Obituaries for April 9, 2026
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Matthew Chee
TOHLAKAI, N.M. – Funeral services for Matthew Chee, 52, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, will be held Friday, April 10, at 11 a.m., at the Free Trinity Navajo Mission Church in Tohlakai, with Virgil Chee officiating. Burial will follow in Tohlakai.
Matthew Chee, May 25, 1973 – March 30, 2026
Matthew was born May 25, 1973, in Gallup, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away March 30, 2026, in Tohlakai.
Matthew attended Twin Lakes Elementary School, Tohatchi Middle School and graduated from Tohatchi High School where he was Senior of the Year and enjoyed playing basketball, football and baseball. He attended Northern Arizona University and worked at Walmart in Gallup, Midas, Firestone and J.D. Byrider in Utah. He also did some silversmith work.
Matthew enjoyed watching Tohatchi Middle/High School sports, listening to Rez bands, and watching CSI, Rookie, Dark Winds, PBR and NASCAR. His favorite teams were the Miami Dolphins, Texas Rangers and the Chicago Bulls.
Matthew is survived by his sons, Brennen Joseph Chee, Byren Mikel Chee, Brandon Roy Chee and Bryan Matthew Chee; daughters, Brittni Mae Chee, Berttina Mae Chee and Brenna Ann Chee; mother, Rosie A. Chee; brother, Micheal Chee; and sister, Tamara Chee.
Matthew is preceded in death by his father, Pastor Mike Chee; maternal grandparents, Rose and Silas Smith; and paternal grandparents, Mary and Tom Chee.
Pallbearers will be Arthur Dawes, Trent Smith, Drake Smith, Jaydien Dante Pinto, Kristian Lander Pinto and Pamela Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Micheal Chee, Marcellius Pinto, Isaiah Joe, Marty Yazzie, Velda Martinez and Benjamin Smith.
A reception will take place at the Free Trinity Navajo Mission Church following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Evelyn C. Manuelito
GALLUP – Funeral services for Evelyn Carol Manuelito, 94, of Naschitti, New Mexico, were held April 4 in Gallup. Interment followed at the Naschitti community cemetery.
Evelyn Carol Manuelito, Jan. 22, 1932 – March 30, 2026
Evelyn was born Jan. 22, 1932, in Kin Naaskaad (near Naschitti), into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). Her nálí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); cheii is Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People). She passed away March 30, 2026, in Tucson.
Evelyn enjoyed gardening, making puzzles and jewelry, cooking, traveling and visiting friends and relatives.
Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet, Roberta Musser-Manuelito, Eugenia Manuelito and Brenda Manuelito; siblings, Marie Lee, Raymone Pine and Beverly Henry; and eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Manuelito; daughter, Colleen; and sons, Ronneye and Randy Manuelito.
Pallbearers were Jason Castner, Myles Castner, Joe Kerkvliet, Kit Kerkvliet and Scotty Wolf.
Honorary pallbearers were Jesse Castner and Raymond Pine.
Ina M. James
PIÑON, Ariz. – Funeral services for Ina Mae James, 91, of Piñon, Arizona, will be held Monday, April 13, at 11 a.m., at the LDS Church in Piñon, with Larry Chee officiating. Burial will follow in Piñon.
Ina Mae James, March 15, 1935 – April 7, 2026
Ina was born March 15, 1935, in Hard Rock, Arizona, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Chíshí. She passed away April 7, 2026, in Sedona, Arizona.
Ina worked for Piñon Boarding School.
Ina is survived by her husband, Johnson James; and four sons, two daughters, and 20 grandchildren.
A reception will take place at the family home following services.
Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Mae M. Lynch
PREWITT, N.M. – Mae M. Lynch passed away peacefully at home in Prewitt, New Mexico, on March 31, with family and loved ones in her presence during her final days. She was 80 years old.
Mae M. Lynch, May 10, 1945 – 2026
Mae, better known to family as “Mom Mae” or “Grandma Mae,” was born at Bluewater Lake on May 10, 1945, and was raised alongside her siblings in nearby Bluewater Village.
Mae later lived in Oakland, California, and worked in industrial transportation before moving back home to the Navajo Nation. She raised a family in Window Rock and Sanders, Arizona, before moving back to Prewitt.
Mae was an excellent self-taught seamstress, and over the years was often asked to make traditional Navajo skirts, shirts, blouses and other clothes for relatives to wear for ceremonies or celebrations. Her family also counted on her guidance and historical knowledge concerning Diné protocol for ritual songs and ceremonies. In fact, her family lost count as to the number of times Grandma Mae was asked the honor of performing the traditional hair-tying for young Diné women going through the Kinaaldá ceremony.
More than almost anything else, Mae loved all the children in her family, and enjoyed great relationships with her dozens of nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Mae was born of the Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). Her maternal grandfather’s first clan was Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People) and her paternal grandmother’s first clan was Tó Baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came to the Water).
Mae is survived by her sons, Larryl Lynch and Marcus Lynch; stepsons, Richard Lynch and Ray Lynch; and 12 grandchildren.
Mae is preceded in death by her husband, Richard B. Lynch; daughter, Dawn Lynch; grandson, Andrew Lynch; granddaughter, Samantha Lynch; father, Paddy Martinez; and mother, Flora Martinez.
Services will be held today, April 9, at 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1010 Bonded Ave.) in Grants, New Mexico. Burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park.
A reception will take place at the LDS Church following burial.
Serphina Thomas
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Graveside service for Serphina Thomas, 59, of St. Michaels, Arizona, was held April 7.
Serphina Thomas, Nov. 25, 1966 – March 29, 2026
Serphina was born Nov. 25, 1966, in Gallup, into the Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), born for Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). Her nálí is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge); cheii is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around). She passed away March 29, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Serphina was employed as a housekeeper and enjoyed doing bead work.
Serphina is survived by her son, Raman Lee; daughter, Sharena Thomas; brothers, Billy Begay, Cornelius Slim, Sylvanus Totsoni, Jerome Totsoni, and Zachariah Totsoni; sisters, Selina Keryte and Sophia Totsoni; maternal grandparents, Clara and Joe Slim; paternal grandparents, Yanaba and Mike Thomas Sr.; and three grandchildren.
Serphina is preceded in death by Louise Thomas, Bernard Begay, Emery Thomas and Patrick Thomas.
Honorary pallbearers were Cornelius Slim, Jarvis Totsoni, Billy Begay, Larry Kellywood and Ronald Keryte.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Bryan M. Tsosie
CRYSTAL, N.M. – Funeral services for Bryan Mav Tsosie, 33, of Phoenix, will be held Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m., in Crystal. Burial will follow at the family plot in Crystal.
Bryan Mav Tsosie, Sept. 18, 1922 – March 31, 2026
Bryan was born Sept. 18, 1992, in Fort Defiance, into the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). His nálí is Bilagáana; cheii is Tł’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia). He passed away March 31, 2026, in Phoenix.
Bryan was a natural scholar who loved books and escaping into adventure through Xbox gaming.
Bryan is survived by his parents, Elaine Anna Lane and Arnold Tsosie; brothers, Craig (Natalie) Yazzie and Chad (Cristina) Lane; and sisters, Monica (Elijah) Dempsey and Dineh Thornton.
Bryan is preceded in death by his másání, Anna Anderson; and nálí man, Vincent Tsosie.
Pallbearers will be Craig Yazzie, Chad Lane and Elijah Dempsey.
A reception will take place at the Crystal LDS Branch following services.
Ascend Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Iris C. Brown
GALLUP – Funeral services for Iris C. Brown, 67, of Crownpoint, were held April 3 at Cope Memorial in Gallup, with Lorne Denetclaw officiating. Interment followed in Crownpoint.
Iris was born July 8, 1958, in Gallup, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). She passed away March 29, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Iris is survived by her husband, Ames W. Brown; son, Arliss Brown; daughters, Amelene Brown, Amy Brown, Arlene Brown, and Amber Brown; mother, Betty M. Craig; sister, Ethelyn Degroat; and seven grandchildren.
Iris is preceded in death by her father, Peter E. Craig.
Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.
Tarren A. Sleuth
GALLUP – Funeral services for Tarren Ann Sleuth, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, were held April 6 at Cope Memorial in Gallup, with Father Dale Jamison officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.
Tarren was born March 27, 1997, in Gallup, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). Her nálí is Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water). She passed away March 30, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Tarren worked various jobs, always giving her best bringing her warm personality wherever she went.
The role Tarren cherished the most and the one that brought her the greatest joy was becoming a mother to her two daughters. Being with them, loving them, and watching them grow was the center of her world. Her girls were her pride, her purpose, and her happiest moments.
Tarren is survived by her husband, Izaiah Sanchez; daughters, Hayden and Lylah Sleuth; and parents, Leon Sleuth and Carmelita Cohoe.
Tarren is preceded in death by her brother, Lydel Sleuth; and paternal grandparents, Herman and Stella Sleuth.
Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.
Kyle F. Morris
TOHATCHI, N.M. – Funeral services for Kyle Frank Morris, 38, of Navajo, New Mexico, were held April 3 at the Church of Jesus Christ in Tohatchi, New Mexico, with Daniel Stevens officiating. Interment followed at the Tohatchi cemetery.
Kyle was born Oct. 11, 1987, in Fort Defiance, into the Tséńjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). His nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People). He passed away March 28, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Kyle earned a culinary arts degree and enjoyed playing the guitar, cooking, gaming, hauling wood, singing, lighting weights, and helping others.
Kyle is survived by his daughter, Charity Lynn Morris; mother, Roselynn Morris; brothers, Ivan Morris and Arlee Baloo; sister, Lisa Howard; and nieces, Katlynn Howard, Kaye Howard and Asia Baloo.
Kyle is preceded in death by his father, Henry Morris.
Pallbearers were Daryl Peterson, Arlee Baloo, Ivan Morris, Jerry Antonio Jr., Terrence Lee, and Tayden Lee.
Honorary pallbearers were Charity Morris, Kaye Howard, Katlynn Howard, Asia Baloo, and Lisa Howard.
Green Meadows oversaw arrangements.
Alonzo L. Yesslith
HOLBROOK, Ariz. – Graveside service for Alonzo Lee Yesslith, 31, of Holbrook, Arizona, was held April 7 in Holbrook.
Alonzo was born Jan. 3, 1995, in Phoenix, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away March 29, 2026, in Jeddito, Arizona.
Alonzo was a man with various hats. He loved drawing, tattooing, grilling, cooking for the family, and spending time with his nieces and nephew.
Alonzo is survived by his sister, Antonia Silvers.
Alonzo is preceded in death by his mother, Linda Yesslith; father, Anthony Yesslith; and brothers, Lorenzo Yesslith and Almonzo Yesslith.
Pallbearers were Ruben Yesslith, Frankie Altimarano, Dinahi Yesslith, DeVonta Woods, Robert Nelson Jr., and Dwayne Yazzie.
Honorary pallbearers were Brian Begay, Johannsen Tom and LaShawn Yazzie.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Leonard L. Begay
GALLUP – Funeral services for Leonard L. Begay, 64, of Buffalo Springs, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m., at the Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, with Ted Etsitty officiating. Burial will follow in Tohatchi, New Mexico.
Leonard was born April 24, 1961, in Gallup, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nálí is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together); cheii is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). He passed away April 7, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Leonard was a street-smart hands-on learning type of guy. He worked for the City of Gallup during the seasonal Gallup Ceremonial and was a great mechanic and DIY individual who enjoyed beading, helping relatives, and being a ceremonial supporter. He also was a great horse trainer and No. 1 Wingate fan.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Julia Begay; son, Leslie Begay; daughters, LaSandra Begay, LeAndra Begaye and Janielle Begaye; brothers, Henry Begay Jr., Ernest Begay, Simon Begay, and Jason Begay; sisters, Marita Charley and Regina Begay; and grandson, Liam Begay.
Leonard is preceded in death by his mother, Angela L. Upshaw; father, Henry Begay Sr.; brothers, Edward Begay and Anderson Begay; and sisters, Rosie Benally and Marie Lou Chee.
A reception will take place at the Tohatchi Chapter House following services.
Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.
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Highway 264,
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