Obituaries for April 21, 2022

Betty L. Day-Yazzie

GALLUP — A memorial service for Betty Lee Day-Yazzie, 84, of Tempe, Arizona, will be held Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m., at The Knights of Columbus Hall (105 Apache Circle) in Gallup. Burial will be by immediate family only.

Betty was born June 30, 1937, in Lupton, Arizona, into the Dibé Łizhiní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí Táchii’nii (The Charcoal-Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). Her nálí is John and Ale’anaba Morgan; cheii is Charlie and Nesbah Day. She passed away April 2, 2022, in Mesa, Arizona.

Betty attended Fort Wingate Elementary/High School and Fort Lewis College in Colorado. She was a career teacher, starting employment in Leupp, Arizona, and retiring as a teacher from Fort Wingate.

Betty enjoyed sewing, taking long walks, gardening, reading, watching old movies, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her son, Wayne Yazzie of California; daughters, Wilma Shorty of Arizona, Wanda Begay, Sonya Padilla, and Sandra Dean, all of New Mexico; brother, Anderson Morgan of Houck, Arizona; sister, Helen Whitehorse of Riverside, California; and 12 grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death by her brother, Robert Bennett; sister, Lillian Beach; husband, Wilson R. Yazzie; and son, Bennett Yazzie.

A reception will take place at The Knights of Columbus Hall, following service.

Abel’s Funeral Home oversees arrangements.

Mevalon S. Ross

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Mevalon Sharon Ross, 77, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held today, April 21, at 10 a.m., at the catholic church in Ganado, with Brother Paul officiating. Burial will follow at the Ganado community cemetery.

Mevalon was born March 2, 1945, in Ganado, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away April 15, 2022, at Haven Health in Lakeside, Arizona.

Mevalon attended Chemawa Indian School in Oregon and worked as a cook at schools in Ganado and Dallas Texas, and a nurse assistant in Phoenix. She enjoyed sewing and cleaning.

Mevalon is survived by her daughter, Regina M. Ross; brothers, Richard Clark, Charley James Jr., and Elvis James; and 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Mevalon is preceded in death by her son, Tom J. Ashley Jr.; daughters, Philomena Ross, and Alberta Green; and parents, Mary James and Benjamin Manning.

Pallbearers will be Cedric Whieleathe, Galen Williams, Glynn “Yoshie” Begay, Aaron Ross, Sean Nez, and Jose Torres.

Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Clark, Charley James Jr., Elvis James, and Perry James Jr.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversees arrangements.

Thelma M. Singer

DILKON, Ariz. — Funeral services for Thelma Marie Singer, 65, of Dilkon, Arizona, were held April 20.

Thelma was born April 11, 1957, in Dilkon, into the Naasht’ézhí dine’é Tábąąhá (Zuni Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii and Tł’ízíłání (Red House People/ Many Goats Clan). She passed away April 13, 2022, in Flagstaff.

Thelma is survived by her son, Julian Eswonia; daughter, Jacqueline Eswonia; brothers, Wilbert Barton and Bert Barton; sisters, Lucy Gross and Priscella Todechine; and three granddaughters.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Norma and Kee Barton, and brother, Leland Barton.

Pallbearers were Christopher, Josh, Morgan, Branon, and Stephen.

Honorary pallbearers were Julian and Vale.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Richard Tsosie Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Richard Tsosie Jr., 63, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, will be held today, April 21, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Ervin Nez officiating. Burial will follow in Tohlakai.

Richard was born June 2, 1958, in Gallup, into the Tódík’ózhí (Saltwater Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). He passed away April 17, 2022, in Gallup.

Richard attended Tohatchi High School and enlisted in the Army from 1979 to 1983. He worked for Brasier Asphalt and retired from Gurley Motor Company.

Richard enjoyed roping, racquetball, tennis, golf, and riding horses.

Richard is survived by his sons, Thaddeus Tsosie, and Cedric “CR” Tsosie; daughters, Cateka Tsosie and Cambria Tsosie; brothers, George Tsosie, Larry Tsosie, and Harry Tsosie; sisters, Sarah Joe, Julie Briggs, and Marie Tsosie; and 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Leupp Tsosie and Richard Tsosie Sr., and grandparents, Grace Tso Leupp, and Charlie Leupp.

Pallbearers will be Richard Frank Jr., Truman King, Jared Joe, Brandon Tsosie, Derrick Tsosie, and Ernie Begaye.

Honorary pallbearers will be Irvin Livingston, George Tsosie, Larry Tsosie, Harry Tsosie, Porter Rio Smith, Titus Toadlena, and Jerome Elwood.

Rollie Mortuary oversees arrangements.

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