakai, Latisha Begay, and Felisha Begay; brother, Lester Nelson Emerson; sisters, Pauline Ann Joe, Refina Lynn Emerson; Vernie Emerson, Lavern Emerson, and Norlene Emerson-Fuentes; and 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Thomas is preceded in death by his mother, Louise L. Emerson; father, Nelson Emerson; wife, Virginia K. Begay; and sister, Verna Emerson.

Pallbearers were Edison Emerson, Lavern Emerson, Daniel A. Garcia, Ronald Bryant, Pete Anderson, Paul Anderson, Iverson Luther, and Larence Long.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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