Obituaries for April 4, 2024

Florence Bilagody De Jolie

PAGE, Ariz. — A Celebration of Life memorial service for Florence Bilagody De Jolie, 90, of LeChee, Arizona, will be held Saturday, April 27, at the Faith Bible Chapel in Page, Arizona. She was laid to rest March 22, 2024, at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo in Bellemont, Arizona.

Florence was born in Tuba City, into the Tsé deeshgizhnii (Rock Gap Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away March 18, 2024.

Florence was an ordained reverend on the Navajo Nation. She worked as an operator at the Grand Canyon and at Cameron Trading Post in her younger years.

Florence enjoyed sewing and crafting traditionally-styled clothing, blankets, potholders, and tote bags.

Florence is survived by her children, Harrison, Charlotte Tsosie, LeRoy, Jackie Mendoza, Olivier, and Oscar; and 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Harry De Jolie; Marvin De Jolie, Gary De Jolie and Chenoa Faith Wagner.

Pallbearers were Kendall De Jolie, Elijah De Jolie, Cody De Jolie, Nate Tsosie, Justin Luke, John Luke, Jason Laughter, Richard Tso, Keanu Luna, and Leroy Walters.

Valley Ridge Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Paul Jumbo

CHINLE — Graveside service for Paul Jumbo, 76, of Many Farms, Arizona, will take place Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle community cemetery with Pastor Benson Kee officiating.

Paul was born Dec. 1, 1947, in Many Farms, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan). He passed away March 20, 2024, in Phoenix.

Paul worked in construction and with the railroad before retiring.

Paul is survived by his wife, Ella John; daughters, Pauletta, Rebecca G. and Denise; brothers, David Y., Francis Y. and Larry B.; sister, Louise W.; and 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Paul is preceded in death by his son, Jason J.; and daughter, Gwendolyn T.

Pallbearers will be Rudy C., Jameson C., Larusso B., and John C. Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Y. and Francis Y.

A reception will take place at Louise Wagner’s house (1.5 miles south west of Many Farms Chapter) following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Mary A. Tabaha

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Mary Agnes Tabaha, 61, of Hunters Point, Arizona, were held April 2 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Fort Defiance, with Father Blane Grein officiating. Interment followed in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Mary was born May 25, 1962, in Fort Defiance, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away March 28, 2024, in Phoenix.

Mary graduated from St. Michaels Special Education and enjoyed making macramé, watching TV, spending time with her family, and viewing God’s creation, Mother Nature.

Mary is survived by her brothers, Francis Tabaha, Dan Tabaha and Frederick Tabaha; and sisters, Alice Emerson, Evelyn Tabaha, Lena Tabaha, Catherine Tabaha, Sally Shurley, Arvisa Tabaha, Nancy Tabaha, and Rosemary Tabaha.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Bob Tabaha; sisters, Elsie Tabaha and Charlene Tabaha; nephews, Brian Tsosie and Loren Allison; and grandparents, Nellie and Nathan Yazzie.

Pallbearers were Isaiah Tabaha, Nathan Emerson, Emerson Masayestewa, Jason Emerson, Leland Johnson, and Rolando Allison.

Honorary pallbearers were Frederick Tabaha, Herman Dale, Christopher Dale, Ethan Masayestewa, Shane Shorty, and Laithan Emerson.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Roberta A. Sandoval

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Roberta Ann Sandoval, 52, of St. Michaels, Arizona, were held April 2 at the Lady of Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance, with Father Pio O’Conner officiating. Interment followed in St. Michaels.

Roberta was born Oct. 28, 1971, in Denver, into the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). She passed away March 25, 2024, in Goodyear, Arizona.

Roberta attended Window Rock Unified Schools and Mesa Community College. She had numerous jobs with the Navajo Nation and in Mesa.

Roberta enjoyed listening to music, word search, crossword puzzles, bingo, and casinos.

Roberta is survived by her sons, Brent Walker, Jordan Walker, Dante Walker, Xavier Sandoval, and Keion Sandoval; parents, Vangie and Robert Sandoval; sister, Patricia A. Morris; and five grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Brent Walker, Jordan Walker, Dante Walker, Xavier Sandoval, Keion Sandoval, and Emmanuel Walker.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Tom T. Dennison

KIRTLAND, N.M. — Funeral services for Tom Taa’haalwod Dennison, 96, of Sun City, Arizona, will be held Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m., at the Union Hall in Kirtland, New Mexico.

Tom was born Oct. 2, 1927, in Carson, New Mexico, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). His nálí is Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away March 23, 2024, in Sun City.

Tom attended Navajo Methodist Mission in Farmington, and the Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta Canada. He worked for the Missionary Navajo Gospel Crusade, CGG Oil Exploration, Horse Care in Mackinac Island, Michigan, and other various places in the U.S.

Tom enjoyed evangelizing, writing, reading, singing, and carving stones and wood.

Tom is survived by his sons, David Dennison and Freeman Dennison; daughter, Patricia (Darryl) Washington; parents, Mary and Peter Dennison; brothers, Clarence Dennison, George (Gloria) Dennison and Paul Dennison; sisters, Katie Wade, Arie Lynn, Fannie Dennison, Sarah (Ernest) Manuelito, and Esther (Arnett) Yazzie Lewis; and seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Tom is preceded in death by his son, Tom Dennison Jr.; parents, Mary and Peter Dennison; brothers, Albert Dennison, George Kee Dennison and David Dennison; and sisters, Inez Yazzie and Barbara Sells.

Terry Charles

GRANTS, N.M. — Funeral services for Terry Charles, 83, of Crownpoint, will be held Saturday, April 6, at 12 p.m., at The Potter’s House Christian Center (342 1st St.) in Grants, New Mexico, with Pastor Mark Sperling officiating. Burial will follow in Washington, D.C.

Terry was born July 10, 1940, in Crownpoint. He passed away March 20, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Terry attended school in Albuquerque, and New Mexico State University. He then transferred and graduated from Diné College with an associate degree.

Terry worked for the government, Bashas’, Coca Cola, and retired from Crownpoint Indian Health Service. He enjoyed reading books, the local reservation newspapers, New York Times, the Bible, and Word Search.

Terry is survived by his sons, Terrance and Shawn Charles; daughters, June and Tuesday Charles; and 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Hanahbah and Guy Charley; brothers, Homer Charley, Chee Charley, Jackie Homer, and Charley White; and sisters, Mary Charley, Ruby Charley and Bernice House.

A reception will take place at the Potter’s House Church Fellowship Hall following services.

Trujillo Family Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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