Obituaries for Aug. 20, 2020

Edith Alice Sam

ALBUQUERQUE — Edith Alice Sam, 72, was welcomed into the gates of Heaven on June 2, 2020. She was laid to rest on June 9, 2020 at the Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Born in Cuba, New Mexico, on March 17, 1948, Edith spent her youth attending Immanuel Mission in Northern Arizona.

Edith attended high school in Flagstaff. After graduation she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she stayed for eight years, returning to New Mexico to be near her family she never knew growing up, due to the fact that she was raised by her foster mother, Norma Grace Adams.

Edith resided nine years in Farmington, ending up in Albuquerque for the past 30 years.

Edith is survived by her children, Kevin Weisenberger, Chanel Ordoñez and Amanda Smith; and 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Edith is preceded in death by her sons, John Paul Mitchell and Daniel Weisenberger.

Edith’s laughter, humor, stubbornness, and willingness to help others will be dearly missed. You’ll always be in our hearts Mom, Grandma and Friend.

Phyllis P. Damon

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Phyllis P. Damon, 88, of Sawmill, Arizona, was held Aug. 18 at the Fort Defiance cemetery in Fort Defiance, with Father Shane officiating.

Phyllis was born Oct. 4, 1931, in Tohatchi, New Mexico, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Aug. 12, 2020, in Fort Defiance.

Phyllis enjoyed traveling, cooking, sewing, and reading Bible scriptures.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Darrell H. Brown; daughters, Analani Brown, Connie Brown and Tarita Brown; sisters, Mary Arviso-Damon, Sara V. Morgan and Louise Hubbell; and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Edward Damon; daughter, Leilani Huana Brown-Miller; brothers, Edison Damon, Andrew Damon, Levi Damon, and Benjamin Damon; and sister, Theresa A. Wilson.

Pallbearers were family members.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a reception will take place at a later date.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ethel June

KAIBETO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Ethel June, 74, of Kaibeto Arizona, will be held today, Aug. 20, at the family burial site in Kaibeto. Service will be for immediate family only, due to COVID-19.

Ethel was born March 27, 1946, in Kaibeto, to Adolph Sr. and Mable June. Her maternal clan is Kinlichíi’nii (Red House People). Paternal clan is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). She passed away peacefully Aug. 5, 2020, due to natural causes at the Four Corners Regional Care Center in Blanding, Utah.

Ethel enjoyed crocheting, making necklaces/bracelets and collecting small purses.

Ethel is survived by her daughters, Cornelia Price (Timothy) and Jackie Reed (ValDean); brothers, Jackie June, Keith June and Adolph June Jr.; and nine grandchildren.

Ethel is preceded in death by her daughter, Mable June; grandson, Zachary Coleman; and siblings, Allen Dale June, Irene Coleman, Floyd June, Lester June, Donald June, Kee Yazzie June, and Tsosie June.

The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out for condolences and kindness.

The family is also very grateful to Four Corners Regional Care Center for taking care of Ethel all these years.

The family will announce a memorial service the summer of 2021.

Geraldine Lucy Schanefelt Arviso

GALLUP — A funeral service for Geraldine Lucy Schanefelt Arviso was held Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at The Fellowship Church with Rev. Grace Fitzjerrell Lueras officiating. Geraldine was laid to rest in a family plot at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Gallup.

A public celebration of Geraldine’s life will be held after the pandemic is over.

Geraldine was born in Gallup, on July 21, 1959, to Perry and Preciliana (Prissy) Schanefelt. She left to her heavenly home on Aug. 11, 2020, where she was greeted by her dad, Perry Schanefelt.

Geraldine retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Navajo Agency Facility Management after 33 years and nine months in June of 2019. For 29 of those years she was able to work side by side with her dad.

Geraldine graduated from Gallup High School and New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, with a degree in mechanical engineering. At age 19, through NMSU, Geraldine was able to live and work in Guam for eight months.

Geraldine is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 25 years, “Mister” Olsen Arviso Jr.; daughter, Maura Schanefelt; grandson, “Boy” Haiden Schanefelt, a freshman at Rehoboth Christian School; daughters, Tyler-Brooks Arviso, a senior at NMSU in Las Cruces, and Autumn, a senior at Middle College High School; son, Jonathan, wife Jamie and grandson James; and daughter, Brianne Arviso.

Geraldine is also survived by her mother, Preciliana “Prissy” Schanefelt. Geraldine was the oldest of five sisters and she is survived by sisters: Alexandra Lopez, husband Paul Lopez, sons Aaron and Justin; Sylviana Gonzales, husband Vicente Gonzales, sons Hunter and Jerome; Bernadine Schanefelt; Jacqueline Ramirez, husband Jobe Ramirez, sons Ryan Schanefelt, Taylor Ramirez and daughter Jobilyn Ramirez.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her dad, Perry H. Schanefelt; maternal grandparents, John B. and Mayme Martinez; paternal grandparents, Lucy and Alzie Schanefelt; and mother-in-law, Ernestine Arviso, and father-in-law, Olsen Arviso Sr.

Geraldine loved Gallup and was active in her community. She was her daughter Maura’s Girl Scout Troop Leader between 1997-2004 with Jeanette Butler. She was active in Soroptomist with her mom Prissy and tia Sylvia Analla, and was president of the Gallup Chapter for two years. She planned bake sales and worked tirelessly for the Festival of Trees, making it a success for many years.

Geraldine had full faith in God. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, cooking and baking with her daughters, and never letting anyone forget she is the boss.

Pallbearers were Jobe Ramirez, Vicente Gonzales, Ryan Schanefelt, Taylor Ramirez, and Haiden Schanefelt.

Marie S. Draper

DEL MUERTO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Marie S. Draper, 90, of Del Muerto, Arizona, will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. in Del Muerto, with Pastor Leonard Pete officiating.

Marie was born Feb. 6, 1930, in Canyon Del Muerto, into the Ma’iideeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Tl’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). She passed away Aug. 16, 2020, in Winslow, Arizona.

Marie was a lifetime resident of the Del Muerto community. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and was loved deeply.

Marie lived her life as a Christian woman and helped with church events, and camp meetings were her devotion. She was always there for her family, relatives and friends when they needed her help. She was a homemaker, rug weaver and loved to study Bible verses with family.

Marie is survived by her sons, Calvin Draper, Kee Draper Jr., Bobby Draper, Harold Draper, and Darrin Draper; daughters, Linda, Julia, Madelyn, and Marlena; brothers, John Samuel and Jimmie Samuel; and 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Kee Bahe Draper Sr.; sons, Andrew Draper and Harry Draper; sister, Mary Ann Benally; brothers, Kee Yazzie and Sam Yazzie; and parent, Clauschee Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Reynold Draper, Blaine Beno, Lane Draper, Bryan Draper, Terrice Draper, and Marvin Draper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nate Draper, Adrian Draper, Harold Draper, and Darrin Draper.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carol Ann Thompson Halona

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Carol Ann Thompson Halona, 75, passed away Aug. 14, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Carol was born in March 1945 in Tolani Lake, Arizona, into the Tsénjíkiní (Cliff Dwellers People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), on the Navajo Reservation.

Carol graduated from Albuquerque Indian Boarding School and went on to receive her dental assistant certification. She worked as a dental assistant for the Indian Health Services for over 25 years before retiring in 2011.

Carol is survived by her children, Dave (Gina Allison), Jolene (Kelley Kandler), Jaclyn (Lorenzo) Delores, and Tyler; and four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, three grandpups and one great-grandpup.

Carol is also survived by her sisters, Lillie, Loretta, Lorraine, and Alvina; brothers, Paul, Steven, Peter, Larry, and Jimmie Jr.; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives from both the Thompson and Halona families.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Jimmie; brothers, Leroy, Lloyd and Billy; and sisters, Isabel, Sandra and Baby Girl Thompson.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are unable to come together to celebrate Carol’s life. A private family graveside service will be held by her children, as she will be laid to rest next to her family at Desert View Cemetery in Winslow, Arizona. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences can be given to her memorial Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/carol.halona.75).

Arrangements have been made through Rollie Mortuary in Gallup.

Donavan Kent Yazzie

PHOENIX — Our beloved Donavan “Donnie” Kent Yazzie, a son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, nephew, and friend, passed away July 11, 2020. He was so young and a promising professional (in his own right).

Donavan was born Nov. 13, 1985, to Roland Yazzie and Roberta Lynn Charley. His maternal grandparents are Eugene and Mildred L. Charley. Paternal grandparents are the late Kenneth and Alice Yazzie.

Donavan was a graduate of the Kayenta School system and an undergraduate from Northern Arizona University Business College in Flagstaff. He was currently working on a master’s degree in business administration and was employed through the banking system.

At the time of Donavan’s passing, he was a bank manager in one of the largest grocery markets in Phoenix. He thoroughly enjoyed working with and helping people. He also managed the local community Wells Fargo bank before moving to Phoenix.

Donavan’s supervisor, Josh Diker, said, “During Donnie’s seven-year career at Wells Fargo, one attribute that constantly resonated more than anything else, was Donnie’s support and caring of others. He never hesitated helping his team when it came to their career development, a customer who was struggling, or simply being a mentor when a friend needed some advice, whether work-related or on a personal level. Donnie was the type of guy who would do anything for you and never turn down an opportunity to help his friends, co-workers, or others in need. He took great pride in his family heritage and volunteering his time to those who were less fortunate. Even when the temperatures were in the triple digits, Donnie would always be the first to raise his hand to offer his time at a food bank, classroom, or university, for he recognized that everyone needs help from time to time and he would make a difference in someone’s life.”

We will miss him dearly. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Donnie. We love you forever.

Donnie is survived by his brother, Teo; sister, Teri Rae Yazzie; and many relatives.

On behalf of the family, we extend our appreciation to those that expressed their condolences and donated for expenses throughout the area on the Navajo Nation and Arizona.

Also, thanks to the hundreds that conveyed their final respects at the funeral.

Eugene Charley
Kayenta, Ariz.

Larry Foster Sr.

ST.MICHAELS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Larry Foster Sr., 86, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held today, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at the St. Michaels cemetery with St. Michaels Catholic Church officiating.

Larry was born July 25, 1934, in Narbona Pass, New Mexico, into the Kinlichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away Aug. 15, 2020, in St. Michaels.

Larry worked as a road construction worker and for the Indian Health Services maintenance department. He was a steer wrestler in Indian rodeos, rancher, farmer, and loved being a brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed watching western movies, cookouts with family and loved traveling.

Larry is survived by his wife, Leona A. Foster; sons, Larry Foster Jr., Melvin Foster Sr., David Foster, and Herman F. Shirley of Fort Defiance; daughters, Lenora Foster of St. Michaels, Carol F. Slinkey of Fort Defiance, and Mary Foster-Tom of Sawmill, Arizona; sisters, Roselyn F. Begay, Glenna F. Smith and Flossie F. Silversmith; and 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Fred Foster; brother, Milton Foster; sister, Louise F. Joe; and grandson, Lawerence M. Foster.

Pallbearers will be Melvin Foster Sr., Melvin Foster Jr., Trenton Tsosie, Jeremiah Foster, Irvin Foster, and Keith Slinkey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lenora Foster, Leomi A. Foster, Carol Slinkey, Michael S. Anderson, Lance Begay, Nathan Earl Bitsoie, Edgar Bitsoie Jr., Dale Michael Foster, Irwin Foster, David M. Foster, Albert Hickson Jr., Perry Joe, Roger Lewis, Lawrence R. Platero, Crosslin Smith Jr., Stokes Kent Smith, Herman Tom, and Steve Slinkey.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the Fosters’ residence in St. Michaels, following service (please wear a mask).

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Casey Thomas Wilson

GALLUP — Funeral services for Casey Thomas Wilson, 42, of Red Rock, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Dorothy Martinez officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Red Rock.

Casey was born March 31, 1978, in Gallup, into the Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Aug. 15, 2020, in Red Rock.

Casey enjoyed drawing, cooking, listening to his music, and playing with his nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

Casey is survived by his wife, Patricia Charley-Wilson; daughter, Ambria Wilson; parents, Sadie and Thomas Wilson; brothers, Ronnie Wilson, Shaun Wilson, Shane Wilson, and Cody Wilson of Albuquerque; sisters, Sonia Wilson, Tonia Wilson and Tannia Wilson of Albuquerque; and eight grandchildren.

Casey is preceded in death by Kendra Wilson, Curtis Wilson, Dino Jack, Monty Jack, Miles Jack, Kellen Smith, Kelly Smith, Clarence Jack, Martha Jack, and grandparents, Sally and Charlie Jack.

Pallbearers will be Thomas Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, Shaun Wilson, Shane Wilson, Cody Wilson, and Jarred Thomas.

Honorary pallbearer will be Molina Jack.

A reception will take place at Sonia Wilson’s residence in Red Rock, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Vena Nez

CHINLE — Graveside service for Vena Nez, 41, of Chinle, will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 10:30 a.m. in Chinle, with Pastor Artie Aragon officiating.

Vena was born Sept. 26, 1978, in Denver, Colorado, into the Naasht’ézhí dine’é (Zuni Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). She passed away Aug. 12, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Vena was employed as a nursing assistant and was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking. She was outgoing and friendly and loved her children and the Lord.

Vena is survived by her sons, Ramone Nez, Anthony Nez and Marcus Chevarillo; daughters, Elizabeth Chevarillo and Antonia Nez; and brother, Jerome Eskeets.

Vena is preceded in death by Jeryl Dedman, Laverne Eskeets and Jerry Dedman.

Pallbearers will be Marcus Chevarillo, Ramone Nez, Anthony Nez, Keith Chevarillo, Orlando Pisano, and Jerome Dedman.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Yazzie and Ronald Attson.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Latisha Rae Lee

GALLUP — Funeral services for Latisha Rae Lee, 35, of Rehoboth, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Gallup, with Deacon John Margif officiating. Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park.

Latisha was born Feb. 11, 1985, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tl’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan). She passed away Aug. 10, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Latisha attended Indian Hills Elementary School and JFK Middle School, graduating from Gallup High School. She attended San Juan College in Farmington, and Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, graduating with an associate’s degree as a respiratory therapist from Pima Medical Institute.

Latisha worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, respiratory therapist and in a sleep study lab, senior care center in Farmington, Good Samaritan Society in Albuquerque, Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital in Gallup, Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, and Kendrid Hospital in Albuquerque.

Latisha enjoyed listening to music, going to concerts, swimming, traveling, meeting people and making friends, painting, taking walks, cooking, and cleaning.

Latisha is survived by her son, Javon Chad Martin; mother, Jennie H. Lee; brother, Brendan Lee; and grandmother, Julia P. Henry.

Latisha is preceded in death by her father, James Howard Lee.

Pallbearers will be Brendan Lee and Delmetrice Henry.

Honorary pallbearer will be Javon Chad Martin.

A reception will take place at Jennie Lee’s residence (510 Sundance Coalmine Road), following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Debbie Lynn Begay

GALLUP — Funeral services for Debbie Lynn Begay, 32, of Crownpoint, will be held Monday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Crownpoint community cemetery.

Debbie was born Dec. 3, 1987, in Gallup, into the Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Aug. 14, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Debbie attended Crownpoint High School and was a Genesis health care volunteer. She enjoyed reading and the arts.

Debbie is survived by her father, Charley Hogan Begay; and brothers, Chuck H. Begay, Hagan H. Begay and Derek H. Begay.

Debbie is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Ann Bowman; and grandparents, Elizabeth and Arthur Bowman, and Marie and Charley Begay.

A curbside dinner pick-up will take place at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church parking lot in Crownpoint, following services.

Curbside donations will be accepted Friday, Aug. 21, at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church parking lot at 5 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Coyote Canyon Chapter House parking lot at 10 a.m.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Cody K. Tsosie

FARMINGTON — Graveside service for Cody K. Tsosie, 30, of Rock Point, Arizona, will be held today, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at Memory Gardens in Farmington, with Clarence C. Begay officiating.

Cody was born April 15, 1990, in Chinle, into the ’Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He passed away Aug. 14, 2020, in Phoenix.

Cody graduated from Ganado High School in 2008 and completed training from Tulsa Welding School as a master welder. He worked for Cobb Mechanical Contractors at the new health facility in Dilkon, Arizona, as a sheet metal installer.

Cody was an adrenaline junkie who loved playing basketball, watching sports on TV, riding his motorcycle, and most of all, being Superman to his son.

Cody is survived by his son, Connar Tsosie; parents, Lorna Tsosie and Charles Salabiye Jr.; brothers, Lane Salabiye, Deion Salabiye and Isaac Salabiye; sister, Jennifer Salabiye; cheii, Haskie K. Tsosie; and másání, Betty B. Tsosie.

Cody is preceded in death by Victor Tsosie Sr. and Charles Salabiye Sr.

Pallbearers will be Chad Harvey and Isaac Salabiye.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Salabiye Jr., Deion Salabiye, Lane Salabiye, Haskie K. Tsosie, Kirby Tsosie, and Colin Tsosie-Taliman.

A reception will take place at Betty B. Tsosie’s residence in Rock Point, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ernie Michael Bennett

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Ernie Michael Bennett, 57, of Fort Defiance, was held Aug. 14 at the Fort Defiance cemetery with Father Blane Grein officiating.

Ernie was born May 2, 1963, in Shiprock, into the Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Aug. 5, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Ernie attended Shiprock Elementary, St. Michaels Catholic School and Window Rock High School.

Ernie worked for Crawford Construction, Navajo Nation Census Office, Sagebrush Liquors, Gardener Zemke, Associated Builders and Contractors, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Swift Transportation, Navajo Sanitation, and Armada Logistics.

Ernie enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking out, hiking, going to the casino, and spending time with family. He knew no strangers.

Ernie is survived by his sons, Donté Bennett and Elam Bia; daughters, Holli Bennett, Sydney Bia and Karli Bia; mother, Aileen A. Begay; brothers, Darrell Bennett, Robert L. Bennett and Anthony Ashley; sisters, Cecille Luna, Margaret J. Mike, Beverly Sarmiento, and Terry Bennett; grandparents, Francis Lincoln and William Parker, and Milo Bennett and Louise Slow; and five grandchildren.

Ernie is preceded in death by his father, Lafie N. Bennett; sister, Barbara Norris; and brother, Thomas Bennett.

Pallbearers were Darrell Bennett, Robert L. Bennett, Elam Bia, Manuel Lozano, Keith Toddy, and Kyle Toddy.

Honorary pallbearers were Anthony Ashley, Deswood Tome, Ernest Begay, Carl Bia, Sam Luna, Michael Smith, and Irvin Roan.

A memorial service and reception will take place at a later date.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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