Obituaries for Aug. 1, 2019

Nancy L. Begay

CROWNPOINT — Funeral services for Nancy L. Begay (aka Nesie L. Begay), 99, were held July 26 at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Crownpoint. Interment followed at the Crownpoint community cemetery.

Nancy was born Feb. 28, 1920, in Littlewater, New Mexico, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nali is Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove); chei is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away July 18, 2019, in Standing Rock, New Mexico.

Nancy was a homemaker, rug weaver, sheepherder, and caretaker for other grandchildren. She enjoyed coloring books, arts and crafts, crocheting, and puzzles.

Nancy was a foster grandparent at Littlewater Head Start back in the late 70s and involved with the Parent Advisory Committee at Borrego Pass Community School back in the late 70s.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Lucia Yazzie of California, Cecila Platero of Littlewater, Fayerena Sam of Standing Rock, and Morena Begay of Sundance, New Mexico; and son, Larrison D. Begay.

Nancy is preceded in death by her son, Martin L. Begay; and adopted son, Leonard D. Begay.

Pallbearers were Falisha Leuppe, Randy Begay, Jordan Begay, Shaneford G. Kady, Sherdan C. Kady, Gilford Kady, TyOlin Sam, Traiden Yazzie, Elias J. Ashley, Gifford Kady Sr., Harald Thompson, Marvin Belin, Joel Leuppe, and Harrison L. Sam.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Anthony Gordon

GALLUP — Funeral services for Anthony “Toady” Gordon, 30, will be held today, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Anthony was born Feb. 5, 1989, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). His nali is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House); chei is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around). He passed away July 11, 2019, in Albuquerque.

Anthony taught himself how to play the guitar/piano and enjoyed spending time with family/friends, skateboarding, traveling, listening to music, reading/writing, and helping/talking with others.

Anthony is survived by his parents, Delbert and Jennie C. Gordon; brothers, Leland Gordon and Andrew L. Gordon; sisters, Mackenzie Baca, LeAnn Belone, Sue Ann Gordon, and Cori Jane Gordon; son, Noah Ray Gordon; daughter, Alyce Rae Gordon; and stepson, Davyas Ray Begay.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Gordon, Lenny Baca, Bennie R. Baca, Koby R. Baca, Roshern Cadman, and Fernando Belone.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas R. Notah Sr.

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Thomas R. Notah Sr., 88, of St. Michaels, Arizona, were held July 10 at the Mary Mother of Mankind Catholic Church in St. Michaels with Rev. Jose Gutay officiating. Interment with military honors followed at the Charlie C. Upshaw Memorial Cemetery in St. Michaels.

Mr. Notah was born June 7, 1931, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed on July 5, 2019, in Albuquerque.

Mr. Notah was a graduate of St. Michaels Indian School and was a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Mr. Notah retired from the U.S. government, Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry Department, where he worked for over 30 years. He worked his way up the ranks and was the Navajo Region’s fire management officer. He later worked at the Navajo Nation Water Resources Department.

Mr. Notah was elected to the Navajo Nation Council in 1994 and served his term from 1995 to 1999, representing St. Michaels Chapter and communities. He was a member of the Resources Committee during his tenure.

Mr. Notah was also a roadman and a member of the Native American Church of North America. He served on the board of directors for the St. Michael Indian School in the mid-1990s.

Mr. Notah enjoyed ranching, farming and hunting throughout his life. He was sincere and committed to respecting, preserving and sustaining the natural resources of the Navajo Nation for future generations.

Mr. Notah loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was a true advocate of higher education in his family and community.

Mr. Notah is survived by his children, Ferdinand Notah, Jenny Notah, Edison Notah, Gloria Notah-Tom, Emerson Notah, and Sharon Notah; and 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Notah is preceded in death by his wife, Alice W. Notah; sons, Thomas Notah Jr. and Timothy V. Notah; daughters, Arlene Notah, Louella Notah and Brenda Lou Notah; and parents, Tay R. Notah and Mildred Upshaw Notah.

Pallbearers were Edison Notah, Reuben Notah, Tyler Tom, Gilbert White Jr., Calvert Curley, and Dwayne Begay.

Honorary pallbearers were Emerson Notah, Ferdinand Notah, Xavier Keeto, Jimmy Tom, Jesse Notah, Gilbert White Sr., and Franklin George.

The Notah family wishes to express deep gratitude to our extended family, relatives, friends, the Twin Warriors Society Veterans group, work families, community members, and all who supported the family during their loss.

We truly appreciate the many forms of love received such as your prayers and thoughts, kind words, hugs, sympathy cards, food, monetary donations, and continuing support as our Dad, Papa, and Nali-man journeys on. May you and your families be blessed. Ahehee’.

Cope Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Marvin Chee

GALLUP — Gravesite service for Marvin Chee, 35, will be held today, Aug. 1, at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Marvin was born July 31, 1983, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

Marvin is survived by his wife, Ingrid Chee; son, LeOndre McCray of Tsayatoh, New Mexico; and parents, Lee and Ellen Chee of Uprooted Tree.

Blaine Ira Tso

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Blaine Ira Tso, 37, of Hunter’s Point, Arizona, were held July 30 at the Mary, Mother of Mankind Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Arizona. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Blaine was born May 19, 1982, in Fort Defiance, into the Tl’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away July 25, 2019, in Hunter’s Point.

Blaine graduated from Window Rock High School in 2000 and from the Air Force Preparatory School in 2001. He then attended the Air Force Academy and was honorably discharged in 2002.

Blaine attended the University of Arizona for two years and volunteered as a GED instructor for a year. He worked as a wildland firefighter and in the food industry for four years, including McDonald’s as shift manager.

Blaine loved to read, listen to music and dabbled in the kitchen. His favorite dish to prepare was wings.

Blaine is survived by his parents, Valerie and Bruce Tso Jr.; brother, Gavin Tso; and sister, Kelly Tso.

Blaine is preceded in death by Hugh Manygoats Sr., Mary Manygoats, Bruce Tso Sr., and Nellie Tso.

Pallbearers were Elmer Johnson, Brian Watchman, Ray Greenwood, Neil Damon, Evan Redburrow, and Michael Kee.

Honorary pallbearers were Duane Mailman, Joshua John, Gavin Tso, Emerson Manygoats, Michael Manygoats, Jymerson Manygoats, Derrick Manygoats, Darrell Manygoats, Bruce Tso Jr., and Kevin John.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Susan K. Yazzie

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Susan K. Yazzie, 86, were held July 26 at the Winslow Funeral Home in Winslow, Arizona. Interment followed at the Desert View Cemetery.

Susan was born May 28, 1933, to Selth la pai Bitsue and Nano Bah Bitsue in Dilkon, Arizona. She passed away July 22, 2019, in Lakeside, Arizona.

Susan was a homemaker. Her clans are Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her nali and chei is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House).

Susan is survived by her sons, Edison Yazzie and Irvin Yazzie; and many grandchildren.

Susan is preceded in death by Emerson Yazzie and Elmer Yazzie.

Marsha Jody Tso

LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — Funeral services for Marsha Jody Tso, 46, of Lukachukai, Arizona, were held July 26 at the St. Isabel Catholic Church in Lukachukai. Interment followed in Lukachukai.

Marsha was born March 11, 1973, in Shiprock, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Mescalero Apache. She passed away July 21, 2019, in Phoenix.

Marsha attended Chinle High School and Phoenix Job Corps. She was employed with various jobs throughout her life. She was full of joy, high spirits and laughter in her lifetime.

Marsha enjoyed spending time with family and friends, listening to music, horseback riding, babysitting, watching movies, flea markets, basketball, softball, and was a fan of the 49ers.

Marsha is survived by her brothers, Ricky Nelson and Bruce Nez; sisters, Coleen Nelson, Audrey Nelson and Erica Nelson; and 16 nieces and nephews.

Marsha is preceded in death by her father, Morris Tso; mother, Elizabeth Nelson; stepfather, Amos Nelson; brother, Zhealy Tso III; and grandparents, Henry and Ella Mae Shorty Nez.

Pallbearers were Brandon Begay, Ricky Nelson, Vernon Nez, Neilson Yellowman, Mohican Luengas, and Kenneth Harvey.

Honorary pallbearers were Valeria Nez, James Begay Jr., Michaelette Bull, and Delores Nez.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Darlene Rose Van Winkle

NAZLINI, Ariz. — Funeral services for Darlene Rose Van Winkle, 84, of Nazlini, Arizona, were held July 27 in Nazlini. Interment followed at the family plot.

Darlene was born Nov. 13, 1934, in Ganado, Arizona. She passed away July 23, 2019, in Flagstaff.

Darlene is survived by her sons, Ernest Van Winkle, Cletis Van Winkle, Delford Vann, and Raymond Van Winkle; and daughters, Alvera Morgan, Millicent Dedman and Brenda Dedman.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mike Allison Jr.

GALLUP — A rosary for Mike Allison Jr., 90, will be held Friday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. Viewing will take place at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Allison homestead (seven miles north of Tohatchi, New Mexico).

Mike was born Sept. 28, 1928, in Tohatchi, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tl’ógí (Weaver-Zia Clan). His nali is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); chei is Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People). He passed away July 30, 2019, in LeChee, Arizona.

Mike is survived by Michelle Alex and Marcinda Allison.

Mike is preceded in death by Mike Allison Sr. and Anna Allison.

Pallbearers will be Gabriel Gomez, Gerald Alex, Marvin Allison, Sheldon Allison, Seth Brown, and Ty-Bob Allison.

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