Obituaries for Aug. 18, 2022

Chelsea J. Begay

GALLUP — Funeral services for Chelsea Janelle Begay, 32, of Gallup, will be held Monday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow in Kinlichee, Arizona.

Chelsea was born Sept. 18, 1989, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Aug. 5, 2022, in Albuquerque.

Chelsea is survived by her brothers, Brent Begay and Quinton Draper; sister, Shushannah Draper; and maternal grandmother, Jane T. Nez.

Chelsea is preceded in death by her mother, Ramona Begay; and father, Julius Begaye.

Pallbearers will be family members.

A reception will take place at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kinlichee, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn R. Blair

FARMINGTON — Carolyn Recknagle Blair passed away at the age of 99 on July 14, 2022, in Farmington. She was born Sept. 16, 1922, in New Britain, Connecticut.

Carolyn was a graduate of New Britain High School and Central Connecticut Teachers College. She received a master’s in education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Carolyn taught in Connecticut, Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, Bluff View Elementary in Farmington, and Kayenta. Her favorite level to teach was kindergarten.

After work at school, Carolyn worked in the family’s businesses at Mancos Creek, Colorado, Red Mesa, Arizona, and Kayenta. She was an avid quilter, reader and collector.

Carolyn was married to Bradley Blair, from Whitesburg, Kentucky, who died in 1983.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Bradley H. Blair (Victoria) of Lukachukai, Arizona, Nancy Mike (King Mike Jr.) of Farmington, Lucinda Nash (Robert) of Kayenta, Roxanne Parker (William) of Maricopa, Arizona, and Fredrick Blair (Deborah) of Farmington; and 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Donations can be made to the American Red Cross (Kentucky Region) or the Navajo Nation United Way.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Dorothy M. Toledo

TORREON, N.M. — Graveside service for Dorothy M. Toledo (aka Glen has bah), 78, of Torreon, New Mexico, was held Aug. 8 at the Torreon Navajo Mission Cemetery.

Dorothy was born May 15, 1944, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). Her nalí is Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People); cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away Aug. 2, 2022, in Torreon.

Dorothy attended Fort Sill Boarding School and was employed as a silversmith. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, weaving rugs, making baskets, sheep shearing, and farming.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Bennie B. Toledo; daughter, Bernadette Toledo; sister, Edith Barboan; brothers, Abby Sandoval, Alvin Sandoval, Melvin Sandoval, and Calvin Mace; and nine grandchildren.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Rafael Mace; sister, Angela Nez; brother, Larry Mace; and grandparents, Heronino Castillo, Mary Castillo and Mae Castillo.

Pallbearers were Isaiah Toledo, Alex Onzures, Max Sandoval, Joey Toledo, JJ Perea, and Gabriel Montoya.

Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Vivienne Roanhorse

PHOENIX — Funeral services for Vivienne (Anne) Roanhorse, 56, of Phoenix, will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix.

Vivienne was born Sept. 17, 1965, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her nalí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away in Phoenix.

Vivienne graduated from St. Michael Indian School in 1983 and attended Loretto Heights College and Arizona State University. She was employed with the state of Arizona.

Vivienne is survived by her daughter and two grandchildren.

Vivienne is preceded in death by her mother, Grace Roanhorse; and father, John Roanhorse Jr.

A reception will take place at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, following services.

Abel Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

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